Microlighters

I would like to know how the registration and Regulations are regarding amphibean Trikes in SA and if it is allowed.
In other words is there any politics involved?
Areas allowed, not allowed?

I think the ones to give you the most info as they have done it are the guys manufacturing the Thunderbird.

Contact EAGLE on this forum , I know he has done a lot of research on the matter as he wants to start importing FIB's (Flying Inflateable Boats) from Italy

I understand that there are problems getting authorisation to use any amphibian type planes in SA. I'm not sure if they believe in a risk of spreading water borne problems (diseases, parasites or plant life) or whether Dams and Lakes are protected by law against aviation (something like the minimum height restriction for national parks. The guy who owned my plane previously tried in vain to get auth from CAA to put floats onto my plane.

Call CAA

The problem is not with CAA (strange that ) but with Water & Environmental Affairs or whatever they call themselves. They believe that floatplanes will spread water hyacinth from one dam to another. I know some guys that have fought this battle extensively and have not managed to get permission to operate a floatplane on fresh water in SA. Hyacinth is spread by birds and also boats (Lake Kariba has hyacinth that has been transferred by trailered boats from Hartebeespoort Dam). A few floatplanes is hardly going to be a problem, but they will not budge on the issue.

Dave

There is a new Thunderbird and another on the way that is going to be based at Hartebeespoort Dam - Peacanwood where a boat/plane house is being built. The com pilot is just building up some hours on it before the floats are put on, but it is rigged to be a float plane. I believe they managed to get permission from Water Affairs but then they have a good standing relationship with water affairs as the Thunderbird has done spraying for them for certain water weeds.

You probably find they are restricted to taking off and landing at Harties

Just a follow up there, I just checked up with them (Thunderbird manufacturers) in case I spoke a whole lot of
It is a lot of red tape and very difficult to get permission, but it is possible. It might also be that 4 float planes have been made by them and thus have a good standing history that they managed to get permission. :D

Morpheus wrote:You probably find they are restricted to taking off and landing at Harties

Probably, yes

BTW,

The Challenger owners in Canada often put floats and even snow skis on their planes

Looks like fun. The Canadians have a lot of fresh water so I guess it makes sense (and snow) There are also a lot of float planes in Alaska (Cessna amphibians)
Apparantly it is a whole different ball game once on the water, to get direction you have to use bursts of power with rudder.
Could be tricky landing on a dam where there is a lot of activity I guess.
Dont' suppose ski's will be help in SA

Can trikes have floats

I see the new floats for the Thunderbird are exactly like those on the challenger - they imported from Canada as well.

They are Puddle Jumper floats

http://www.puddlejumper.com/eindex.html

Ryan wrote:Can trikes have floats

Hey Ryan

Check http://www.nortrike.net/mpeg/floatflying3.wmv
http://www.nortrike.net/mpeg/Fly!4.wmv
http://www.nortrike.net/mpeg/winterflying.wmv

If only it were allowed here

The water at harties is so frikken dirty they will encourage any water sport activity.

The Agent wrote:

The water at harties is so frikken dirty they will encourage any water sport activity.

......and the rat-tailed maggots will chew big holes into your floats