New "First Officer Program" Announced at AOPA Expo

by ANN Correspondent Scott Wagner

Are you looking for an aerial adventure... and the typical Sunday afternoon hamburger run isn't quite cutting the mustard? You like flying with friends to a pancake breakfast fly-in, but the flapjacks are leaving you flat? Maybe Hanks Aero Adventures can help.

About 12 years ago, Nick and Christina Hanks set out in their Helio Courier on an African adventure. During their travels, they discovered the joy of flying into backcountry landing strips and were amazed at the luxurious accommodations available in the wilds of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. They concluded that if they were impressed, other American' would be to, and thus Hanks Aero Adventures was conceived.

Upon further research, they determined no one else was offering aerial tours of the continent, and more importantly, it was possible to do so. They took the idea to Oshkosh in 1996, setting up shop in the Fly Market. Their first tours launched the following year.

The "Self Fly Safari" begins with a three to four day checkout and license validation in Johannesburg. The checkout consists of briefings, preparations for flying in the unfamiliar and sometimes hostile African terrain and weather, and ultimately a checkride. At the culmination, a license good for 90 days is issued by the South African government. From there, the true adventure begins.

Generally, pilots fly one of Hanks' two Cessna 182s. The company also manages a third 182, a Piper Cherokee Six and a Cherokee 180. Through a network of local aircraft owners, they have other options available upon special request. Clients are free to choose their own routing as to accommodate any special attractions they my wish to see.

Among the most popular stops are Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, and the Okavango Delta. The trips are extremely flexible, and tailormade for the client. A "Cockpit Trip Kit" is provided, which provides all necessary information as far as airports, routing, navaids, airspace, frequencies and the like.

A typical tour lasts around 15 days, with a total of around 22 hours of flight time. Enroute legs are kept reasonably short, and are always planned to allow for at least a one hour reserve. Tours are also available for groups of up to eight aircraft, with Nick and Christina flying lead in a loose formation.

The Hanks have discovered that there are many pilots who simply are not comfortable flying solo in Africa. Thus, they developed the "First Officer Program", where a South African flight instructor flies with the client. The client can log the flight time as dual instruction, and is not required to validate their license for this option. This allows for additional time on the tour, as opposed to in Johannesburg taking care of paperwork. The company launched this program at AOPA Expo 2007, in Hartford, CT.

When most people think of an African safari, images of "Survivor" generally come to mind. Not so with a Hanks Aero tour. Instead, think lavish and luxurious lodges, with excellent cuisine, private observation decks, and other amenities found in the finest state-side spas. Furthermore, wildlife is often spotted walking or grazing just outside the door of the clients' chalet or cabin. Lions, elephants, rhinos and giraffes are found on the morning and evening game drives, as are virtually all other forms of African flora and fauna.

"Generally speaking, the traveler will stay at each selected lodge for two or three nights. The locals are delighted to have foreign tourists, and unlike some countries where outsiders are not welcomed, they are extremely accommodating" said Nick Hanks.

Pricing varies, depending on the client's selection of route and accommodations. On average, cost is between $400 and $600 per person, per day. That equates to roughly $7500 per person for a 15 day tour. The price is all inclusive, with the exception of Avgas, which currently sells for around $4.00 per gallon in the region. All flights are conducted under day VFR conditions.

If you have always wanted to tour Africa, and at the same time scratch your aviation itch, then give Hanks Aero Adventures a call. They'll set you up with a true once in a lifetime adventure.

FMI: www.selfflysafari.com