Ever thought of taking to the skies in a microlight?
Or even about learning how to fly?
This no longer needs to be a flight of fancy…
Let us show you how at Leading Edge Flight School.
What can be better than soaring over the Big Five country? Here is your chance to take in the breathtaking and unique views of animals and of the untamed African landscape from above. We offer flying safaris in a Bantam over the Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa area.
With our introductory flights, you have a choice of either experiencing flying in a microlight (the two-seater Bantam B22J) or a light sport airplane (the two-seater Jabiru SP). You have the option to just sit back, experience the flight and view the game, or you can have a hands-on experience from your very first flight. We also have a variety of flight lengths available.
Longer flights to the canyon and Graskop should preferably be undertaken early in the morning or late in the afternoon as the weather is best then to go over the Drakensberg. To see wild Africa from the sky, low-level is something not to be missed.
We are perfectly situated to offer some of the best flying in the world. The weather is near perfect year-round, and the extremely diverse scenery is situated within a short flight of the airfield. We can fly you over the largest open pit in Africa or to the third largest canyon in the world – The Blyde River Canyon. The airfield that we operate from is Hoedspruit Civil, which is the only airfield in the country situated in the middle of a town.
THE SCHOOL
Leading Edge Flight School began training in 1995. The school relocated to Hoedspruit, South Africa, during January 2002. There are two full-time instructors available 365 days a year. The school offers training and flying safaris in Hoedspruit.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
The school is registered with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (ATO No. CAA/0141). NPL licenses are obtained from RAASA (Recreation Aviation Administration South Africa). Pilots have to become members of the Microlight Association of South Africa (MISASA).
THE LICENCES
The school offers training towards the National Pilot License (NPL) and the Private Pilot License (PPL).
1. The National Pilot Licence can be obtained in three categories:
Weight Shift Microlight – on your own trike
Conventionally Controlled Microlight – on the Bantam
Light Sport Aeroplane – on the Jabiru SP
2. The Private Pilot License
Scenic Flights
Flying safaris are offered to allow you to experience flying in a Bantam microlight and view the Big Five from above. Flights of 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes are available.
20 Minute Flying Safari:
This flight will take 20 minutes, and will take you over Big Five areas where a wide variety of game can be seen.
30 Minute Microlight Flight:
This flight will take 30 minutes. The usual flight is over Big 5 areas surrounding Hoedspruit including Klaserie Nature Reserve. However, this flight’s route can be changed to suit your own requirements.
1 Hour Flight: Blyde River Canyon
This flight takes 1 hour and can be changed to suit your own requirements. It normally includes a flight over the Blyde River Dam and above the Blyde River Canyon and a view of Bourke’sPotholes before returning back to Hoedspruit or it can include a short flight over the Big 5 reserves in the area where game can be viewed from the air before returning back to Hoedspruit.
1 Hour Flight: Olifants River:
This flight takes 1 hour and can be changed to suit your own requirements. It normally includes flying over the Big Five game farms in the area towards the Olifants River and following the Olifants River for a short while before returning for further game viewing over Klaserie Nature Reserve.
Hoedspruit – Blyde Canyon – Graskop – Hoedspruit:
This flight takes about two and a half hours. You get to see the famous Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Berlin Waterfall, Lisbon Waterfall and the Tufa Waterfall. This flight has a stop at Graskop at the top of the Drakensberg where you enjoy a continental breakfast.
Instruction Costs
So you have decided to obtain your pilot’s license and begin your journey of flight. You probably have many questions. A few frequently asked questions are below. Continue reading and most of your questions will be answered. If we don’t, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can give you the correct answers to your questions.
The minimum age requirement is 17 years for all licenses. Training can be done full time or part-time. The time required will depend on the license you choose and whether you are going to do it part time or full time. You will be required to get a radio license which can be obtained in Hoedspruit and to has done a flying medical, which can be obtained nearby.
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