Training

[grant watson]

Hi Guys, My name Is Grant, I am very new at all this and I would like to find out more about getting a MPL and the costs and any other details I would have to know, I work in Mali at the moment but stay in Secunda, I think Baps in the closest to me.
Can you tell me what type of Microlight is best, I have no idea and would like to get one, I would like a two seater.

Thanks Guys

[Biggles]

Hi Grant

Firstly hang ten on buying a microlight... Wait until you have atleast almost finished your training. Rather do the heavy landings in a school aerie than your own... its not saving that much money anyway. You will have a MUCH better idea of what you want by then aswell.

Secondly decide why you want to fly, when you can fly and what you feel comfortable with. The big question is weigtshift (trike) or three axis. Each has its own advantages. Most are two seaters.

Trikes are simple, cheap, easy to maintain and fly. But don't like cross-winds.

Three axis are faster, better in turbulance and mostly have side by side seating (trikes are usually tandem seating). You can expect to pay more aswell.

Hope this helps...

Browse older postings on the forum... this is a common question.

[grant watson]

Thanks for the info,
I am quite a heavy guy +/- 117kg does this make a difference with what type to choose? I spend a lot of time in Mali 3 monthsa there 3 weeks in SA,so I have limited time when I am in SA to do some training, is there a time period to how long between training sessions you have to fly??
Once again thanks for the info.

[Dre'man]

I am a couple of Kg's heavier than you and prefer trikes as larger guys do not fit into the 3-axis aeries as easily.

[grant watson]

Thanks I really appreciate the feed back. :D

[Biggles]

I am also a roster guy and I did my license while working a 2 month on, 1 month off. I did not find any problems and we eventually abandoned the refresh lesson everytime when I came back to SA. There is no limit, unfortunately, on the time between lessons... I would say 2 months is about max but then we had quite intensive leesons for a month, wx permitting. The problem is guys that do 1 lesson every 2 months...

Trikes do suit a larger chap better, the only direction you are restricted is down!!!

[Fantini]

Nice to hear from you. No need to go far for your training. We have a school in Secunda. We do all types of training, ie. trikes 3 axis or fixed
wing. We would like to assist. Contact us 082 550 7185

[DarkHelmet]

Welcome to the forum Grant!

First point of call is to go for a flip in as many aeries as you can to try to make up your mind on what you want to fly!

We fly from just north of Hartebeespoort dam with trikes. Some fixed wings there available too but those cost money to go for flips

If you can spare the time come for a visit and I can see if I can line some flips up for you.

We have some trike flyers from Secunda reading these pages too. Will ask them to get in touch.

I will take you for a flip anytime...

[grant watson]

Thanks for all the information, I am out on leave on the 20/04/2007 and I will contact you Fantini as you are at home. Thanks for the offer Darkhelmet and I will try to get in as many aeries as possible, thanks all.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Welcome both Grant and Fantini

[David]

Welcome Grant to the forum i currently train at Skyriders that borders on Babsfontain and ill tell you what,what a lekker bunch of guys enjoy it its going to be one hairy ride but lots of fun though

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Grant,

So whats worse, Secunda or Mali? Only joking.

Contact when you're here. Speak to Fantini, really good training, 900metre tar strip and seldom anyone in the circuit. You'll never get lost, what with 2 flame stacks that put the Olympics to shame and if you're visually impaired, just keep to the sulphur smells.

If they can't accomodate a full time course, I know of Boris from Witbank who takes on fulltime (German) students. Check under 'Training".

Should push you through in 3 weeks.

[grant watson]

Hi Guys, Well you ask what is worse/ Secunda or Mali? it doesn't get 50 degrees in Secunda and atleast they spaek English there too.
You can't get lost in Secunda that's one thing.

I will contact Fantini when I am there, cheers.

[C205]

Grant I'm training with Boris in Witbank at the moment. PM me if you want contact details. Might be a bit far for you from Secunda every day.