Microlighters

A bunch of us are planning a trip into Namibia from CapeTown in June. They have the Rostock Ritz Fly-in first weekend of June and it looks like fun, about 7-8 hrs of flying from CT.

We are faced with the enemy in the form of Customs. On the RSA side we can only clear from either CT or Upington. The route that we are planning would be CT, Alexanderbay, Oranjemund, Luderitz en then Rostock, in the middle of the desert. Alexbay do have customs, but not at the airfield (1km away), and refuse to accomodate us on what they call "administration difficulties". Same thing on the Namib side, except they are prepared to send the customs to the airtport (6km) to come and sign us in.

From CT or Upington we can fly to Oranjemund, but we are not allowed a landing on route!! for reasons I understand and accept. This means we cannot get there from CT since we need to refuel just before we cross the border. This effectively rules out CT as customs check-out. Problem with Upington again is that we cannot get Avgas in Mariental, and 2 of the aeries require Avgas. Besides we do want to take the coastal route.

Any aviators out there with friends at customs who would accept an application signed on the back by the Governor of the Reserve Bank? Or any other suggestions would be welcome. Why does it have to be so difficult and frustrating with our local administration.

Imagine this, one of our New Zealand business partners was refused entry into RSA last Monday by Customs because there was no complete blank page in his Passport Refused him entry and put him back on the next flight home - NO negotiations.

Landing at the border post comes to mind. Never been there - is there a border post?

Problem is not the border post, that is where they are, we will even walk there. They need to check the aeries out as well, and need to come to the airport, but refuse, say they are not "equiped" to do it - adminsitrative difficulties

I know in flying the fish they crossed the border. Can't remember where they did it but flew from Ct. I don't have the DVD with me so can't check. There must be someone else who has it.

Dre'man wrote:I know in flying the fish they crossed the border. Can't remember where they did it but flew from Ct. I don't have the DVD with me so can't check. There must be someone else who has it.

Mark Becker did cross at Alexbay to Oranjemund, either the rules were different then 2004/5? or his application was accompanied by many letters from the reserve bank....

GR8-DAD wrote:

refused entry into RSA last Monday by Customs because there was no complete blank page in his Passport Refused him entry and put him back on the next flight home - NO negotiations.

Hi,

you must differentiate between Customs, and Immigration Control. Customs want to see your aerrie, ie. make sure you don't smuggle anything.
Immigration want to see your passport. This means you must talk to two different government departments. Double troubles.

And by the way, it is pretty much an international phenomena, definitely in Africa to get sent back if your passport is full.

Regards,
Arnulf

Correct Arnulf. The immigatrion control at Alexbay is not the problem, we go there and get checked out. However, the customs need to come to the aeries and refuse to do it, they won't/can't/are not allowed? to travel approx 1km to the airport...

Have you spoken to these dudes? www.mican.com.na

Maybe they can help.

Regards,
Arnulf

cannot get Avgas in Mariental,

Have you tried Keetmanshoop?
If I remember correctly it is also designated port of entry for Nam.

Regards
Arnulf

Arnulf wrote:

cannot get Avgas in Mariental,

Have you tried Keetmanshoop?
If I remember correctly it is also designated port of entry for Nam.

Regards
Arnulf

Yes, I am also planning a flying trip in that direction and I was told Keetmanshoop is the best bet for fuel and entry.

Sounds like a fun trip !
Rudi

Dankie Arnulf, sal hulle probeer vra vir hulp. Hulle is egter nie die probleem nie, baie behulsaam aan die NAM kant - it is the South Africans that are the problem.

Customs are generally only interested in you if you enter a country. Immigration if you leave and enter a country.

Hulle is egter nie die probleem nie, baie behulsaam aan die NAM kant

For the northbound flight, I would speak to the head honchos of customs and of immigration in Cape Town, and explain the situation, and request that they would stamp your passports and other docs in Cape Town. Possibly a written request would be appropriate. Then try to arrange Customs and Immigration for Nam in Oranjemund.
Southbound I would route via Keetmanshoop and Upington.

Regards,
Arnulf

Have used keetmans in past. Very cheap fuel (R6/l) and customs and Imm not problem. Used upington and Keetmans, but that may be a bit far for smaller aeries? In days gone buy the police were able to do it. land this side of the borser and the "Vang Wa" came out and ditto on the other side. Used Mafekeng like this in the 80's, but alas no longer.

Enjoy the trip. Try speak to someone at Krugersdorp. They just done a 2 week club stint through Nam... Also try the flying the fish boys. They should have all the gen as well... (more recent info than mine al least...)

Also try Johan Meyer from the gyro pages, featured in SA's top mag AFSkies.

Thanx guys. I managed to get hold of Mark Becker telephonically yesterday. He made the "Flying the Fish" DVD, and they exited at Alexbay and in at Oranjemund and vice versa on their return. Unfortunately it would be very inappropiate to devulge on this form how they managed to do it unfortunately not an option for us.

Keetmanshoop don't supply Avgas anymore - also a problem.

Good news is we managed to get hold of the chief customs and immegration official in Pretoria and have submitted a SQ to them. It seems at R500/aerie request fee they might consider helping us out - will keep you informed.