Going Home
Person Of Interest
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Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
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Going Home
I'm Free, Free, Free at last!!!!!
It was great but I finally figured out the best reward for anyone flying in one of the many "primitive" spots in Africa is when you finally get to leave.
Good luck to the guys still there, it was a great send off...
Free Free Free at last!!!!!!
It was great but I finally figured out the best reward for anyone flying in one of the many "primitive" spots in Africa is when you finally get to leave.
Good luck to the guys still there, it was a great send off...
Free Free Free at last!!!!!!
Join Date: Oct 1998
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Yeah Yeah Yeah. The Mud. The Mossies. The Bloody red tape and even more bloody minded Airport officials. Up to your eyes in grease and sweat trying to get the plane started on some God forsaken bush strip miles from Home base (not they they can fix it there anyway!!)
BUT
The early morning take off in winter. The elephant watching as you come in. Sunset over Kariba, with or without the haze, both are good. Flying along ANY great African River watching your shadow pass over the hippos and fishing canoes. Lake Malawi from any heght or time.
Yeah Mate. You'll be back
BUT
The early morning take off in winter. The elephant watching as you come in. Sunset over Kariba, with or without the haze, both are good. Flying along ANY great African River watching your shadow pass over the hippos and fishing canoes. Lake Malawi from any heght or time.
Yeah Mate. You'll be back
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The distant sound of the 'orchestra' as the army and rebels go at it hammer and tongs again. Lack of petrol. Changing money on the black market. Being shot at on short finals - and driving through town.
BUT... The view over Bujumbura town, looking out onto Lake Tangyanikya as the sun sets. The hippos down at the Cercle Nautique. The crisp clear air first thing in the morning as you drive out to the airport as soon as curfew is lifted.
Africa's like malaria (or aviation). Once in your blood, it's there forever!!
BUT... The view over Bujumbura town, looking out onto Lake Tangyanikya as the sun sets. The hippos down at the Cercle Nautique. The crisp clear air first thing in the morning as you drive out to the airport as soon as curfew is lifted.
Africa's like malaria (or aviation). Once in your blood, it's there forever!!
I know exactly how you feel , some of the best flying I ever did ,fantastic experience good mates and great times .Something not many people get to do.
But also no corrupt airport officials being deliberately difficult ,nav aids now work when they're supposed to, can get a proper weather forcast ,decent engineering back up ,much less danger ,phones work ,no power cuts the list goes on.
I had a smile like the Cheshire cat when I left ,sometimes miss it though.
But also no corrupt airport officials being deliberately difficult ,nav aids now work when they're supposed to, can get a proper weather forcast ,decent engineering back up ,much less danger ,phones work ,no power cuts the list goes on.
I had a smile like the Cheshire cat when I left ,sometimes miss it though.
Person Of Interest
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Blueline...what's up?
I think JJ's getting Bagdad'd out. And I don't blame him. What started out to be a pretty good deal turned sour real quick. Once rainy season starts in earnest I'll be watching the news...
By the way, it's a long shot, but I may be seeing you real soon once you report for your new assignment...
I think JJ's getting Bagdad'd out. And I don't blame him. What started out to be a pretty good deal turned sour real quick. Once rainy season starts in earnest I'll be watching the news...
By the way, it's a long shot, but I may be seeing you real soon once you report for your new assignment...
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Guys, bit off tangent but here goes. I've just finished a ppl and was wondering if there is any flying at all out there that requires light aircraft - and anyone who needs pilots.
Any gen would be great
Any gen would be great
Person Of Interest
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Nick,
As JJ says: Africa is a tough place, however, I haven't personally seen anywhere that would hire a newly minted PPL. Believe it or not, everywhere I've been wants to see some sort of certificate (higher than a PPL) and then the guys you end up flying with want to see the proficiency and skill that go with that certificate.
Not to say there isn't a place out there that would hire you, but in my experience, if you did get hired most probably you'd get yourself in over your head.
Sorry I can't be more optimistic for you...Good Luck...
As JJ says: Africa is a tough place, however, I haven't personally seen anywhere that would hire a newly minted PPL. Believe it or not, everywhere I've been wants to see some sort of certificate (higher than a PPL) and then the guys you end up flying with want to see the proficiency and skill that go with that certificate.
Not to say there isn't a place out there that would hire you, but in my experience, if you did get hired most probably you'd get yourself in over your head.
Sorry I can't be more optimistic for you...Good Luck...
quidquid excusatio prandium pro
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Guvnor,
Not to forget Somalia and Angola, very tricky people there with some serious attitude. And damn good shots! Talk about adding injury to insult...ain't no hippos left alive there.
Not to forget Somalia and Angola, very tricky people there with some serious attitude. And damn good shots! Talk about adding injury to insult...ain't no hippos left alive there.
ZbV
Join Date: Jul 1999
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Yip... Unfortunately with a PPL there is virtually no chanches to get a job here. Minimum is a CPL, Multi, Inst. ATPL preferred by most companies.
Local CAA's depending on the county are very " accomodating " when it comes to paperwork. You just need to provide the right kind of paper ( green with $$$ signs on it) and everything will be just fine.
It seems that Insurance requirments, rather than company or CAA, are more often the limiting factor as to the experience required for a prospective pilot.
I suggest you use your PPL on activities allowed by JAA and continue working towards a CPL. It improves your chances of emloyment quite considerably.
Local CAA's depending on the county are very " accomodating " when it comes to paperwork. You just need to provide the right kind of paper ( green with $$$ signs on it) and everything will be just fine.
It seems that Insurance requirments, rather than company or CAA, are more often the limiting factor as to the experience required for a prospective pilot.
I suggest you use your PPL on activities allowed by JAA and continue working towards a CPL. It improves your chances of emloyment quite considerably.
Person Of Interest
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Stonebird,
Try to contact Blueline69...I think his company may be hiring...also try checking out any Caravan operator. I hear they're requirements for their right seat (in general) are almost as low as their pay scale...Good Luck
Try to contact Blueline69...I think his company may be hiring...also try checking out any Caravan operator. I hear they're requirements for their right seat (in general) are almost as low as their pay scale...Good Luck
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Well well well, I wonder why you add up going home or happy to leave Africa, What the hell were you flying there for at the first place? lucky they didn't shoot your butts off.....;-). Damn right too you all will want more of Africa:-) Hey and what do you guys says of my beloved Namibia? I bet none of you ever heard of it and scretching your heads making up something. If you hate flying there don't ever accept any deal nommater how high the pay is.....;-) have fun criticising us guys :-) 
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Well well well, I wonder why you end up going home or happy to leave Africa, What the hell were you flying there for at the first place? lucky they didn't shoot your butts off...... Damn right too you all will want more of Africa:-) Hey and what do you guys says of my beloved Namibia? I bet none of you ever heard of it and scretching your heads making up something. If you hate flying there don't ever accept any deal nommater how high the pay is.....;-) have fun criticising us guys :-)