Absolute beginner and curious

[HawkerHunter]

Hi everyone

I have joined this site only this morning, and already I can see it is a great source of knowledge and information. I'm an avid aviator and have been since my earliest memories. Due to financial constraint I couldn't pursue a career in comm flying. I work in the Air Traffic Services (ATC) environment now, and my knowledge of aviation has grown considerably since entry into that field.

I'm dying and eager to learn to fly. I've done some small bits of research into microlighting, and 3-axis seems to be the most affordable way to go for now (with the salary I earn ). Not to complain though, i'm grateful for what i've got.

Now before I jump in, I would like to know what costs I can expect to come across along the way. Everything from training, to instructors, fuel, maintenance (bearing in mind I don't own an acft), licensing, examinations, club fees, personal equipment, etc etc? Are there any jobs/careers in microlighting, other than instructing?

I understand certain costs will vary across the country. I live and work in East London, and am very aware of Wings Park now coming into play, as well as the smaller fields east of Gonubie.

All help and guidance will be greatly appreciated

Hunter

[Pat Two]

HH Welcome and enjoy your stay.

In terms of advice there are a number of ways to get "into" the sport, as you remarked. I would suggest that you go for a ride in a trike and a 3 axis type of aircraft. Both have their own pro's and cons. From there you can decide which you enjoy. From there, you can select a school where you feel comfortable and go flying.

But most of all - Enjoy!!

Cheers,
jaco

[emosolo]

Welcome to the sport

[Stephan van Tonder]

Training costs differ from school to school but bargain on anything from around R25k to R45k. Thing is that you don't have to pay it all up-front. There are some initial costs - like training material etc. etc. and then it's hours which also differ from school to school and aircraft to aircraft.
Worst case scenario for training material - books, license fees, ground school, medical etc.etc is probably around R5k to R7k.

After that hours could be around R500/hour + fuel on a weight shift to around- R650/h for 3 axis microlight to around R780 for LSA types.
Some schools quote hour cost wet - other quote them dry so ask what applies. Fuel consumption can vary from 12l/hour on 4 stroke to over 20l/hour on 2 strokes. Then of course it depends on how many hours you fly to get the license and that can be from 25(rarely) to around 50 hours. Work on an average of say 40 to be safe.
But like I said - this differs quite a bit from school to school but should give you a reasonable idea.

[coastwise]

Hawker Hunter

Give Larry McGillewie a call in Grahamstown to discuss hourly rates, his rates are very reasonable.
0825746102

[Blue Angel]

Welcome!!

Ps, are there no vacancies available for an ATC?

[HawkerHunter]

Hi everyone

Thank you for all your input and advice. However, after much deliberation and thought, I see it best not to pursue getting a licence just yet. There were many factors in my decision, and not just cost as (I think) many other people would put it down to.

So thanks once again, and i'll see you in the sky someday...for sure !

Hunter

[Stephan van Tonder]

Let me tell you something. I put it off for some 20 years and all it did was annoy me and kept on costing more and more. So if you really want to fly - just go out there sooner rather than later and get it done. By the time I got to 40 I have wasted so many flying hours and opporunities I can kick my own arse that I didn't just do it sooner..

[Kalahari]

Bespeur ek n kwaai vrou wat nie van microlights nie hier iewers???????

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Do yourself a favour. Talk is cheap - Go for an intro flight. Costs almost bugger all in bigger scheme of things and won't leave you wondering.... Took me 18 months to get license on R2000 a month salary... If there is a will there is a way...

Chat to Clinton (Capt biggles on here). He is slummies based.. Hear good reports. BAC is also a MUST, even if you don't fly. Nice folks, awesome Hangar talk and ML friendly I am told...

PS
Just a thought. Maybe organise ATC talk at the local club and I am sure you get a couple flips in exchange....