Maun avgeek

[hatton]

I'm a Maun Avgeek. Just wondered if anyone has any updates on Maun operators and fleet lists. This is purely from a plane spotting point of view. Not job hunting.

Have the wilderness Air C206s gone to Namibia to replace the C210s.

Thanks.

[PilotInPink]

I won't attempt to count how many of each type each operator has, I know for sure that I would get the numbers wrong.

I have listed the types of aircraft that are actively flying at the moment. Some of the operators own other aircraft that haven't been off the ground in a long time so I have left those off the list.

Air Shakawe
C206, C210

Delta Air
C206, GA8
(I haven't seen their C210 for a while... Abezzi- you've been flying more than I have lately, have you seen/ heard it??)

Kavango Air
C172, C206, GA8

Mack Air
C206, C210, GA8, Kodiak, C208

Major Blue Air
C172, GA8, C208, B200

Moremi Air
C206, GA8

Safari Air
Ga8, Kodiak, C208

Wilderness Air
C206, GA8, C208

[hatton]

Thanks for the info, Pilot in Pink. Don't Air Shakawe have the C207's anymore?

[abezzi]

Delta Air C210 is back on line!

[hatton]

Thank you for the updates

[PilotInPink]

Air Shakawe still owns the C207s, but they haven't flown for about a year.

[hatton]

Oh, I'm surprised about that. I thought the 207s were the main stay of the fleet. From the pics on facebook it looks like Air Shakawe got the 206's from Mack Air.

[hatton]

Jakekenobi, Maun requirements is 500 hours, CPL and a type rating i.e. Gippslands GA8

[hatton]

Jakekenobi,

Try Moremi Air, they always seem to be recruiting or Kavango Air, but you really need a C206 or GA8 rating. Work permit could be tough.
There are only 8 operators as Fridge Air are an air conditioning firm!

[Band a Lot]

Maun was always and like many a turn up and hang around to get employed place. I doubt that has changed.

Sending a CV from another country and expecting a call is a bit mythical in my opinion, also does not do much for the turnover of a few camp grounds and bars.

[PilotInPink]

The ninth operator that you talk about was probably Fridge Air as mentioned in the "Essential Guide". Unfortunately, they have closed their operation in Maun. Also, as Hatton pointed out, they were a refrigeration and air conditioning company (but that didn't stop many people from sending hopeful pilots in that direction).

Other operators that could be included to make up to 9 would be Flying Mission Services or Helicopter Horizons. I didn't mention either of them because FMS pulled out of Maun awhile ago, and HH have their wings in the wrong place.


As for work, don't count on getting a reply to your emails. We almost exclusively only consider the applications that are made in person.

[jakekenobi]

Thanks everybody for info.

I know i have to be in Maun and apply personally , i was just wondering if they are hiring expats on spot like they used to, because in another thread there was talk of training and hiring locals...
And what is competitive CV nowadays in Maun?Is 870h Total time ok?

Thaks again

[hatton]

870 hours is fine, but you need a type rating. The GA8 is the one to get, or a Cessna 206. Dangerous goods cert and farm strip/bush flying experience would really help.

[hatton]

I really envy, Jakekenobi, so live the dream and enjoy being a bush pilot!

[PilotInPink]

While we are predominantly hiring citizens, there is definitely a need for higher hour expats entering the system. Many companies are finding themselves in a position where they have 200 hour pilots and management pilots, but no one in between.

870 is a good amount of total time. Hatton is correct about the type ratings- but that only applies for pilots who come from places such as South Africa or New Zealand where type ratings exist. If your licence is FAA or EASA where you only have class ratings for single engine piston aircraft, then that is sufficient. However, an hour or two of dual instruction in each of the C206 and GA8 will help.

Personally, I disagree when Hatton says that previous bush flying experience will help you. I actually cringe when I see that on a CV. We will teach you how to fly into the strips the way that we want you to. Every company has standard operating procedures based on decades of operations here. Pilots who have done short, bush flying courses may find that training here takes longer because you first have to un-learn everything. An open mind and a clean slate is easier for the training captains.

Dangerous goods, CRM and first aid certificates are definitely welcome and helpful. As are an instructor rating (with instructing experience) and courses in safety management and quality assurance. I foresee a problem in the not so distant future where Maun runs out of suitable training captains, so instructing is definitely bonus points for any applicant.

One final point, what does it say on your pilot licence? You hold a commercial pilot licence. "CPL with ATPL exams completed" if it makes you feel better. I have yet to see a licence that says "Frozen ATPL". I'm sure that other people may feel differently, but it annoys me when people use that term.

[hatton]

How did you get to nearly 900 hours? Flight instruction, hour building? What about a bush flying course with the legendary CC Pocock, Pilot in Pink?

[PilotInPink]

Unless CC is training you to fly in a C206 or GA8, in accordance with our SOPs, and with specific focus on Okavango Delta operations, I see it as an unnecessary expense for any pilot intending to come to Maun. As recurrent training for a recreational pilot, I think it's ideal. Just my personal opinion.

Every pilot in the delta does thorough orientation, indoctrination and line training. The training captains will teach you how to fly the way that the company wants you to fly. From my experience, the hardest guys to train (and the ones who can cause problems) are the pilots who have "prior bush experience" and/or extensive time on type.

[hatton]

Good point, Pilot in Pink. What's it like to fly in and out of Ntswi Island, I gather the strip is only 600 meters long?

Also given the choice, what would you fly a C206 or a GA8?

[PilotInPink]

So long as you fly the aircraft the way that it is designed to be flown, then Ntswi is just like any other runway. It all comes down to proper training, following procedures, and knowing your aircraft.

At 30 degrees C and at MAUW the C206 requires a ground run of approx 402m and a distance of approx 830m to clear a 50ft obstacle. Under the same conditions, an airvan needs around 550m ground run and 900m for obstacle clearance... Needless to say, we are all grateful for the lack of any obstacles at the end of Ntswi.


In an ideal world, I would want a hybrid of the C206 and GA8. The C206 has better air vents for the pilot (definitely needed in this environment), rudder trim, better short field performance, and you can check the fuel without using a ladder. Wheras the GA8 has a better (but not perfect) flap system, is easier to land, and is so much easier in terms of load passengers and freight.

[hatton]

Thanks, Pilot in Pink. I wonder if the elephant is still in residence at Ntswi? I would love to fly from Maun to Ntswi in a Cessna 206 and then into Kasane via Vic Falls.

[flyger14]

Hello together. I'm slightly confused. Does it make sense to show up in Maun with 270 hours, FAA CPL IFR, HP Endorsement, 3 hours ME and Medical 1st class, or will I not meet the minimum qualifications?

[PilotInPink]

Thanks, Pilot in Pink. I wonder if the elephant is still in residence at Ntswi? I would love to fly from Maun to Ntswi in a Cessna 206 and then into Kasane via Vic Falls.

When the water is low the eles come and go off the island. Ntswi to Kasane is a long and bumpy flight in a 206 with not much to see enroute. Maun to Ntswi on the other hand is a great leg; short (15 minutes), therefore low enough to see game, and goes over a beautiful part of the Delta.


Hello together. I'm slightly confused. Does it make sense to show up in Maun with 270 hours, FAA CPL IFR, HP Endorsement, 3 hours ME and Medical 1st class, or will I not meet the minimum qualifications?

No sense at all. Strict minimum for not citizens is 500 hours and that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

[flyger14]

OK, thanks. I assume that is true for all companys at Maun.

[PilotInPink]

It's a requirement for work and residence permits, therefore a government imposed restriction rather than a company restriction

[hatton]

I wonder if Kavango Air have got a Cessna 208 Caravan yet?

In other news, I see that Wilderness Air are recruiting Cessna 208 pilots.

[jakekenobi]

Interesting news for Wilderness and 208, is it the first time they are taking direct entry Caravan pilots,not upgrading from 206?

[hatton]

Advert says South Africa CPL and 800 hours. Cessna 208 an advantage. Think they are looking for experienced pilots.

[PilotInPink]

I wonder if Kavango Air have got a Cessna 208 Caravan yet?

I understand that Kavango has a new Cessna on the way... another C172. No caravan in sight.

[hatton]

Thanks Pilot In Pink. That makes 3 Cessna 172s for Kavango?

[Glassos]

What are the prospects for a retired airline pilot? Grew up in african aviation but have spent the last 30 years flying heavies for a major US airline. Looking to go back to my roots when I retire.

[Yeager]

U'd wanna go C208 - not back to sticky pistons. Big question, without being politically correct is - are you up for wuick turn arounds and the whole "make things work" scenario. I understand your dream - but you'd need to understand the whole "package" the African bush pilot dream comes with as well. Good luck.

[4runner]

Yeager, he/she said that their roots were in African aviation. I also fly heavies around the world for a US carrier these days and my “roots” are in African aviation. It would take some training and a few hours of practice to become reacquainted with piston equipment again.

[B Drive]

Years ago we used to go into Ntswi with a Navajo Chieftain......
Gunns camp was seriously popular then even with the RAF