KOMATI FLIGHT ACADEMY - its fun 2 fly!

Komati Flight Academy is also home to the Bushbaby, Explorer and Safari Aircraft. Visit the factory website at www.saplanes.co.za for more information on these versatile bushplanes.

Komati Flight Academy is based at the Komatipoort Airfield (FAKP) in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

We are a SACAA approved Light Sport and Microlight Training Establishment, and the we only make use of highly qualified instructors. The tarred runway is 2,1km long and 40m wide. With its easy approaches and low air traffic, its the ideal airfield for student pilots.

Recreational Flying has come a long way since it’s inception all those years ago. They have evolved from those unsafe backyard contraptions to highly sophisticated and refined flying machines today. They have evolved from a very unsafe sport to one of the safest sports around today.
Microlights in general can be divided into two main categories:

Weight-shift (trikes)	3-axis (conventional) aircraft or Light Sport Planes

Weight-shift aircraft operate by shifting your weight in the direction you want to turn. A weight-shift aircraft works on the same principle as hang gliders and is mainly controlled in only two axis i.e. roll and pitch	3-axis aircraft work and mostly look like conventional aircraft and are controlled in all 3-axis i.e. roll, pitch and yaw.

What to expect:
Your first order of business is to go for an introductory flight. This flight will be done by one of our qualified instructors and will also count towards your dual hours for your license. An indemnity form must be signed before the flight. Remember that before each flight you and the instructor must sign the flight authorization sheet.

Once you have decided that you want to continue with your training, the following documentation must be completed. Student information sheet:
     Application for SPL (which will include an aviation medical)
     Aero club and MISASA membership application. Before you can go solo you have to meet the following
     requirements:

Be in possession of a SPL
Be proficient on the radio
Completed exercises 1-14 and 22
Write a pre-solo exam
Do a dual check ride with an A or B grade instructor.

Remember that as a student pilot you are not allowed to fly away from the airfield unless authorized to do so by your instructor and you are also not allowed to carry passengers. After your first solo you can expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours solo in the circuit. During this period your instructor will take you to the general flying area and demonstrate the more advanced maneuvers for approx 2 hours. You will by now have started planning your first dual cross-country flight with your instructor. The flight must be at least 30 nautical miles away from base with three legs or more with one out landing. The total flight duration must be more than 90 minutes. You will now go back to the general flying area and practice the more advanced maneuvers and also start planning your solo cross-country flight. Once you have completed your solo cross-country you should now only have to do a cross-country navigation test and a flight test to complete your MPL.

How Much will it Cost?
Obtaining your MPL is by far the most affordable form of powered flying. Cost of obtaining a MPL varies depending on whether you will be using your own aircraft or the Academy's aircraft and, of course, your own ability and progress. An all inclusive MPL license could cost less than R15,000 - this includes your medical examination, radio license, membership fees to MISASA and the Aero Club of SA, fuel, landing fees, lectures and training, as well as a student pack with maps, handbooks, notes, etc. A pay-as-you-progress option is also available.

When can I start?
Training can be done on a full tiime or part time basis. There is no set time frame on these courses, we try and accomodate every student on an individual basis.