Confession Time

Author - Dr Henk Koster

I have been blessed with many highlights in my aviation career, the fist introductory flight, first solo, taidragger off-runway landings in the bush, competing at the First World Air Games in Turkey (1997), various other World Rally and Precision Championships, and many other highlights. But I have to confess, the best money I have ever spent on flying, was with Christophe from Light Sport Aviation (Rhinopark) doing the Motorized Touring Glider(TMG) rating in an SF 28, exploring PAS (Power Assisted Soaring).

A whole new world was opened to me, after 23 years of flying. Too incredible to believe?  Not so, it is indeed a world different from what I knew to exist. The theory taught me to consider the atmosphere (weather) in a totally different way than what I was accustomed to.  The PAS – emphasised good flying habits, it sensitise the essentials to power flying such as “fly the wing”.  The soaring taught me to appreciate each little bit of “turbulence” for what it is, analyze it and use it to my advantage. Eish – it’s totally different from the usual swearing which goes hand-in-hand when experiencing turbulence in a power plane! The flying taught me to better understand the aerodynamics of surface controls. The list goes on.

I don’t know how I could have missed it previously, but I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity I had. And will have again. The learning curve is steep and I am only at the beginning of it. Fortunately the way the classes are presented, is very informal but professional and thorough. ( I have had enough instructors in my life to know).TMG is an easy transition medium for conventional power pilots to experience the wonder of engine off flight reserved for gliders. The new regulations facilitate conversions to higher licences and migration additions in the NPL environment practical.

This is certainly an experience I most strongly recommend to all my power-plane buddies (even those I don’t know). Don’t miss the opportunity the LSAschool provides for all of us. You can take my word for it – of all the money I have ever spent on flying, this is the best deal one can ever have. It is money well invested.

An experience not to be missed.

ATO TMG Approval! … World First !

Congratulations! … ATO TMG Approval! … World First !

LSAT cc – Light Sport Aviation Training cc at Rhino Park Gauteng – has become the 1st ATO approved for TMG training in South Africa – under the new  CARS 2011, Part 62 NPL , sub part 17 (touring motor gliders / TMG), 03/09/2012. This is probably a world first since nowhere else is TMG a stand-alone license category.  The school is open for business! … Get your TMG license / renewal, type ratings - today.

New TMG LicenseThe new CARS 2011, Part 62 NPL , sub part 17 (touring motor gliders / TMG) – has been formally promulgated and implemented.  According to the standing  agreement – since February between SACAA / RAASA and PASASA – RAASA was supposed – to be ready to issue new licenses end of May 2012 – as confirmed in writing by Mr N De Lange CEO of RAASA.  Sub part 17 – governs pilot licenses for the newly established “Touring Motor Glider” category under the Part 62 National Pilot License (NPL) Scheme in essence administered by RAASA. This mainstreams TMG licensing and immediately provides holders access to the other Part 62 Categories as additions such as – CCM, LSA, etcThe major implications –

license holders:

 a.       Any candidate who qualifies in terms of the regulations - Part 62 NPL , sub part 17, can make application to RAASA be issued the licence.  (No more membership / dependence on SSSA etc).a.       Existing SSSA glider pilots with current GPL with any type of TMG - can now apply (to migrate) to the new “NPL - TMG – with types”, supposable free of charge from RAASA.

b.      Existing license holders / under P61 / Part 62 – simply have to comply to the sub part  category regulations / requirements – example:  NPL / LSA holder receives 25 hrs recognition, needs to complete 10 hours to the required 35 hrs and a flight test.c.      

TAKE NOTE:  Apparently – license holders - under P61 / Part 62 (LSA only) – can acquire the TMG Category rating – with 1 hours & 3 landings, as a type rating, as the current RAASA published policy stands.  The major implications – in terms of Part 141 ATO’s:

1.       Any existing ATO / Flight School can make application (Doc CA 141-01 – section: “application for the amendment of …”) to amend their TPM to include TMG training / operations (Cost of R1180-00)

2.       Any individual / entity (including “clubs”) can make application for a NEW ATO / Flight School  (Doc CA 141-01 – section: “application for the issue of …”) file an TPM for TMG training / operations (Cost of R1280-00?).

The CAA Flight Operations officer - Mr Jason Maistry  e-mail:  <MaistryJ@caa.co.za>  OR – 011 5451000 /1211 – for Flight School applications and approvals, in this regard.PASASA (Power Assisted Soaring Association of SA) has been involved with the new regulations from the start (2005) and recently provided RAASA with the questionnaire database for the on-line exams. PASASA has published a first draft “Best Practice” document – under revision at CAA – to provide ATO with guidelines on application to CAA Part 141 Flight Operations and address various training / operation concerns. There is a mutual recognition that industry awareness / education in this regard is a major challenge and should be prioritized.

More information is available from PASASA compliance officer – 0827656670. PASASA membership is R108-00 p/a.

Contact LSAT cc at – 0838605225 Marelize Swartz / info@lsat.co.za