I'm not a CFI but I've started a search of the FAA database. Here's a start. You'll notice that both of these forms are past expiration but somewhere in the inspectors orders there's a procedure allowed for using such forms until the new ones are issued. I don't know to what lengths these statements are investigated, however in general, licensing in the US is normally done under the honor system. Provided that you're not wanted by Interpol for smuggling blood diamonds or ivory you're probably ok. For aircraft rental you'll have to satisfy the owner of the aircraft that you know how to operate it (up to the CFI but usually an hour or so) along with presenting your SA credentials and whatever paperwork FAA provides after you fill out this application. Notice in the instructions that you'll be presenting yourself at a FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) someplace. Nowadays FSDO personnel require that you make an appointment. They are not hard to get just a couple days notice of when you're coming. Absolutely everything changed in this process after 9/11/2001.

http://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/medi ... 1-2014.pdf

and

http://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/medi ... 0-2014.pdf

Like I said, this is a start. I know the mechanical standards inspector here but I stay away from the human factors side generally. They're not human. (just kidding) When you've read through this I'll call my guy and get a referral.

Dan

Is SA one of the countries that will let you keep a foreign registered airplane in the country indefinately? Some will, some won't.

how you gonna get it here? container ship or fly it north?

Chris,

I think it should be good enough for you just to apply for a license based on your south african license...
All you have to do is fill out the form (the first link Dan oosted), send this to the FAA certification branch and wait for them to send you some paperwork back (in between they will check with the SA authoritioes if you're having a valid license...).
Once you have the paperwork, just make an appointment in the FSDO you provided on the form and you will get a license based on your foreign license(Some FSDOs don't want you to come to the FSDO and will send youo to an DPE).
I went through this a couple of times (because my German License number changed a couple of times and I dis add some rating on my FAA license) and it was always a preety easy way to go...

Hi SA Maule,

Just to echo Florian, I did the same some years ago and it was very straight forward with no hassles. As long as my NZ medical is current I'm good to go with my FAA PPL

Hamish