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Old 30th September 2004 | 13:57
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Mr Toad
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 104
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From: Malaysia
VP 8

UN Air Operations per se are NOT normal line flying; the tasking is very often by military officers with a different set of priorities to normal civilian flight operations. Operations take place in areas where the civil administration has broken down or lost control and hostile conditions may exist. The terms of your AOC will suddenly become blurred, I'm sorry to tell you.

I shared a hangar with several Russian aircraft; a daily sweepstake was held to guess the number of new bullet holes the tail of the Antonov would have... the pilots were not ex-military, they had trained as civilians pilots. Brave as hell they were - but also quite well fortified for the rigours of the day before departure.

Most probably it'll be the best flying you'll ever do in your life; if you're very lucky, you may be able to put your skill to use for the benefit of some very needy people, unlike airline or GA flying. You will be called on to do things way outside the norm; be prepared and ask yourself what you can do to help.

Be sure you trust your employer to pay you, (usually in US$ please) and to look after your basic needs in the field. You will see things that will totally change the way you see normal aviation; go to it, and good luck!
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