U.S. pilots working in South Africa

[Marmaduke Pattle]

Hi,
I am working on getting my instrument and commercial rating in the United States, and envision myself and my family living here long term. However, my wife is South African and we love the idea of living there for a couple of years if it works with our careers. Is this possible, is it difficult to get work visas for flying in South Africa. Basically I would greatly appreciate any information about the state of commercial aviation in South Africa, especially for starter jobs, since I will be a newly minted commercial pilot if I do this.
Many Thanks

[SkrywerDrywer]

I'm not sure what the aviation authority requirements are anymore, but the first thing I'd do is to look into your residential rights. The South Africans recently moved the visa and residence requirements goal posts for spouses of SA Nationals, and all is clear as mud with regards to what is needed now.

[alpha-b]

Hey chaps.Well as far as the legislation is concerned i don't know how easy is to get a work permit in SA but what i can ensure you the general aviation is quite busy as well as the airlines however the requirements are quite high you need some more hours than your training one because the industry is filled up so you must be competitive and you need to convert your FAA ATP with the sout african one but once around go to the Civil Aviation Authority and they'll tell you anything you may want to know,but if you want to maximise your chances to get a job and fly at least a turboprop then consider doing a caravan or Be190 or 200 and but before doing so go and check those companies such as Solenta,Qwila,Executive turbine etc... and find out if they're willing to give you a job if you pay your own rating it's not guaranteed they will but give it a try.Cheers

[Marmaduke Pattle]

Thanks very much for the information.