Microlighters

Im considering the purchase of a make/ model of microlight, that is not available in SA. I have my eye on a few types that are manufactured in the UK and USA. They can be bought as either kit form or as an almost complete ready to fly configuaration.

What concerens me is the process of having a new type of AC rated and registerd for flying in SA, I have looked at the EAA, CAA, Aero club and Misasa sites and its clear that it is possible, however i getting a bit confused with the paper trail as each site makes reference to various documents, rules and regulations on the other sites..... i have a few questions that perhaps someone can answer:

1. If the particular make/ model already has CAA approval in the UK or USA, does it still need to go through all of the proving flights and tests for SA CAA, or are the UK/USA evaluations considered adequate

2. Is it necessary to register the new a/c as experimental, ntca or L/S1 or can i select

3. Are there any pro`s or conns to each type of registration type

4. How do i get a valid flying licence rating, if its the first type of a particular model of a/c in the country ie no instructors exist, who rates and approves me? (same applies to getting an AP )

5. is there a differance if i bring the a/c into SA as a "kitplane" vs a "microlight" ? If so what

6. Where do i start the registration and approval paper trail? EAA, CAA or AeroClub, MISASA, Jacob Zuma

7. Where can i find out if a particular make/ model of A/C has already been approved for operations in SA

Plenty questions , so i hope someone can point me in the right direction and advise which options are available...... i dont want to end up with a purchase that i cannot use, or massive additional paperwork costs to get the relevant authority to fly

Stan

Ice

Call to Andre Swannepoel at CAA is first stop -

5. Andre Swanepoel swanepoela@caa.co.za 083 635 0037

He is head of NTCA as CAA and has done this type of thing in past. He has been most co-operative with me in past. Also check the NTCA section on the caa website. They have a list of doc's with some (scant) information of what is required.
http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/ ... 0certified%

As for q's, here goes.

1. If the particular make/ model already has CAA approval in the UK or USA, does it still need to go through all of the proving flights and tests for SA CAA, or are the UK/USA evaluations considered adequate

Proving flights are deemed necessary regardless. Will get a proving flight authority for either 10, 25 or 40 hrs. Depends on hrs on type, engine and prop combination.

2. Is it necessary to register the new a/c as experimental, ntca or L/S1 or can i select

No choice, it will be NTCA unless there is a type certificate issued in which case it will be TCA.

3. Are there any pro`s or cons to each type of registration type

NTCA is "experimental" and in theory it means that SB's, AD's etc are not mandatory and theta the owner is responsible for airworthiness and maintenance. In practise if it has a certified engine, prop or components expect to have to comply with AD's, SB's etc issues by manufacturer.

4. How do i get a valid flying licence rating, if its the first type of a particular model of a/c in the country ie no instructors exist, who rates and approves me? (same applies to getting an AP )

Provision is made for similar types. Note test flying of the aerie will need to be done by test pilot.

5. is there a difference if i bring the a/c into SA as a "kitplane" vs a "microlight" ? If so what

No difference between kitplane and microlight. They are both NTCA (Non type certified aeroplanes) The weight will dictate what license you can/can't fly it with. Off hand can't remember what they are, but there is min, MAUW restriction on 3 axis microlights.

6. Where do i start the registration and approval paper trail? EAA, CAA or AeroClub, MISASA, Jacob Zuma

Andre Swannepoel at CAA. The relevant doc's are http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/ ... rcraft.htm
Application for the issue of a proving flight authorisation for microlight, amateur built, not certified production built and kit built aircraft
CA 103-01

Application for the issue of an authority to fly for microlight, amateur built, not certified production built and kit built aircraft
CA 103-02

Application for the renewal of an authority to fly for microlight, amateur built, not certified production built and kit built aircraft
CA 103-03

Annual inspection notification for microlight, amateur built, not certified production built and kit built aircraft
CA 103-04

Checklist for issue of authority to fly LS/1 aircraft to be completed with every issue of authority to fly
CA 103-09

Requirements for registration of microlight, amateur built and non-certified production built aircraft
CA 103-10

7. Where can i find out if a particular make/ model of A/C has already been approved for operations in SA

CAA. Andre again, else search avdex register but it may be down with different name, as often the builders name or initials are added if he built it.

excellent, thanks for the replies and answers, this definately helps....... :D

Any chance on a PM to the aerie in question...

Note test flying of the aerie will need to be done by test pilot

Is that for the whole 10,25 or 40 hour tesing period or just the intial first flight? Do you know if its possible to do my conversion during the period or do i need the a/c CAA endorsed before starting license conversion?

PM on its way! nothing special, basic three axis!

Will depend on the hrs on the specific model.
10 hrs if it has some hrs flight time (Ask very nicely and maybe)
25 hrs if certified eng and prop combination and plenty flying
40 hrs for all others. I would expect this if new type...

My unerstanding is the initial couple hrs (exact number is unclear, but can be as low as 3 or high as 10) need to be done by test pilot in formal test flights where basic controls, stall speeds etc are established and verified. Once basic flight envelope is 'proved', he can then do convex for you and you as owner can do rest of the proving flight hrs, provided you have the appropriate license. MPL or PPL. Training may not be done during the proving flight phase although you can go along after the initial test flights as observer...

RV4ker wrote:Call to Andre Swannepoel at CAA is first stop -
5. Andre Swanepoel swanepoela@caa.co.za 083 635 0037

Number doesn't exist and CAA on hold for over 45 mins for 2 calls! I hope the email address works

Call 011 545 1xyz and insert any numbers for the xyz starting with 010, 020, 030, 040 etc and ask them to transfer you to NTCA dept. Andre's cell number is correct, but he does not easily answer it. I have keld for over an hr on the 1000 number only to have the fone put down on me.

Also try Mary Stevens at CAA. She will get Andre to call you back. (StephensMa @ caa . co . za). She is active on Avcom in the CAA section and has been most helpful in the past.

Thanks RV, the cell number says

"is not available on the MTN network..." Will go the Mary route!

Have got Mary's cell no somehwere, but she will help when you get hold of here. Alternative is to post something on Avcom on CAA section. She usually checks it once a week or so. Is still listed as +2783 635 0037 on CAA website and it what I used in march this year...

Can also try Ms. Sandra Chauke - chaukes@caa.co.za - 011 545 1289/011 545 1151.

Sandra is Andre's right hand. I have found her most helpful.

Have got Mary's cell no somehwere, but she will help when you get hold of here. Alternative is to post something on Avcom on CAA section. She usually checks it once a week or so.

Andre Cell is still listed as +2783 635 0037 on CAA website and it what I used in march this year...

Can also try Ms. Sandra Chauke - chaukes@caa.co.za - 011 545 1289/011 545 1151. Sandra is Andre's right hand. I have found her most helpful.

This sounds like a root channal treatment, going from the rectum up.

Good luck.