Microlighting in the Congo

[Biggles]

I have managed to convince my Mine Manager that getting a microlight on site would be a good idea. I would use it primarily for looking for locals that are going small scale mining in our lease area (thats how most mineral deposits are found in Africa). Surveying of roads and possibly for ferrying a person to a near by airfield (it takes a whole day to drive 50km here) (this would depend on legalities, ect.) And ofcourse flying around for my personal enjoyment.

I am convinced that a microlight could be operated safely here. Security is not an issue. Feul would have to be well filtered but its generally good coming from Zambia. I am looking into the official side of things at the moment.

I would not be reimbursed for flying so not venturing into commercial area.

I am doing a proposal and need examples of industries that have used microlights in similar applications. For example Game Farms for wildlife counts, farmers for fence checking.

I would be grateful for any ideas. And any comments of the idea.

[Beaver 550]

Moring,
Which part of the Congo? Was in and out there for 7 years.

[Biggles]

Close to Kilwa, on Lake Mweru. About 400km north of Lubumbashi. (were high res on Google earth) 8 53'25"S 28 16'16"E

[ICEMAN]

Hi Biggles........ are you looking at trike or three axis??

National parks board and SAP utilizing the Bantams very successfully....

If you are looking at 3 axis, why not take a look at the Oribi or Savannah, they seem to fly through out the day without any major WX related concerns.... you can use it to run between Kilwa and Dikulushi for the odd meeting with the authorities, survey for minerals, take security observation flights, keep an eye on the barge..... and the price is good aswell......

http://www.savannahac.co.za/

[DieselFan]

Funny while watching Blood Diamond I was thinking just that, although after I saw the guys with Bazookas was wondering if a trike could avoid a missile shot?

[Biggles]

ICEMAN :D

Thought this post would draw you out the wood-work;)

Not considered a 3 axis... I suppose thats an option I have not considered. You know the weather here is quite good for flying most of the year and not going up unless it looks good. Would have to do a conversion.

So where are you at the moment? I will be in Johannesburg with softness the week-end after easter.

Thinking of doing the Kilwa run, Dubie and maybe Pweto, but that would need a refeul in Pweto.

[Biggles]

I expect a microlight would would present a good target for an AK or FN if you are lower than 100ft AGL. Above this I expect you would be pretty hard to hit.

As for heavier weapons... RPG are not much good against moving targets. I don't think there are many dedicated anti-aircraft weapons in the DRC besides those defending hard targets.

We have had quite a lot of aircraft activity in the vicinity (aeromag anomaly and radiometrics flying something like 30000km on a grid pattern several hundred meters appart. And not a single incident, and they are flying flippin low. So plenty of opportunity for someone to take a pot shot.

[DieselFan]

What about heat seeking missiles? Would a rotax generate enough of a heat sig? I'm no fighter pilot but couldn't help dreaming I was dodging missles with my trike

I think your idea to use a microlight is great and I hope it comes true! Esp flying over the Congo. Whats your / their budget? GT450 does Congo?

[Biggles]

Budget, difficult one.

I am pushing for a 4 stroke with chute for safety reasons and range. GT450 would be nice but I doubt they will go that far!!

Mainair Blade might do well...

Wonder where I will fit the chaff and flare dispensers, might need to have the fairing cast from titanium...

[ICEMAN]

Hello Biggles,

Yip, your post caught my eye....

Busy working in the JHB region for a while but the itch to go remote is starting again.... also busy with 3 axis conversion which im really enjoying, not too long left till its completed.

Sooooooo if you need a dedicated MPL for your site, trike or 3 axis......

[Biggles]

dedicated MPL? Not unless you going to fly for free;)

So are you still wingless?

[ICEMAN]

Dedicated MPL for sure ...... for free..... i pretend to work, you pretend to pay me ............ hows that???