tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76355505864562344642024-03-13T08:52:36.682-07:00Flying in Africa with Hanks Aero AdventuresWe’ll note our experiences of living and flying in southern Africa. We’ll share questions and our replies. We invite your comments. Follow our travels and maybe one day you, too, will come fly in Africa!The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-79876354776355048422016-04-13T10:56:00.002-07:002016-04-13T10:56:49.095-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqzS9nY6swF8Hm2U1f5JlJeTF6yFGBCisJi5xMWuEgRPSnZpBPqVaW96XQE3rxBPq0OWa4vfM8IkbVGmmX0MgbytdxvUvqj7GeAoKjUD7QjqJlD4zKoRTtuFd7GOlwPZAVs89Aog8tTc/s1600/Johann+fixing+a+plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqzS9nY6swF8Hm2U1f5JlJeTF6yFGBCisJi5xMWuEgRPSnZpBPqVaW96XQE3rxBPq0OWa4vfM8IkbVGmmX0MgbytdxvUvqj7GeAoKjUD7QjqJlD4zKoRTtuFd7GOlwPZAVs89Aog8tTc/s200/Johann+fixing+a+plane.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens if an
aircraft develops a mechanical problem along the way? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plane you fly is Airworthy when you launch on your Self-Fly
Safari. The fleet of available rental aircraft are
older airframes – often 1970’s era C-182 P models. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The planes fly regularly.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are well-maintained and
all receive 50-hour, 100-hour, and annual inspections. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AD’s and SB’s are mandatory under South
African CAA rules. The engines are all within TBO limits.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our 20 years staging Self-Fly Safaris we have never had a case where the client could not complete a trip due to mechanical or electrical issues with a plane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, glitches can occur – anywhere along the way. If a
glitch occurs we jump in with a fix. The
cost of the fix is with the aircraft owner. It’s important to remember
that <u>you are never alone</u>. We can communicate with you wherever you are. If
you need help we are there. That’s <u>our</u> job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We deal with problems as they arise. What we do depends on
many factors. What is the problem? Where did it occur? Are you able to fly to a
field with an FBO? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During our “Route Briefing” we list the airfields along your
route that have <u>maintenance facilities</u>.
If you have a problem and if you are able to fly, we’ll ask you to go
the nearest one. If you can’t, you should
land at your destination lodge or the nearest suitable airfield. Once on the
ground, call us. Give us as good a diagnosis as you can. What we do depends on
the nature of the problem. Likely, we’ll have two or three days to effect a fix.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some examples:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A starter motor failed at an intermediate stop during
an escorted group safari.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">People and
luggage were divided among the other aircraft. They flew on to their lodge. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">While the client enjoyed his safari, we flew a
mechanic to the U/S aircraft with all possibly needed spares. The plane was fixed
and ready to go before the next leg.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A client reported an electrical problem after
landing at her lodge. We notified the nearest FBO. The plane was flyable. The
pilot flew to an airfield with an FBO. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
mechanic was waiting as the plane taxied in and had the plane fixed and back
out the door within an hour.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A dead battery at camp. The “Emergency Kit” that
we supply each aircraft or group includes a jumper cable. The game lodge Land
Rover supplied 12v power to start the plane. The pilot took off and flew to a
field with an FBO where an alternator problem was fixed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A hyena chewed the plastic tail cone off the
back of a plane while it was tied down. With duct tape from the “Emergency Kit”
the pilot taped over the opening and flew for the rest of his trip without
issue. The pilot’s “Excess policy”, included in every Self-Fly Safari package,
paid for repairs after the pilot completed his safari.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pilot lost radio comms enroute. The pilot
communicated with a hand-held radio and landed at an airfield where the radio
problem was diagnosed and fixed.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once,
early in our operation, a cylinder failed in a C-172. In that case we flew a
replacement aircraft for the pilot to complete his safari. He missed one day of
his scheduled itinerary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These
problems are rare. Our point in
highlighting them is to illustrate that they are manageable and that Hanks Aero
Adventures actively deals with them. We
do our best to insure that a plane will fly the entire safari route and return
to base without a mechanical issue. It
costs us money if a plane or a component fails. If a problem does arise we are
there to deal with it with the least possible disruption to your safari. It is a hallmark of our service and a matter
of pride. </span></div>
The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-10736437665132516092016-04-01T09:30:00.000-07:002016-04-01T09:32:41.273-07:00<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 2.25pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weather – what happens if weather
interferes with our safari? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHghWwAkG40SHkPnrCzYOzGtHYAO0PGUsHSR4bHfEAxVZCqe4R2BB92ECUwpxchQu-MgzbMQHuuqPV1xs-nB-lSmQFLuCjAJovE2pFpvHnExURM1BWhGu9zfZDPE4RqVK43CqyrblGlXc/s1600/African+sunset.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHghWwAkG40SHkPnrCzYOzGtHYAO0PGUsHSR4bHfEAxVZCqe4R2BB92ECUwpxchQu-MgzbMQHuuqPV1xs-nB-lSmQFLuCjAJovE2pFpvHnExURM1BWhGu9zfZDPE4RqVK43CqyrblGlXc/s200/African+sunset.tif" width="121" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Weather</b>: Seasonal weather patterns in
southern Africa are such that the region’s best flying weather – May through
mid-October – coincides with the best game viewing. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->That’s when we operate,
it’s winter in the southern hemisphere, and that’s when you should fly your
Self-Fly Safari. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daytime temperatures are pleasant (Low
60’s°F/16°C); there are no bugs, few clouds and, typically, VFR conditions. Nonetheless,
weather can intervene. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Season
is what you expect,” the pilot said, “Weather is what you actually get!” By
rule of the South African CAA, Self-Fly Safaris may only be flown during
daylight hours in Visual conditions. We
watch the forecasts along your route. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If
we see something likely to affect your itinerary we’ll let you know and offer
guidance on how to deal with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Examples:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmi9q5CNsBwjujf6TddY4vPqDYESBEeyhVjAGuXd1YT-PQq_agX7yZqtDq-JjOToiNczV-zbJyi6FO35Zjb-V_ikZxBnXENQ0lH0JUPOBqsedYKHSno1cuQdMtzsn0vq21vt0m3lZW8/s1600/Prog+Chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmi9q5CNsBwjujf6TddY4vPqDYESBEeyhVjAGuXd1YT-PQq_agX7yZqtDq-JjOToiNczV-zbJyi6FO35Zjb-V_ikZxBnXENQ0lH0JUPOBqsedYKHSno1cuQdMtzsn0vq21vt0m3lZW8/s1600/Prog+Chart.png" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Stormy weather threatened to scuttle the
client’s initial launch from base. We saw this coming two days in advance.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We changed the initial leg to another lodge
where weather along the route was VMC. They visited the lodge they had missed
at the tail end of their safari. On another similar situation we launched the
party one day early, before the adverse weather set in.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Low clouds on a flying day prevented the client
from taking off as scheduled. The forecast predicted that the clouds would be
lifting later in the day. We advised the client to wait a few hours for
clearing.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The client waited and took off
later.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We updated the lodge with the
clients’ new ETA.</span></li>
</ul>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Low clouds along South Africa’s escarpment prevented
the client from returning to base on the last day of his safari. He flew to an
intermediate airstrip and we sent a taxi to drive him back to
Johannesburg.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">METARs
and TAFs may be difficult to get at a lodge deep in the bush due to poor cellphone
signal coverage. No formal PIREP system exists in southern Africa. Your first
clue of the day’s weather at camp is to look to the sky when you wake up. Chances are it’ll be clear, blue sky! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyond
that …</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Hanks
Aero can send you a TAF for the day’s flight on your cell phone or via
satellite on your Delorme tracking device. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Ask
enroute ATC for weather at your destination. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Speak
to pilots aloft coming from the opposite direction. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Get
a forecast at major airports along your route.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In
any case, if you can’t fly there are worse places to be stuck than at a private
game lodge in southern Africa! If that happens we’ll be working at Base to make
any needed adjustments to your itinerary – while you’re lounging comfortably at
an amazing lodge. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hanks
Aero Adventures Inc: Full Service!</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-0-</span></div>
<br />
<br />The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-63333475657542209042016-03-25T08:26:00.000-07:002016-03-25T08:26:10.230-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Navigation – Finding
your way on a Self-Fly Safari<sup>®</sup></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting where you want to go is key to being a happy pilot
and reliable navigation equipment is vital in your aircraft. <u>Use your GPS</u>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo5GSxWy5dweSdcV4PI-kFQmw0A36GxyeljYn7-PR4jRtUQZF1BXOT1WrJa0zDPwJ37FPF9cGpaafdSA_oKt7o_oWeKSBB1HG1B7YYEmINzHPh8kPdvG7ur5LJCUn-lmV9-svStaJ0GY/s1600/Liveingstone+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo5GSxWy5dweSdcV4PI-kFQmw0A36GxyeljYn7-PR4jRtUQZF1BXOT1WrJa0zDPwJ37FPF9cGpaafdSA_oKt7o_oWeKSBB1HG1B7YYEmINzHPh8kPdvG7ur5LJCUn-lmV9-svStaJ0GY/s200/Liveingstone+chart.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of a the Livingstone WAC chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A <b>GPS</b> is the standard
tool for most pilots – South African and foreign – in southern Africa. Jeppesen’s
“<b>African International</b>” database is
the download needed for navigation. While it includes all major airfields, small
bush lodge airstrips may not be shown. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are easily programmed into your own GPS.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ll
give you these coordinates for your destinations in your pre-departure briefings. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a good idea to bring your own portable GPS with the
Atlantic International database. You know how it works and what buttons to
push. There is a learning curve for working any “black box” GPS you’re not familiar
with. Bringing your own reduces your cockpit workload. Nonetheless, when you arrive in
South Africa we’ll loan you one of our portable GPS's with your route pre-programmed. We
use several older hand-held models including Garmin 295, 495 and an Aera 500. Some brokered planes have panel-mounted GPS’s such as a Garmin 430 or 530. There is good signal coverage throughout
southern Africa. Turn it on, do what it says, and fly to your next stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tablets</b>: We
supply pilots with <b>Easy Cockpit<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></sup></b>
- an electronic VFR moving map program for southern Africa designed for Android
and iPad tablets. It was developed by the same company that produces the <u>Airfields Directory for Southern Africa</u> the only such publication that exists. Both are included in the Self-Fly </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOtB1mntNv_Su7Dpwlv1kIp5slvE1HHS9ZudY2PsG2sj6_cIiPbKYqmhlvy5ADAeqROCSy19eyJM8RSw5B9-B0ZBP3CI2fjDnYHgLgpLfMUym_7XJuUVQjHsajguYnwaSnv-Z6poN30/s1600/Easy+cockpit+screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIOtB1mntNv_Su7Dpwlv1kIp5slvE1HHS9ZudY2PsG2sj6_cIiPbKYqmhlvy5ADAeqROCSy19eyJM8RSw5B9-B0ZBP3CI2fjDnYHgLgpLfMUym_7XJuUVQjHsajguYnwaSnv-Z6poN30/s200/Easy+cockpit+screen.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safari<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></sup> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">package. You
can familiarize yourself with their materials on their web site: <a href="http://www.aviationdirect.co.za/index.php?page=easycockpit2">http://www.aviationdirect.co.za/index.php?page=easycockpit2</a>. Easy Cockpit<sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></sup> screen presentation is similar to <b>ForeFlight</b> but not identical and it works a little
differently. ForeFlight </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is not suitable for our purposes as it </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">doesn’t
have a database for southern Africa. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring your own tablet. It needs to have GPS capability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While you’ll use a GPS, you’ll always want other options. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>VOR’s</b> exist and
work at many major airfields in southern Africa. Within 50 - 70nm of aeronautical
hubs in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and elsewhere, signal strength is
good. However, VOR’s are often 100nm or more apart. You cannot fly seamlessly
from one VOR to the next. All planes we use have two Navcoms, such as KX-125, KX-155,
MX 300, or other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are also<b> NDB</b>’s
(and local radio stations you can tune in). However, aeronautical NDB’s are
being phased out and removed when they fail. Fewer and fewer aircraft have an
Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) on board. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp6wyDmgXESVRZjk7eZO58-tYG7ZfpWwrNm1QmNG3MZojrboaXC6XhBzVi0BbsSK_3f348TAuM6UDitH4rwANO8rWOkedA35hd0LtW4UzFlwBhi1JgyNI2WapOcWuRqoQo37xWYb0dNI/s1600/ONC+Chart+P-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp6wyDmgXESVRZjk7eZO58-tYG7ZfpWwrNm1QmNG3MZojrboaXC6XhBzVi0BbsSK_3f348TAuM6UDitH4rwANO8rWOkedA35hd0LtW4UzFlwBhi1JgyNI2WapOcWuRqoQo37xWYb0dNI/s200/ONC+Chart+P-5.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ONC charts are the only paper charts <br />available for some areas of southern Africa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Charts</b>: You’ll
also have paper charts with you – required by the CAA – as a backup. South
Africa prints VFR WAC charts (1:1,000,000) covering much of southern Africa.
The geography is good but the government has not updated aeronautical data on
most charts for decades. VFR charts for
Zimbabwe, Zambia and points north are long out of print. For these areas we supply Defense Mapping Agency <b>ONC charts</b> (also now out of print). The
geography and terrain features are accurate but they are unreliable for current
airspace. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIjk-TQH6bb5Pn_FfzNgzvwMMBtJ5YklC0pF3yYbosiMZQbGd7h8gWVl_8phZmgvNIrETcHuBpL9qFTjfP789egekOL308iZUC9cacnmduyw__Sk4YfkI_H-0TT84uOeey7s0IJQvANM/s1600/Featureless+terrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIjk-TQH6bb5Pn_FfzNgzvwMMBtJ5YklC0pF3yYbosiMZQbGd7h8gWVl_8phZmgvNIrETcHuBpL9qFTjfP789egekOL308iZUC9cacnmduyw__Sk4YfkI_H-0TT84uOeey7s0IJQvANM/s200/Featureless+terrain.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Featureless terrain is common <br />over much of southern Africa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Situational awareness</b>:
It’s always important to know where you are. It’s a good idea to refresh your basic
<b>pilotage </b>skills<b>. </b>Over reliance on a GPS can lull you into ignoring your progress
along a leg of your trip. GPS is reliable in Africa. But if the screen suddenly
goes blank – a dead battery or inadvertently pushing the wrong button – you still
need to get where you’re going. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbP81HuJaRaP-ugrFN66pSzFYH1F6_inwFHHLvv55_aeEhVMGx7RJ40D3kG7eqPTyxRZY7qWhyphenhyphenOR3TeNGwTh0FJGhJxxvl4QFQDmg-hI7yDd6nhHjmH6rui6qPyPDrYQzyeXnctli-jY/s1600/Lake+as+a+landmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbP81HuJaRaP-ugrFN66pSzFYH1F6_inwFHHLvv55_aeEhVMGx7RJ40D3kG7eqPTyxRZY7qWhyphenhyphenOR3TeNGwTh0FJGhJxxvl4QFQDmg-hI7yDd6nhHjmH6rui6qPyPDrYQzyeXnctli-jY/s200/Lake+as+a+landmark.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakes are useful visual checkpoints but<br />can dry up in the dry season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brushing up on map reading is also useful during your validation check flight. Your instructor may ask
you to point out your current position on the aeronautical chart. Look out the
window, notice a landmark, and point it out on the chart. He may simulate a
problem ahead – say a thunderstorm – and ask you to divert to another airfield.
In this scenario you need to know where you are more than where you were
planning to go. Pilotage skills are useful.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since my primary flight training I’ve drawn course lines on
charts. I mark out 10nm segments and highlight visual reference points. Some
pilots mark equal time </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">se</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gments. I keep a finger on the chart and note the
time we arrive at each check point. Used in conjunction with the GPS there is very
little guess work. If my GPS dies I’ll still have a good idea where I am and
what I need to do to get where I’m going.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-0-</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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</div>
The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-24330785311752303642016-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:002016-03-18T08:06:37.918-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>AIRCRAFT – Which
plane should I use on my Self-Fly Safari?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fleet of General Aviation aircraft available for rent in South Africa are older models with high air frame time. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their engines are all within TBO limits. All are well maintained by the owners – who also fly them – and receive 50-hour, 100-hour and Annual inspections. All AD’s and SB’s are mandatory under South African CAA rules.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Planes are certified “airworthy” before leaving base. They all have two radios and long-range fuel tanks (79 gallons, 75 usable in 182's) for conservatively-estimated 5.5 hours endurance. With proper leaning they’ll go longer. All have “steam gauges” (analog instrumentation). Privately-owned glass-cockpit aircraft exist in South Africa but have not yet been available for rent. Cirrus SR-20's and 22's are popular (there are more than 70 in the country) but are not let out privately. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Single-engine Piper aircraft (Cherokee and Cherokee 6’s) are scarce on the rental market in South Africa. Low-wing aircraft are less suitable for aerial photography of scenes on the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What plane is best for you?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To fly a South African-registered plane you need to have <u>PIC
time in the type of aircraft you will fly before arriving in South Africa</u>. That’s
the South African CAA rule. If you only have time in a C-182 you would not
be allowed to fly a C-172 or any other type of plane - except a 182. Even one hour in the specific
type (or an instructor’s sign-off in it) will make you <u>legal</u>. But, as well as
being legal, you want to be <u>current and comfortable</u> flying it. If you haven’t
flown it recently then log four or five hours in it before you come to
Johannesburg. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrgRUmZdZAIPuq_tME19ZnU5TbpVIV2eKEJj4Hvhpdy3VGQH5sBzLqjiDXmRTvd8kiw7XNGgZ8XWNIjrPzoskAMe29SiXiRai_E1K4KjR5lZdneyVJV8nbE7r8aMa6WkTlLWroCG9OjI/s1600/OCD+on+grass+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrgRUmZdZAIPuq_tME19ZnU5TbpVIV2eKEJj4Hvhpdy3VGQH5sBzLqjiDXmRTvd8kiw7XNGgZ8XWNIjrPzoskAMe29SiXiRai_E1K4KjR5lZdneyVJV8nbE7r8aMa6WkTlLWroCG9OjI/s200/OCD+on+grass+strip.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C-182: the standard bearer for bush flying<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
parties of 2 or 3.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our experience is that a <b>Cessna 182</b> is the best machine for a Self-Fly Safari. We own one
and manage a second. When we need more – for group safaris – we go to other 182
owners. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the 182's – ours and outsourced ones – are older (P
models, 1973 &1975). </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCPyzO6TPzmq3Dkie9TNx7Mc5ChX13Cpv5jKus0ND1-hyMq4wIaIPQh96GjacAuHwa3ISDbQ88CjBes6R7jryuefqedayblRBwrMhmKCLMb9iLdHrSTD0hBbWgYfZlqkxqTEeb8ZOfRw/s1600/C-206+ZS-PLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCPyzO6TPzmq3Dkie9TNx7Mc5ChX13Cpv5jKus0ND1-hyMq4wIaIPQh96GjacAuHwa3ISDbQ88CjBes6R7jryuefqedayblRBwrMhmKCLMb9iLdHrSTD0hBbWgYfZlqkxqTEeb8ZOfRw/s200/C-206+ZS-PLR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">C-206 with cargo pod is <br />best for parties of 3 or 4.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">C-206</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> with a
cargo pod is the ideal safari aircraft for parties of three or four. We have </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">access to two such planes – both owner-flown and well maintained. The insurance
companies insist on a minimum 50 hours in type and 500 hours total time to qualify
to fly these C-206’s. With luggage in the cargo pod passenger seating is comfortable if not spacious. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21e0oY7Jj5L4EjTrIvWyi2_uvNiCQ6K1nlvKZjvX863zfu_HwqZrPd24VxCKkFEoDEo3CORGtnr2UK5MBdmfJRDnRMZ2Z0xnVAfUe702mvWuXlhWggUsfWiW-RYs4I7HAj7omUZSwQ-o/s1600/210+ZS-LPB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21e0oY7Jj5L4EjTrIvWyi2_uvNiCQ6K1nlvKZjvX863zfu_HwqZrPd24VxCKkFEoDEo3CORGtnr2UK5MBdmfJRDnRMZ2Z0xnVAfUe702mvWuXlhWggUsfWiW-RYs4I7HAj7omUZSwQ-o/s200/210+ZS-LPB.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C-210: Often used when escorting groups and<br />
for piloted Self-Fly Safaris.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A <b>C-210</b> can also
be used for a Self-Fly Safari with three or four people. We prefer the 206 in
these situations for the simple reason that there are at least three fewer
things to go wrong in a 206 (landing gear).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The same experience
requirements (50 hours type/500 hours total time) apply to qualify for
insurance. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-QH-2Fa58iW3NtYRk7MoHA4309pe4ldHd_4yuEHdJlXB3iX3UJtL2MN7s5ZiEO7nidds9bzpuZ7szShqGXv4gInWQiMothD33D8b7709GOT3yPSjt6KjxkOOTZiAaT1FkpxXPi06v4/s1600/172+ZS-EWA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGM-QH-2Fa58iW3NtYRk7MoHA4309pe4ldHd_4yuEHdJlXB3iX3UJtL2MN7s5ZiEO7nidds9bzpuZ7szShqGXv4gInWQiMothD33D8b7709GOT3yPSjt6KjxkOOTZiAaT1FkpxXPi06v4/s200/172+ZS-EWA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">C-172: pilot and one passenger only.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrgRUmZdZAIPuq_tME19ZnU5TbpVIV2eKEJj4Hvhpdy3VGQH5sBzLqjiDXmRTvd8kiw7XNGgZ8XWNIjrPzoskAMe29SiXiRai_E1K4KjR5lZdneyVJV8nbE7r8aMa6WkTlLWroCG9OjI/s1600/OCD+on+grass+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A <b>C-172</b> may be adequate for a Self-Fly Safari itinerary but comes
with several shortcomings. Available 172’s in South Africa are mainly used as
student trainers. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Compared with a C-182 the 172’s are slower, carry less fuel,
are more cramped, have a lower load capability, often have just one radio and,
cosmetically, look like well-used trainers.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f_VBvUQrD8JFaVMxzZ6jNSlIbZoIVXXxFWuvLuIRePjHu9rty-jCZgsNKEqW1E5dFNFjnAhocYkv-mqlvglvMyYTdsWEUTYyMd2qjVRQx37-8-71wP5vH1c35YFV6VlBF1X3gxaWyPU/s1600/Pilatus+PC-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f_VBvUQrD8JFaVMxzZ6jNSlIbZoIVXXxFWuvLuIRePjHu9rty-jCZgsNKEqW1E5dFNFjnAhocYkv-mqlvglvMyYTdsWEUTYyMd2qjVRQx37-8-71wP5vH1c35YFV6VlBF1X3gxaWyPU/s200/Pilatus+PC-12.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Pilatus PC-12: smooth, fast, luxurious ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Larger aircraft</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: With a party </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of six or more for a safari, a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">larger aircraft is necessary. In these
scenarios a chartered Cessna Caravan or a Pilatus PC-12 may be just the right solution.
This is also one option if you have lost your medical or given up day-to-day
flying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLO05JneIVB5LgZ3leWU27lfbEkl_xujvbxpwEBVavMXEOgXLFUnDBUe4cFV3JgvyWfUeZ4vnR4Gzzt1VxdCeI4YORdLHw1FTriK-kPy_FYM_X40sptMeApwPpT1sXxIwGO7maomgInY/s1600/Caravan+landing+at+Madikwe+west.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLO05JneIVB5LgZ3leWU27lfbEkl_xujvbxpwEBVavMXEOgXLFUnDBUe4cFV3JgvyWfUeZ4vnR4Gzzt1VxdCeI4YORdLHw1FTriK-kPy_FYM_X40sptMeApwPpT1sXxIwGO7maomgInY/s200/Caravan+landing+at+Madikwe+west.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cessna 208 Caravan: <br />
plane of choice for parties of 6 - 10. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A South African validated license is not required as the
charter companies supply their own professional pilots. You’ll have the
aircraft at your disposal and more flying options as the planes are faster, and
carry the bigger load. You may be able to sit “right seat” and assist the
pilot. Although there are no instrument let-down procedures at most bush
air </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">strips, the pilots are able to fly in IFR conditions and may be able to fly
when VFR-only flights are delayed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whichever plane you fly the experience of flying the African
bush is what it’s all about. Speed isn’t necessary. The legs aren’t that long.
You’re here to fly. Remember “Out of Africa”. You have honed the skills of a
pilot and you’re heading into new territory, new horizons, and a new adventure.
ATC has different accents but the plane sounds familiar and reassuring. The plains
below are dry and sometimes burned but pocked with watering holes and dotted
with elephant, buffalo and other thirsty animals. The GPS guides you to your
destination and you land on a dirt strip. You shut down and tie down. The
rangers carry your bags and take you to the lodge and the adventure continues
at camp. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-0-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Next time: </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Navigation – Finding
your way on a Self-Fly Safari</span></b></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</div>
The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-2874257694194337192016-03-05T09:50:00.000-08:002016-03-05T09:50:48.119-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Lodges – What kind of places will I be staying at in the bush?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wPOfuCBkBCvZu-vyDCL1fIGVD5qE88qktpC3Q1DlK4fmaSPoEpLJRocHzYblhhRJT2Qcz-H0TMdj29UP8zpgCVSCbKcSjJoQ9HcX12_FT4rf0H9vDBKOCj0gKvpVR_DkTilDLUS1F3o/s1600/Belmond+Eagle+Island+Camp+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wPOfuCBkBCvZu-vyDCL1fIGVD5qE88qktpC3Q1DlK4fmaSPoEpLJRocHzYblhhRJT2Qcz-H0TMdj29UP8zpgCVSCbKcSjJoQ9HcX12_FT4rf0H9vDBKOCj0gKvpVR_DkTilDLUS1F3o/s200/Belmond+Eagle+Island+Camp+overview.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belmond Eagle Island Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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The terms “lodge” and “camp” are used interchangeably in
southern Africa. They are privately-owned establishments and no two are
alike. Whichever ones you visit, two
things are certain: 1) this not “rugged”; and 2) you won’t starve. Indeed, your
accommodation will be first class and you’ll be offered good food and plenty of
it! Kitchen and maintenance facilities and staff quarters are located away from the guest area. The entire camp may be surrounded by a fence or open to the surrounding bush.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The
camp’s <b>central lounge</b> with couches
and chairs is a great place to relax after lunch and after dinner. This is where guests gather for game drives, eating and drinking, and to relax. It usually overlooks a plain
or watering hole where animals gather. You’ll find a small library of animal
and bird books. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are always available. The bar is open all day and, if it is not a
self-service arrangement, someone from the staff is always available to give
you a beer or pour you a drink. Offerings at afternoon tea, served just before
the afternoon game drive, will include sweet and savory delicacies.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Gmcw4RLBgtaiYlITzn14AKfmnQu7p9n3Ru2l4uhbew1Kn_eOzjHnrjIfLP63_XJ7Zfus20-RkzsjXItA2ZKr0-Z7kGXGXe8SbqvjiDaHtSZSZYqkkusl36J_YcwnPY9bqLmS5OF6xe8/s1600/Sundowners+in+the+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Gmcw4RLBgtaiYlITzn14AKfmnQu7p9n3Ru2l4uhbew1Kn_eOzjHnrjIfLP63_XJ7Zfus20-RkzsjXItA2ZKr0-Z7kGXGXe8SbqvjiDaHtSZSZYqkkusl36J_YcwnPY9bqLmS5OF6xe8/s200/Sundowners+in+the+bush.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussions at dusk over drinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Before embarking on a game drive, the ranger will take orders for “<b>sundowners</b>” – drinks that are served from the land rover at a
scenic spot in the bush as the sun sets. For morning game drives you'll have a break for coffee, tea and snacks. </div>
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<br /><!--[endif]--></div>
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Each lodge is comprised of eight or more individual <b>chalets</b> or <b>tents</b> within a larger compound. This is where you’ll park your luggage and sleep. Each
has its own private bathroom with hot and cold running water and toilet. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQBo3j7tvHHb9tODO6pS3uL3zR1ocDMFW7hMCIY_wqfekbt7FXOSPGMpFAgYzmaM7600MoGQoCnzNAHjIxKHwf1b84HUrB2AVGavfCnYiKgnqln5CEA7oH6y6snETr18uOUOp42IjEcQ/s1600/Tent+at+Haina+Camp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQBo3j7tvHHb9tODO6pS3uL3zR1ocDMFW7hMCIY_wqfekbt7FXOSPGMpFAgYzmaM7600MoGQoCnzNAHjIxKHwf1b84HUrB2AVGavfCnYiKgnqln5CEA7oH6y6snETr18uOUOp42IjEcQ/s200/Tent+at+Haina+Camp.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tented accommodation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Tents</b> are large, canvas walk-in,
officer-style accommodations built on a cement slab or raised off the ground on
a wooden platform. Windows and doors are covered with mosquito netting and canvas flaps that can be opened or
zipped-closed to block light or a breeze. Tents may be placed under a tree and
have a shade canopy to keep them cooler during the heat of the day.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd_OGFC9OxW-JVfcXubxmfYyGKkwKp4DjSYnf2iaABWKqmVgrqx6dj1pr-VmvWn1jk54ezZYVSsJ4bcE0QF04S3wN2MIzFhQQVryyJVcmCPOdjP8fFgo9xKFLE2adCfFIzzXxWW_qCaY/s1600/chalet+style+accommodation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd_OGFC9OxW-JVfcXubxmfYyGKkwKp4DjSYnf2iaABWKqmVgrqx6dj1pr-VmvWn1jk54ezZYVSsJ4bcE0QF04S3wN2MIzFhQQVryyJVcmCPOdjP8fFgo9xKFLE2adCfFIzzXxWW_qCaY/s200/chalet+style+accommodation.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A desert chalet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chalets</b> are
similar but built with brick and mortar and normal wooden doors and windows. Thatch
roofs are common. Both styles often have a private deck or patio off your room
where you can sit outdoors to read or watch activity in the surrounding bush. Some
camps have private plunge pools at every chalet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9bxmt-XUH9L5xjqrpdTpOuZuvdLBERl72XoCa4aeqgDgJ6vQEqGPpxIKsSEER0WQVqZVjOf32kzkFOEBmQ2XgohhTfGtwRtq_qCaIew_Ro24agToE8gVI0VFzwCBNicDOsfJsIOr4d0/s1600/Interior+chalet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9bxmt-XUH9L5xjqrpdTpOuZuvdLBERl72XoCa4aeqgDgJ6vQEqGPpxIKsSEER0WQVqZVjOf32kzkFOEBmQ2XgohhTfGtwRtq_qCaIew_Ro24agToE8gVI0VFzwCBNicDOsfJsIOr4d0/s200/Interior+chalet.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior chalet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /><!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rooms are <b>furnished</b>
in the camps’ own unique style with charm and guest comfort in mind. Each will
have two twin-size beds, a small table, chairs, a closet and drawers for your
clothing, light fixtures, a sink, private shower and toilet. You’ll have clean
linens for the beds, pillows, blankets, towels and wash cloths. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCegECvNWW8T9DbihQtEI5Sq7gyIO9JCD6x7ph897Z39UC7QYKqERQHw-1ZLbf27gsM3IpxTXkThee52KLeApsumPXoxrgUiMJDhkLBgoXyKA0cBS2S4pshYTMaLG4uSHIwd0yJ3INi34/s1600/tented+interior+%2526+Beyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCegECvNWW8T9DbihQtEI5Sq7gyIO9JCD6x7ph897Z39UC7QYKqERQHw-1ZLbf27gsM3IpxTXkThee52KLeApsumPXoxrgUiMJDhkLBgoXyKA0cBS2S4pshYTMaLG4uSHIwd0yJ3INi34/s200/tented+interior+%2526+Beyond.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staff members make the beds and clean the rooms daily. Rooms
are supplied with basic toiletries, mosquito repellant and bug spray. Each bed
is likely to be draped with its own mosquito net. One or two-day laundry
service is available, often free-of-charge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All camps have <b>electrical
power</b>. Most run on </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12-volt systems powered by solar panels or a generator that
is run only during the day when guests are away from camp on game a drive. The
camp will have a centrally located “<b>charging
station</b>” where guests recharge cameras, GPS’s and other electronic devices.
Room lighting allows guests to read at night.
A few camps have main-line electrical power (240 volts, 50 Hz). Here you
can use hairdryers, curling irons and other high-draw appliances that cannot be
used at other camps. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lodges are magical!
Each is different from the last and each is charming in its own way.
Service and attention to the guests is paramount. Rangers are enthusiastic and
persevering in their efforts to locate elusive game. Cooks take pride in the
meals they prepare. Room maids are
courteous and thorough in their work. At some camps the entire staff treats
guests to traditional songs and dance performances and invites guests to join
in the fun. Bush camps in southern Africa are a delightful experience to be
long remembered.<!--[endif]--></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_FZZMg2uq2deufGgUiGIkLl9x3EPNS_zsA2Gcb6BEvGCVT2vXWlf26VqwKmd7a5v5aksBPwxig8k6vH3B0EAKM5HSq407Smc4PyW-mjaa_HaoFf6VzdE8j_SeLCjpbXznR7BD_9hNeE/s1600/Pamushana+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_FZZMg2uq2deufGgUiGIkLl9x3EPNS_zsA2Gcb6BEvGCVT2vXWlf26VqwKmd7a5v5aksBPwxig8k6vH3B0EAKM5HSq407Smc4PyW-mjaa_HaoFf6VzdE8j_SeLCjpbXznR7BD_9hNeE/s320/Pamushana+at+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamushana Lodge at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-49872492509229212222016-02-25T12:36:00.001-08:002016-02-25T12:36:47.672-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What kind of flying
experience do I need for a Self-Fly Safari?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flying in southern Africa is the same as flying anywhere
else in the world – air, airplanes and airstrips. If you can handle a plane at
home you can fly it in Africa. Practically speaking, the more flying experience
you have the more comfortable you’ll be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Legally speaking you need a current private pilot license
(or higher) to get your license validated. A “validated” license means you are
legal and insurable to fly a South African-registered plane. We’ve had pilots
ranging from 148 hours total time to 30,000 hours. By rule of the South African
Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) flights on a validated license can only be
done in daytime, VFR conditions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-WcdC2guFwZzTDi-mB0XsQHPoqEWfhz2G32HCW3ZuKWM6S6po56s1CY-3Opz_XEGtO_5X5P5SKOAPNTMEbuJPSwnwCRjnBR-5ClV2GvEzlJWLu_z8GxcXfTvLvYhAgQN8t4yJzvmWM/s1600/Malawi+rekkie%252C+July+2008+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7-WcdC2guFwZzTDi-mB0XsQHPoqEWfhz2G32HCW3ZuKWM6S6po56s1CY-3Opz_XEGtO_5X5P5SKOAPNTMEbuJPSwnwCRjnBR-5ClV2GvEzlJWLu_z8GxcXfTvLvYhAgQN8t4yJzvmWM/s200/Malawi+rekkie%252C+July+2008+061.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hazy day in Zambia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An instrument rating is not necessary. However, bush fires sometimes
produce hazy conditions during the dry winter season. We’ve seen sun on our
wings, good visibility of the ground but only a faint horizon. Though
technically you are in VMC conditions and flying legally, an ability to fly by
reference to instruments can be useful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoC9vJ5rkMOoHDJsg4u7PTlc7bC6Nojn20z3QLps2Xtm88Y0opyFa7RDvV_LHXL6lQ-XQze80N9pNeRH7e0VQujbZIjVkEZuhUB8VAt5sp5lVqU1TARlY-3chtu_UxzZnVoMlks6uoqY/s1600/Okavango+Delta+Airstrip+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoC9vJ5rkMOoHDJsg4u7PTlc7bC6Nojn20z3QLps2Xtm88Y0opyFa7RDvV_LHXL6lQ-XQze80N9pNeRH7e0VQujbZIjVkEZuhUB8VAt5sp5lVqU1TARlY-3chtu_UxzZnVoMlks6uoqY/s200/Okavango+Delta+Airstrip+compressed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Okavango Delta Airstrip (Botswana)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s helpful if you have some experience landing and taking
off from dirt airstrips as many of the destinations you fly to are not paved. Aircraft are not allowed to land "just anywhere". All landings on a Self-Fly Safari are made on a prepared airfield. Some are better than others but all are suitable for the machine you're flying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the airstrips are at least 3,300’ long (1000 meters) – plenty long enough for a Cessna Caravan or a Beech KingAir as well as a C-182. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The surrounding bush and shrubbery is often cleared to a distance of 160’ (50 meters). Information such as “trees at the approach end of runway 09” is provided in our Cockpit Tripkit</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">©</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and in the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Airfields Directory of Southern Africa</u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that we supply and you’ll have with you.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll also stop at controlled, paved airports along the way to refuel and clear Customs & Immigration formalities when entering or leaving a country. Their paved runways are well maintained and 5,000’ long or longer.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At these airports you are required to establish and maintain contact with ATC at the boundary of their Traffic Management Area (TMA), which is Class C airspace – usually inside a 50nm radius of the airport. A tower operator will give you instructions for letdown, approach, and any frequency changes for landing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practice with cross-wind landings is important. Remote bush lodges will only have one runway that is aligned with the expected prevailing winds. But if the wind is at 90° to the runway on the day you fly in, you need to be able to handle it. You should also be experienced enough to know when a cross-wind is more than you can handle and that you should divert to an alternate. Judgment is important.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of your safari is in uncontrolled airspace. But you’ll
start your Self-Fly Safari from Lanseria airport (FALA) in Johannesburg
airspace, which is busy and controlled. Throughout your safari you are always able
to reach a ground-based controller. In
South Africa, you’ll always have radar coverage. However, once you leave South
African airspace there is no radar coverage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Radio communications can be scratchy and indistinct. This
can happen because of long-distances between you and the transmitter or poor
quality radios in the plane or (more likely) from the ground-based controller.
The accents of other pilots and radio controllers in southern Africa are
different from the voices you hear at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Radio procedures in controlled airspace throughout southern
Africa require that you read back all ATC instructions. If a transmission is
unclear you can reply “Say again please” or “Speak slowly”. They’ll know you
are a foreigner. Other private pilots in the area will sometimes intercede in muddled
conversations and explain to you what ATC is requesting. “…he wants you to
report ready for base turn” or “…he wants you to report reaching 20 miles to
go” etc. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also appeal to other aircraft to clarify what ATC is
asking. The aviation community in southern Africa is small and pilots enjoy
meeting new people. You may meet the pilot you were talking to while airborne on
the ground at the briefing office or fuel bay. They are always happy to answer
questions and share stories. Hangar flying and mutual assistance among pilots
is universal. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjq2uQhOzzY5W29pua4w0Igz4RrDsAvY__2yJNfdXpWBpiWa2I89QdDwJc2R02RoewNHzcSqX6RdywCf1GEWNHKx-Nx7jwOMVik4fNYmNBzqIIJrjcn-LSlmmJA139DH5m0wsy7PlVB8/s1600/50-foot+obstacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjq2uQhOzzY5W29pua4w0Igz4RrDsAvY__2yJNfdXpWBpiWa2I89QdDwJc2R02RoewNHzcSqX6RdywCf1GEWNHKx-Nx7jwOMVik4fNYmNBzqIIJrjcn-LSlmmJA139DH5m0wsy7PlVB8/s320/50-foot+obstacle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50-foot obstacle crossing the runway</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bush airstrips are usually not fenced. This means that wild
animals (and sometimes pedestrians and automobiles) can wander onto the
airstrip.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big ones, such as
elephants and giraffe, are easy enough to spot. But antelope or wart hogs are
small, naturally camouflaged and represent a potential hazard to a landing
airplane. The sound of an approaching plane can spook a grazing herd of impala that
could suddenly dart out onto the runway as you cross the threshold. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before
landing a low pass over the airstrip to look for animals on the periphery and survey
the landing surface is a good practice. Be prepared always to abort your
landing and go around until you are absolutely committed to land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-0-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time: </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lodges – What
kind of places will I be staying at in the bush?</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-67072285695775587782016-02-17T08:28:00.000-08:002016-02-17T08:58:12.755-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Over the next several months we’ll discuss what a Self-Fly
Safari is like. Among the topics: What are the lodges like? Is this a rugged
camping experience? (No). What plane should I use? What happens if I have a
problem with my plane? What happens if weather interferes with my safari? What
is a day like at a safari lodge? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We want to show what you’re dealing with when flying in
southern Africa. Have a specific
question? Let us know and we’ll answer it. Once you've flown in southern Africa
your only regret will be that you didn't do it earlier!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We'll start with a look at destination airstrips...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Airstrips – What are
the airstrips like in southern Africa?</span></b></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc7LjLXS_676UwjpbHc2umvXaOXA9c49zm9cfilEzmtT1JeSx19xnLvG3Mq3buauJFoPBcteeb976xrtdy22WOKkMD8ciRVvZVCvnBr8YSqWKHQ-BmVob8fMSk1ya-_t24y2BMmiFGRQ/s1600/A+Malawian+airstrip+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc7LjLXS_676UwjpbHc2umvXaOXA9c49zm9cfilEzmtT1JeSx19xnLvG3Mq3buauJFoPBcteeb976xrtdy22WOKkMD8ciRVvZVCvnBr8YSqWKHQ-BmVob8fMSk1ya-_t24y2BMmiFGRQ/s200/A+Malawian+airstrip+compressed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approach over a river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The landing strips vary
from paved tarmac and concrete to earth and gravel. All are suitable for use
with a C-182. Many are long enough to accommodate landings by Cessna Caravan, King Air, Pilatus PC12 and comparable aircraft. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Most bush airstrips are privately owned by the lodges they
serve.<span style="background-color: black; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none black; padding: 0in;"> </span>Typically they are 3,300’ long (1000 meters)
long and 50’ wide. The airstrips are well maintained by the lodges and used by
private pilots and air charter companies that bring the majority of guests to
the lodges. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFyrQpzsoiI4qAINOTg0SekkGnBUBy876uelbUnwQP2k8Zs7aBBxw8t4GrHMd_x80xUVRtWdv8yPvlrFRh22PJ-aHg7A7zCmT5NApbhrj3s5N9zgGOkjzBv5yJMVAaj_pIXE9Z5r6u5Y/s1600/An+airstrip+in+Botswana%2527s+Okavango+Delta+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFyrQpzsoiI4qAINOTg0SekkGnBUBy876uelbUnwQP2k8Zs7aBBxw8t4GrHMd_x80xUVRtWdv8yPvlrFRh22PJ-aHg7A7zCmT5NApbhrj3s5N9zgGOkjzBv5yJMVAaj_pIXE9Z5r6u5Y/s200/An+airstrip+in+Botswana%2527s+Okavango+Delta+compressed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An Okavango Delta airstrip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!--[endif]--></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In Botswana’s Okavango Delta lodge airstrips are established
with a grader or bulldozer. A locally abundant mineral called “calcrete” (calcium
carbonate and sand), is mined and crushed to a powder and then spread over the
surface of the graded strip. The material is moistened and then rolled smooth.
When it dries the surface is hard and provides an excellent landing surface. The
Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requires that the airstrips be cleared
to a distance of 100 meters (330 feet) either side of the landing strip. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSnqGelERvTn4SWDuLiqX-TLwODlmUmWkssiTajtCvwKr48UJT2oMgcjoX0esX0z3b7kh2-6bQiOv5YcTZJ7QdIfXctfuldzN6XpMf6-kfLoV34dyDkMkCVD4TESHmeEZe5EYmh-soig/s1600/Namibia+Escort+2012+234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSnqGelERvTn4SWDuLiqX-TLwODlmUmWkssiTajtCvwKr48UJT2oMgcjoX0esX0z3b7kh2-6bQiOv5YcTZJ7QdIfXctfuldzN6XpMf6-kfLoV34dyDkMkCVD4TESHmeEZe5EYmh-soig/s200/Namibia+Escort+2012+234.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Intu Africa (FYIA) , eastern Namibia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In Namibia, where the geology is different, lodge airstrips
are often made up from loose or packed gravel. Pilots are cautioned to do their run-ups on specially-provided cement run-up pads to mitigate damage to the
propeller and tail plane.</span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApOQmV92H_61FLmBuo7dBRWcXpLeDmfRaUtuLCdGPu0SrH7-9tZ7cKKRhM3Dy8VHNo0ewEk_Bo4UeglTNsW54jbnnnms0VvGIf1_1HQm3tXuHeZdmYEGta2B3FZEeqJXGMVJTI3_4oZk/s1600/Beira+FQBR+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApOQmV92H_61FLmBuo7dBRWcXpLeDmfRaUtuLCdGPu0SrH7-9tZ7cKKRhM3Dy8VHNo0ewEk_Bo4UeglTNsW54jbnnnms0VvGIf1_1HQm3tXuHeZdmYEGta2B3FZEeqJXGMVJTI3_4oZk/s200/Beira+FQBR+compressed.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A main airport with fuel, Customs & Immigration</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Self-Fly</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Safari pilots will
also make intermediate stops at larger, controlled airfields along the way to
their bush destinations. Runways at these airports are paved and vary from
5,000’ to 16,000 feet in length. Facilities at these airports include an air
traffic control tower, a briefing office, firefighting equipment, fuel, a snack
bar and Immigration and Customs facilities for entering and exiting the
country.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Only a few of these airports have maintenance facilities. The fire brigade at a towered airport may be able to assist with inflating a tire, providing a jump start for a dead battery or other </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">minor services.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The airspace surrounding towered airports are Class C
airspace. Pilots approaching them are required </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">to establish and maintain radio communications with tower when entering the airspace through landing and taxi to parking</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAOxXqs-H9t4vMWK3Dw2I3-K78gIFBufiMLpiX0AbeSwDBEQyDKHU82GD6HU34qnAIXDJk_bSkkOCzicX4cq72aARt28hDYd7OG8QwfGlQBf60FyPo12PvaWX1rukajypaiBVJWbODts/s1600/May+2008+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAOxXqs-H9t4vMWK3Dw2I3-K78gIFBufiMLpiX0AbeSwDBEQyDKHU82GD6HU34qnAIXDJk_bSkkOCzicX4cq72aARt28hDYd7OG8QwfGlQBf60FyPo12PvaWX1rukajypaiBVJWbODts/s200/May+2008+037.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In Zambia's Kafue National park</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Private bush airstrips in Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe vary in their surfaces within these parameters and are suitable for the same range of aircraft. This one is dirt and gravel. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">-0-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Next time: </span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What kind of flying experience do I need for a
Self-Fly Safari?</span></b></div>
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The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-33450486006197676622012-08-25T05:42:00.000-07:002012-08-26T04:13:17.462-07:00August wind We encountered wind in Namibia during August. Local pilots confirm that the season – late winter with moderate temperatures – are prone to windy conditions. The same “August winds” are a factor in South Africa, too. They were not a constant factor during our 11-day flight around Namibia but the likelihood of encountering strong breezes has to be considered in this period. Good crosswind- landing techniques can be useful as most bush lodges have only one runway. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YkobnwFbJyzty9oVD2Zz0OcKhWlvu-E54kQGPtPqhVa1613kXUsDgzIi7FxO0DgKaEyR_alWENfmb0Q3Rsw3emaVK7n3GNp-Oob-Ppb3LNmzmH0Bs1cHUnaSBDUSESexxUt92Lqcku0/s1600/Namibia+Escort+2012+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YkobnwFbJyzty9oVD2Zz0OcKhWlvu-E54kQGPtPqhVa1613kXUsDgzIi7FxO0DgKaEyR_alWENfmb0Q3Rsw3emaVK7n3GNp-Oob-Ppb3LNmzmH0Bs1cHUnaSBDUSESexxUt92Lqcku0/s320/Namibia+Escort+2012+078.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The wind made for slow ground speeds on some of our westerly and northerly legs but we made up the time on easterly and southerly legs. The C-182’s were able to make 100 – 110 knots ground speed going west and north but 130 – 150 knots returning to South Africa. Our progress in a C-172 dropped to 80 knots sometimes though we raced along at 130 going back. On long legs, Johannesburg to Upington (385nm), this meant spending a long time in a cramped cockpit.
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Luderitz (FYLZ), right on the coast, is particularly vulnerable to wind. Its crossing runways (04-22 and 12-30) can be a great help when westerly’s are forceful. But make the time to tie down the airplane if you’re there overnight. The wind can also cause sand storms to reduce visibility to IMC conditions. The same applies to Swakopmund (FYSM). Its crossing runways (17-35 and 06-24) are really welcome in windy conditions. Both places have avgas and may be necessary refueling stops when flying through Namibia.
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Where we really had to pay attention was at Eros (FYWE) – the general aviation field set at the southern end of the Namibian capital. Windhoek sits in a bowl of hills and wind from nearly any direction will cause turbulence of varying degrees. Runways are 1-19 and 09-27. ATC advised us of “winds 270° at 18, gusting to 30”. Runway 27 was perfect but we laid in a serious crab on base leg and used power on final.
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Getting out of Eros was more of a challenge. Field elevation is about 5600’. A ridge to the south rises to 6500’ within less than five miles. The hills to the west climb more gently to 6,000’ within 10 nm. However, the westerly wind blowing over the hills creates burble and strong down drafts. The power difference between a C-172 and a C-182 is significant in these conditions.
Take off was quick but rough air was a factor immediately after rotation and my groundspeed in the 172 was 43 knots. At about 500’ I turned out left. Our rate of climb showed, variously, 0 fpm, 100 fpm descent and 100 fpm climb. A mountain wave was holding us down. Not uncommon at Eros. The terrain ahead already looked too close. I told Tower we would “orbit” to the left to climb before leaving the area. After a 360° turn we had gained no altitude at all. I returned to a heading of 270° with the vertical speed indicator barely showing any upward progress. A wing would abruptly drop. The stall warning horn would sound momentarily. We were getting rocked around pretty good but were able to climb slowly.
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The southern ridge still loomed ahead as we turned on course and the air was still very rough. I’d planned to level off at 7,500’ but told Windhoek Area Control that I wanted 8,000’ until I’d crossed the ridge. They allowed. Once beyond it the air smoothed and the rest of the flight was unremarkable.
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On the ground at the Sossusvlei dunes, the wind provided a graphic illustration of how dunes are formed and shaped. Climbing “Dune 45” we braced ourselves against the wind. Sand blew from the ridge line like snow blowing off Everest. The blow often subsided in the evening when we could sit comfortably on the lodge verandah watching the sunset.
The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-9286060086154707392012-03-02T09:23:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:24:05.595-08:00Not a Pilot?Lost your medical? We can send you out with an instructor who’ll sit “right seat”. You can use a C-182, a C-210, a PC-12 – whatever suits the size of your party. You’ll have the plane at your disposal. You can go to any of the same places. You’ll have the same comfortable lodges and the same encounter in the African wilds. The instructor won’t carry your bags but there are plenty of staff around to do that.The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-15233136068852868912012-03-02T09:14:00.002-08:002012-03-02T09:22:05.965-08:00Piloting a plane over the wilds of Africa is a great experience! Christina and I flew from the USA to Europe and south through Africa 15 years ago. Along the way it became clear that pilots of all nationalities would love this sort of flying. Getting dust on your wheels and landing on bush airstrips was rewarding enough. But the icing on the cake were the lodges we found! These places can be hundreds of miles from the nearest town. Yet when you land you are escorted into stunningly attractive African-style camps. There are dozens of staff to pour you drinks and cook up meals that you’d expect only from the fine restaurants. The accommodations are roomy and comfortable with hot running water, flush toilets fresh linen and comfortable beds. The game rangers know the area and track even the most elusive of Africa’s great game. If you tire of the game drives, just stay at the lodge for a morning. At some places you can get a massage! Most lodges have swimming pools and a few have private plunge pools at each chalet.<br /><br />Last year’s Botswana tour was documented by German TV (ARD). Watch it online at http://mediathek.daserste.de/sendungen_a-z/894524_weltreisen/8025650_safari-in-afrika. On the right is a small box labeled “Mediathek”. Click on that to play the video. Another box, just below, will take you to the websites of the lodges where the group stayed. The sound track is in German with voiceovers of the American pilots. If you don't speak German the visuals tell you all you need to know. The photography is beautiful and the production gives a flavor of the animals, the flying, the comfort and luxury of the lodges - and the fun! The crew put cameras on the wings, under the belly, in the cockpit and at the lodges. One of the ladies was in tears over the sight of Victoria Falls. “It was on my bucket list”, she said. Other great moments captured on this self-fly safari are close encounters with elephants and lions. They can’t be planned, but they happen!The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-11267746049278328622011-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:002011-02-16T09:34:03.821-08:00November safari?I plan to be in South Africa on business in November. Can I fly a short safari then? <br /><br />Validation: We give pilots a chance to recover from jetlag, which accounts for a delay in getting started. We can compress the program to a certain degree, particularly if you are rested. For example, the handling and cross-country check can be combined into a single flight. Remember also, the license you receive from the CAA is good for five years. If you managed to return within the validity period you would only have to fly three “circuits” with an instructor to get the plane signed out again. The validation exercises are private pilot standards. There are no trick questions or anything like that. It’s all pretty straight forward. <br /><br />Scheduling: If you spent some of the time while in Johannesburg focused on the validation exercises then, when your condo sharing period finishes, you could take off immediately for a brief Self-Fly Safari. In this four or five-day period you could, conceivably, fly to two separate lodges. We think it is a good idea to spend at least two nights at each destination. Three nights is preferable as you get a chance to relax and enjoy the lodge itself as well as getting out for several more game drives. <br /><br />If you are planning a November safari you do need to be mindful of possible weather issues. In designing a route I would keep the legs short – no more than two hours – so that you could get in and out with a relatively small window of opportunity. For example a flight from Lanseria (Johannesburg) to Limpopo Valley in Botswana is 240nm or about two hours flying. As well as it being a fairly short flight, November is not a high-occupancy period at some lodges. Hence, you could call the night before or that morning to determine if the lodge had space for you. In this way you could avoid losing your money on lost bookings. Lodges typically have a “use it or lose it” policy.The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-35168152404072702292010-06-19T03:58:00.000-07:002010-06-19T04:16:22.742-07:00Lanseria comes of ageThe FIFA World Cup games have brought pressures on Lanseria Airport (FALA). From a free-wheeling scene of legitimate civil aviation, gray government and military operations to outright smuggling, Lanseria has turned into a full service, first-class international field used by African heads of state, celebrities like John Travolta flying a classic Boeing 707, to American Vice President Joe Biden in Air Force 2(now a Boeing 757). <br /><br />Visits by foreign dignitaries are really demanding on any nation's resources and patience. Air Force 2 could have landed at Johannesburg’s O.R Tambo International airport (FAJS)or the South African military base at Waterkloof (FAWK), near Pretoria. But the route planners, whoever they are for the American Vice president, decided Biden would fly into to Lanseria. Lanseria management, which asserts the airfield is “secure”, got a taste of what US authorities regard as secure. Toes were stepped on. <br /><br />In the weeks before Biden’s arrival at least three different US Air Force C-17’s flew in. Kulula.com’s green and white 737’s had been the biggest aircraft regularly seen on Lanseria's terminal apron. Now they were dwarfed by the gray Cargomasters. Tractors and other vehicles drove in and out of the plane’s belly unloading timber, generators, cargo and people. After one landing, the four-engine jet took off for a 54 mile flight to Pilanesburg (FAPN) – the airport for the Sun City resort with its gambling casino and entertainment complex. Vice President Biden was expected to attend the USA – England at soccer game and, presumably, the Cargomaster delivered logistic and support material for the Vice presidential visit at the stadium nearby at Rustenburg. It delivered its cargo and returned to Lanseria in a few hours. Two short hops for a monster four-engine jet aircraft.<br /><br />When Biden himself arrived in country, Lanseria airspace was closed to all other traffic. Normally, closed airspace is reserved for heads-of-state only. Nonetheless, as a courtesy to the American’s, ATC closed Lanseria airspace for the arrival. Any other arriving aircraft were diverted or ordered to hold well away from the area. Lanseria's perimeter road was closed and patrolled specially for the arrival. The balcony at the airport’s restaurant, which overlooks the ramp and runway, was closed to diners. Uniformed and plain-clothes South African police and American Secret Service personnel occupied the balcony. The terminal lobby was crowded but many were wearing Lanseria ID badges and yellow reflective jackets. Others wore dark suits, dark glasses, with an earpiece snaking under their jackets – all the earmarks of Secret Service personnel. Embarking passengers were heavily outnumbered. Just as well, no other private or commercial planes were boarding or pushing back. <br /><br />Looking west from the terminal to the Air traffic Control Tower, people stood on the Tower roof. This was a new twist. Tower personnel sometimes stand on the outside walkway when having a smoke break or taking a private phone call but not on the roof. Inside the tower were more of the dark-suited Secret Service personnel. That was a concession to the USA. The US insisted on snipers on top of the tower and marksmen were there. But they were South African special forces people, not Americans. That was a concession to the South Africans. Also present were a group of US Navy Seals in full combat regalia. ‘Trust but verify’ is the old Reagan phrase that comes to mind in this scene. Also in tower was an Austrian military guy. He was there on account of his prior experience policing the 2006 FIFA games in Germany. His job was to help distinguish the good guys from the bad if they threatened anything on and above the airfield. There were no incidents of any kind during Biden’s visit. <br /><br />Lanseria’s regular security management, which took back seat when the Americans came in, had their noses bent out of shape. Conceding authority and having their own rules ignored is not their cup of tea. Later, they called the Americans “rude”. Really, it was just a US demonstration of how command & control is done -- a simple show of raw power. <br /><br />Lanseria had come from a freewheeling airfield to one able to assure the US government and FIFA that security would be at the highest level. General aviation pilots should feel comfortable at lanseria.The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-79983636018724222382010-04-04T02:06:00.000-07:002010-04-04T02:17:30.595-07:00The Hong Kong crew gets goingIt was a long rainy day from 5:30 when I got up and heard the drops on the thatch roof. The bridge was flooded. We pulled in to the airport at 7:15. The HK crew had just arrived and we had breakfast together. Their scheduled circuits (at 8AM as a check out for the 172) couldn’t be flown. The restaurant was crowded because all the Kalula flights were delayed. Service was lousy with the crowd but the waitresses and the kitchen were working hard. One B-737 did a missed approach trying to get in but came back around and made it in the second time. Conditions were a constant drizzle that sometimes turned into a hard rain. As the morning progressed conditions moved between VMC and IMC but always a mist and low scud moving over the field. <br /><br />The plane the HK crew will take is out on an IMC flight (!?) and returned during an improvement in weather. It was not supposed to be and the FBO screwed up by letting it go. It delayed the checkout and cost the crew a chance to get out during one of the breaks. By the time they got the plane fueled and loaded the weather had closed in again. We got them permission to go out “special VFR” but they were last in line behind any and all IF traffic coming or going from Lanseria. The weather was good west of Jo’burg. They waited at the holding point more than a half hour and things finally went below minimums again. <br /><br />They taxied over to the terminal and shut down and went back to the restaurant. We met them there and spent the next three hours waiting for a break. Wings Restaurant is a poor place to spend three hours. After one order everything else seems less appetizing. <br /><br />Tower had graciously extended their flight plan for the rest of the say. At 3PM the crew set out to go. We went to the tower to watch and wait. They waited at the holding point and finally got off at 3:40PM. They got to Vryburg by 5:30. I called fuel at Vryburg and the guy was there. Chancy though, as it was Good Friday and a public holiday in South Africa.<br /><br />Not only that, but the lodge wouldn't get off their chairs to pick up the crew once they got there. They finally gave me a number to call for a pickup (R50) to bring therm to the lodge. No report yet on what they found when they got there.The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-75102099452745117692010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:36:05.473-08:00We want to fly an autogiro through AfricaWhat a great expedition and adventure awaits you on your autogyro safari through Africa! I can't say I recommend it but whatever turns you on. Plan fully!<br /><br />Christina and I flew a single-engine airplane (Helio Courier) from USA to Europe to South Africa about 14 years ago. Very little was written about trans-Africa flying. We spent a year preparing for the trip. We needed to determine where we needed visas, where we could find AVGAS, how it could be paid for (cards or cash), ports of entry and exit from various countries on the route, seasonal weather, flight clearances, inoculation requirements, and more. <br /><br />We flew south through east Africa, not the west as you are planning. At the time Angola was in a civil war and a ”no go” zone. We circumvented Sudan as there was a civil war going ion there then, too. <br /><br />Angola has opened up but still is a difficult area to traverse. You need over flight and landing clearances. Namibia, too, requires flight clearances for all flight. South Africa requires flight plans for some flights, but not clearances. Auto gas is widely available in Namibia and South Africa, but jet A-1 (diesel) is the most commonly available fuel in Angola. <br /><br />1) You will find useful information about Angola, Namibia and South Africa in “Airfields Directory for Southern Africa” (ISBN 0-620-29258-x) published by Aviation Direct cc (info@aviationdirect.co.za) and their website www.aviationdirect.co.za. Much of their information is available on line. <br /><br />2) Jeppesen, the provider for instrument plates and charts, is the most comprehensive source of information for nearly every aspect of flying anywhere in Africa. They have the entry requirements for every African country and the numbers to contact for clearances, flight plans, etc. Their information is expensive but indispensible – particularly if you’re doing it in an unusual aircraft (autogyro).<br /> <br />3) Flight clearances are also from other private vendors. International Flight Clearances cc based at Lanseria Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) is one such company with whom we have had good experience. Tel:- +27 11 701 2330 (24 Hours) Fax:- +27 11 701 2334 Email: flightops@flyifc.co.za. <br /> <br />4) Charts: The best available charts for navigating anywhere in Africa are the ONC’s (Operational Navigational Charts 1:1,000,000) published by the US government NOAA and available from many map companies and pilot shops. http://www.maptown.com/worldaviation/af-1.html is one of them. Google “ONC charts” for a larger list. They are also probably available in Spain. These charts are useful for planning but they are big and would be a handful in the open cockpit of an autogiro. They show the best geography, but cannot be relied on for current airspace restrictions.<br /> <br />5) GPS: The Atlantic International database by Garmin is the best available that we know of for all of Africa. It matters less what GPS you use as long as you have the database. The most essential feature is its moving map with all current airspace. It does not include all small airfields. You’ll have to locate these through other means.<br /> <br />6) No amount of pre-planning is too much. Find out as much as you can about everything. Expect the unexpected. Be courteous to everyone you encounter. Look and act like a professional pilot.<br /><br />7) Check our website(www.selfflysafari.com)for a selection of nice stops in Namibia. <br /><br />Keep us posted and good luck!The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635550586456234464.post-38113312516402485932010-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:002010-01-31T11:58:18.383-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl80W642FTbQz4SsDFC4JQdmjVMJIT64y14361VzboQ61aJ0FoIYYl8zbLoUiRNzfyr_ePBEQVGGuMDCS0dbt8OUHNFTIh03_QxVbn9v9tVZvqW8mH7cExRv-U2o8bqAk2yke6tk25KI/s1600-h/Walk+with+the+bushmen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432995529447391314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl80W642FTbQz4SsDFC4JQdmjVMJIT64y14361VzboQ61aJ0FoIYYl8zbLoUiRNzfyr_ePBEQVGGuMDCS0dbt8OUHNFTIh03_QxVbn9v9tVZvqW8mH7cExRv-U2o8bqAk2yke6tk25KI/s320/Walk+with+the+bushmen.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Christina and I first flew to Africa in 1996 in our Helio Courier. We flew from home in Warnerville, NY, trans-Atlantic, through Europe, and down the East African coast flying 140 hours over 5 ½ months before we rounded Cape Agulas, the southernmost point in Africa. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">It was a great trip and gave our lives the new focus of promoting private flying in southern Africa. We set up an operation to give pilots an aircraft and route guidance to visit wild, remote parts of Africa while piloting a small aircraft. We’ve been doing that now for over a decade.<br /><br />In many ways, flying in Africa is little different than any other part of the world. It’s air, airplanes and airstrips. ATC accents and phraseology can be different. Different weather patterns, joining and landing procedures – and the possibility of an elephant on the airstrip – are other factors pilots must consider. But if the basics are the same, the rewards – and sometimes the frustrations—of flying in Africa are unique.<br /><br />Grass plains waving in the wind, breathtaking sunsets, driving among herds of elephant and buffalo, and listening to the roar of lions calling in the night, are just the headlines of endless adventure. The harmony of bush ecosystems contrasts with the shock and awe of the never-ending life and death struggle among the animals. Nothing is wasted. The elegance of luxury a bush lodge contrasts with the simple hut of an African village. But the warm reception and unwavering welcome and hospitality at both places is endearing to the soul.<br /><br />All this, and more, awaits the visitor to Africa. </div>The Hanks Aero Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736496858698790666noreply@blogger.com0