Ozmates looking for work in Africa
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
work in africa
G'day all!!
I made this post yesterday but 4pole kindly advised me that due to some tech problem it had been deleted...whilst I'm expecting this post to be possibly moved, I'm just looking to find out what's involved for an Aussie pilot looking for work in Africa regarding licence/rating conversions and minimum requirements for most companies??
I've looked all over the net and short of calling companies in Africa, I can't seem to find any info. I'm assuming there are pilots from either Australia or abroad Africa reading this who were in my shoes so if you have any info or advice for a young player it would be greatly appreciated!!
Cheers in advance,
ovum
I made this post yesterday but 4pole kindly advised me that due to some tech problem it had been deleted...whilst I'm expecting this post to be possibly moved, I'm just looking to find out what's involved for an Aussie pilot looking for work in Africa regarding licence/rating conversions and minimum requirements for most companies??
I've looked all over the net and short of calling companies in Africa, I can't seem to find any info. I'm assuming there are pilots from either Australia or abroad Africa reading this who were in my shoes so if you have any info or advice for a young player it would be greatly appreciated!!
Cheers in advance,
ovum
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Hilton, Sheraton or Marriott
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had a thread running previously on this forum - Ozmates looking for work in Africa - was very useful for our antipodean mates looking to come over this way. Well with my hamfistedness (you should see me on the FMS!) while I was moving ovum's post to that thread the whole thread got nuked - so here it goes again - Ozmates & Kiwis are welcome to post here if you're looking at heading west & hopefully there will be a lot of useful info posted that may be of assistance.
Good luck fellas.
4HP
Good luck fellas.
4HP
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ovum
Check out the websiteSouth African Civil Aviation Authority for some info, and perhaps contact a local flying school - they should be able to help you with the info you need for a licence conversion. As for work, according to a thread in this forum, there is some in Tanzania and Botswana hires at the beginning of the year, around Feb/March. Lots of charter companies look for a minimum of 1000 TT, but in some countries with the relevant licence endorsements less would be accepted.
Good luck!!
S
Check out the websiteSouth African Civil Aviation Authority for some info, and perhaps contact a local flying school - they should be able to help you with the info you need for a licence conversion. As for work, according to a thread in this forum, there is some in Tanzania and Botswana hires at the beginning of the year, around Feb/March. Lots of charter companies look for a minimum of 1000 TT, but in some countries with the relevant licence endorsements less would be accepted.
Good luck!!
S
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for that Stephen, good to get some feedback.
I've around 500TT at the moment so by Feb I'm hoping to have closer to 1000, as PC asked though, what is the pay like and how cheap is it to live? I guess if you can keep your head above water it's ok
cheers
I've around 500TT at the moment so by Feb I'm hoping to have closer to 1000, as PC asked though, what is the pay like and how cheap is it to live? I guess if you can keep your head above water it's ok
cheers
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PC and ovum
Pay in some jobs here is pure exploitation, some operators really give the least they can to allow you to eat bread but no butter, but on the brighter side of things in some places they pay in Benjamin Franklins and the quality of life over here is very good
Pay in some jobs here is pure exploitation, some operators really give the least they can to allow you to eat bread but no butter, but on the brighter side of things in some places they pay in Benjamin Franklins and the quality of life over here is very good
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: A galaxy far, far away
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Go West Son, Go West!
Just wondering what the employment prospects in Africa would be for a guy with just over 1000 (mainly single) hours. Ive got 4 years industry exp in Australia including charter, instructing and low level. Ive done the "top end" wet season work and plenty of remote base time.
I want to get onto a twin fairly soon and dont mind about making bugger all money.
What countries / a/c would be the best for my experience?
Thanks
I want to get onto a twin fairly soon and dont mind about making bugger all money.
What countries / a/c would be the best for my experience?
Thanks
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: -
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its worth keeping in mind that for the following countries...
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Mozambique
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Namibia
(I'm sure that the list is by no means exhaustive, these are just the countries that I'm familiar with the GA flying of)
...the majority of bush flying/charter is done by expat caucasion pilots. There are of cause a number of caucasion pilots who hold passports or permanent resident status of each of these countries. And they of course get preference for jobs. But still there is always need for foreign pilots. So pilots thinking of heading to Africa should remember that they will be in competition with other foreign pilots looking for work there. Many arrive with between 200 and 500 hours. Hours not the most important thing, as many PPRuNe threads will tell you. Personal character more important providing you meet a good flying standard. Ozzies and Kiwis generally put up an excellent showing relative to other nationalities. Lots of Brits and South Africans of course. And plenty of Europeans and Americans (not just from the USA) as well. Just because South Africans come from the same continent doesn't mean that they get preference for bush-flying jobs norther of the Limpopo. They are 'foreigners' up there as well!
'Top-end', 'bush' experience would put you in as good stead as anything else if you've never been to Africa before.
Bon chance.
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Mozambique
- Tanzania
- Malawi
- Namibia
(I'm sure that the list is by no means exhaustive, these are just the countries that I'm familiar with the GA flying of)
...the majority of bush flying/charter is done by expat caucasion pilots. There are of cause a number of caucasion pilots who hold passports or permanent resident status of each of these countries. And they of course get preference for jobs. But still there is always need for foreign pilots. So pilots thinking of heading to Africa should remember that they will be in competition with other foreign pilots looking for work there. Many arrive with between 200 and 500 hours. Hours not the most important thing, as many PPRuNe threads will tell you. Personal character more important providing you meet a good flying standard. Ozzies and Kiwis generally put up an excellent showing relative to other nationalities. Lots of Brits and South Africans of course. And plenty of Europeans and Americans (not just from the USA) as well. Just because South Africans come from the same continent doesn't mean that they get preference for bush-flying jobs norther of the Limpopo. They are 'foreigners' up there as well!
'Top-end', 'bush' experience would put you in as good stead as anything else if you've never been to Africa before.
Bon chance.
Last edited by masseygrad; 22nd Jun 2005 at 06:46.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Behind 1480mm RHA equivalent
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And bear in mind that it's not like there's a massive pilot shortage....as said above, you will be competing with many others, hence salaries may not be any good.
You could perhaps think of shelling out for a B1900 rating, and try the contract companies, NAC, KAS, Solenta, ET, etc.
In fact, (as far as I know it's still the case), Solenta *requires* that you pay for your rating. That tends to thin the herd of applicants, so you may be in with a chance. You could go as big as an ATR if you're feeling wealthy, or go for a Van. In any case, they do employ expats (again, as far as I know), not just SA people.
You could perhaps think of shelling out for a B1900 rating, and try the contract companies, NAC, KAS, Solenta, ET, etc.
In fact, (as far as I know it's still the case), Solenta *requires* that you pay for your rating. That tends to thin the herd of applicants, so you may be in with a chance. You could go as big as an ATR if you're feeling wealthy, or go for a Van. In any case, they do employ expats (again, as far as I know), not just SA people.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Home
Age: 24
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ovum,
I spent 5 years in Jo'burg not sure if things have changes but down that way u will need to do all exams again. Only your hours will count.
Look up requirements for CPL because there are a few differences i.e. Night time, IF time.
Keep in mind that even singles require a seperate type rating in that part of the world.
Good Luck
I spent 5 years in Jo'burg not sure if things have changes but down that way u will need to do all exams again. Only your hours will count.
Look up requirements for CPL because there are a few differences i.e. Night time, IF time.
Keep in mind that even singles require a seperate type rating in that part of the world.
Good Luck
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Behind 1480mm RHA equivalent
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree completely. I was just trying not to let my bias show! Imagine you asked another group of professionals (say mech/elec/civil engineers) to do the same: they'd laugh in your face!
Solenta in particular could have a brilliant setup. I hope some Solenta management types are listening: You have a company that allows fantastic career progression for young pilots, Van -> 1900 -> ATR. Don't make them pay, bond them! Train them up the way you want them, develope some common concepts through the SOP's/checklists (maybe you do already, I don't know), allow them to progress properly as they gain experience. You'll have a big pool of pilots to choose from, and all of them familiar with your SOP's. Make the senior guys with instructors ratings into training captains and senior pilots, and they can put their years of experience to use for YOUR benefit! Isn't this obvious? Surely Solenta is running into occasional pilot shortages? Anyone know?
Solenta in particular could have a brilliant setup. I hope some Solenta management types are listening: You have a company that allows fantastic career progression for young pilots, Van -> 1900 -> ATR. Don't make them pay, bond them! Train them up the way you want them, develope some common concepts through the SOP's/checklists (maybe you do already, I don't know), allow them to progress properly as they gain experience. You'll have a big pool of pilots to choose from, and all of them familiar with your SOP's. Make the senior guys with instructors ratings into training captains and senior pilots, and they can put their years of experience to use for YOUR benefit! Isn't this obvious? Surely Solenta is running into occasional pilot shortages? Anyone know?
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: oppieplaas
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Say What?
Yes,Solenta does it, even RyanAir does it, maybe you, like me have been flying in the backwater and shtupholes of Africa, but even I noticed that it seemed to be the way the industry seem to be going. It works both ways. Once you paid, you can leave when ever the itch returns. I dont believe it does anything to bring "the industry down" if you pay to accelerate.It sets you free. You are going to have to fork out dead presidents if you want to go "walkabout" after having signed a bond in any case. Make a choice a new car, or a rating.Contirary to popular belief operators like pilots are also in this for the money.
Remember this (here) is not a profession, its a trade, like truck driving and bartending. Its all about experience.To make ourselves feel good we pretend it equal to having studied more and more, about less and less, for years, until we know everything about nothing. (Read Doctors and Engineers). Flying for beer money is equal to doing a apprentiship with a plumber or mechanic.
Remember this (here) is not a profession, its a trade, like truck driving and bartending. Its all about experience.To make ourselves feel good we pretend it equal to having studied more and more, about less and less, for years, until we know everything about nothing. (Read Doctors and Engineers). Flying for beer money is equal to doing a apprentiship with a plumber or mechanic.
Jobs (Africa)
Hey all,
Wondering if anyone can help out, looking at traveling to africa, for possible jobs. Any local knowledge would be great.
Have CIR, CPL, C208, C402, C310, B58,
Cheers for any help.
Wondering if anyone can help out, looking at traveling to africa, for possible jobs. Any local knowledge would be great.
Have CIR, CPL, C208, C402, C310, B58,
Cheers for any help.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Head for Maun Botswana. The companies will be looking for the new season. Try Sefofane, ****** and Moremi Air if you have C208 time, but expect to fly C206 and C210 to start with. Some of the companies have Islanders if you want to build twin time.
By the way Ozmates, what is the industry like in OZ at the moment. Too many pilots or just not enough experienced pilots? Would someone with 3000 hours, 1800 multi, 500 turbo/prop and 800 jet (B737) find work?
By the way Ozmates, what is the industry like in OZ at the moment. Too many pilots or just not enough experienced pilots? Would someone with 3000 hours, 1800 multi, 500 turbo/prop and 800 jet (B737) find work?
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Planet Tharg
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
_______________________________________________
......anyone who has seen a cricket bat is eligible...
_______________________________________________
I know those Parktown Prawns are monsters but being able to pick up a bat is a bit much...
......anyone who has seen a cricket bat is eligible...
_______________________________________________
I know those Parktown Prawns are monsters but being able to pick up a bat is a bit much...
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Your nearest Marriott
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hehehe.....i just cant help it....
ok ok ok
Minimum requirements for Ozzies to wek in SA:
1. Have you seen a cricket(-)bat?
2. Can you bowl a maiden over??
Aw stuff it.....if you can spell cricket you're welcome.
ok ok ok
Minimum requirements for Ozzies to wek in SA:
1. Have you seen a cricket(-)bat?
2. Can you bowl a maiden over??
Aw stuff it.....if you can spell cricket you're welcome.
