I swore I'd lay low for a while, but what the hell let's get into it.
As far as the slagging off goes on this site, it's less about the company and more about the managament. Plenty of our friends here have got it in for the managment for various reasons. Your best bet if you are looking to come and fly out here is to get in touch with some of the guys out here. Each company is diffrent. Depending on your experience and what you hope to get out of flying here, various companies will suit you.
Zan Air: requirements I don't know but they will be looking for a new guy or two by the end of th season, some movement there. You'll need to get in touch with them for requirements on the pistons. From what I hear the LET's still need a type rating and you would be looking in the range of 11000 Euros.
Tropical: From what I hear of what is going on in their hangar these boys are not closing down. They are overhauling the entire fleet, and will be needing pilots. Lately I hear things have been going good over there lot's of flying and two aircraft coming out of the hangar soon. A good place for low time guys to start off in and work up. As for requirments you need to get hold of them. He seems to be pulling his socks up, might be a good up and comer out here if he sticks to it.
Flightlink: They only have one plane a 182. You might be able to get some freelance work on that one. There is a leased Islander flying for them, but it has it's own pilot. Word is he is looking to expand but not sure what he is getting yet.
Sky Aviation: Several twins some fo the older boys flying for them, but I'm sure on freelance basis, they operate C402B/C an Aztec and a Cherokee 6. A relativly new company but they seem to be making their mark. Personally know nothing of their requirments or working conditions.
Auric Air: True there has been a high turn over of pilots there, but he has everything from little singles to big twins working for him. He has taken up he slack left behind with the demise of Interlink. Flying up on the lake is fun and Chalenging, but personally could only tolerate Mwanza for short periods. Haven't been hearing much about this company since I was in Dar, but there might be some positions open up there. Joined them almost myself, the only thing stopping me was the move to Mwanza.
Coastal: One of the biggest operators out here, as for the safety record. It's Very High thanks. We look after out planes ourselves. Throughout the years we have been striving to Provide the best Safari/Charter service possible. The pilots are experienced, and entry requirments are high. 400+ for a 206 and 2000+ for a van. We go to some pretty out of the way places and some very rough strips. It does take a certain character to make it in Coastal, it's not for everybody. It's hard to get onto the Van since most pilots are upgraded internally. But if you want to come and fly out in East Africa for a while with a descent Company and fly serious hours. Then I'd say look up Coastal. It is very hard for the new guys, but managment wants dedicated people who give that little extra for the job. It's not just good enough to just fly you got to help out in all factions of the company from time to time. Often your in some middle of nowhere place or in another country where you have no support staff. It's hard work, but I've had a fun doing it. You'll work hard but fly all over the country and it's neighbours.
As far as Safety goes out here, sometimes it's Maintenance, sometimes it's bad strips and sometimes it's bad luck. We all want to get there safely, we all want our pay checks and we all want our planes back in one piece. We all make the effort to get the job done as safely as possible with the highest return.
Don't believe everything you hear.
And rember this is Africa, enjoy it whilst it lasts because eventually the only guy flying will be the Autopilot after 500 feet AGL.
Good luck to all the Newbie's, and don't bugger up my 206
