15SQN,
it might be a good idea contacting the companies before hand. Just ask for the chief pilot/ ops manager or any pilot who s got some time on their hands to answer your questions.
Then send a basic CV ( one page) including total time/ time on type and ratings etc. Maybe call them again to make sure CV didn t get lost...
Yes, S.A. residents also need to apply for a work permit, the company will do that for you once you are hired. That can take up to 3 months!! So do not come with empty pockets!!
During this time the guys usually get trained, in the sense of familiarizing with the area. During this time you do sit right hand seat, so "No throwing into the deep end!"
As for your van rating..... a fine thing to have, if you are rich.... but most likely- being a pilot- you are not.... and since you won't be able to get onto a van until you have at least 1000hrs total time, maybe invest money somewhere else. By then most companies will probably want to brush up your knowledge again anyway and will bond you for training and groundschool again.
Definately do an IF-com/ if you have the money, a twin rating isn t a bad thing. Several companies do have Islanders. It would be a shame if the lack of a twin rating would stand between you and some twin hours one day. Then again, that could be an option for your renewal after a year as min. hours for the twin are usually also 700-1000.....
If you want to do something useful with your hour building, maybe get a C 206 rating. 5 hours on type will make it easier and cheaper to have it put into your Bots license. Then again, I know it's rather tricky to find a C206 in S.A. So don t go out of way, if a company wants to hire you, they ll do that with or without 206 rating!
Most companies take guys with 200hrs +, one company would like a min. of 250hrs, saying that, exceptions seem to be the rule.
As for the first six weeks in Maun.... depending on what month you are planning to head up there, camping is probably the cheapest option, though I believe right now it might a be little frosty, but then again- it s all about determination, isn t it??
If you are from S.A., my advice, pack your car- if you have one- with food (no, you can get everything in Maun, but it's cheaper out of Mum's fridge) and tent and sleeping bag and drive up there.
If people like you- unfortunately ( or maybe fortunately) this is how it works in Maun- you'll bump into so many pilots that after a couple of days you either get offered a ( or at least half a) sofa to crash out on, or someone will ask you to house sit for them (looking after plot/ car/ cats & dogs while owners are away...)
What definately is a good investment, if you haven't got one already, a gps!!
Hope this will answer some of your questions.
Good luck!
Oh, forgot to mention.... live is great fun in Maun, and the flying you do, the most awsome.....