Maun 2008-2009 season
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Hey all you guys thinking about going to Maun. I flew in Botswana for 6 years, and got to know the place pretty well.
If you are serious about getting a job there then FORGET about emails and CV's etc. You have to go there in person. This is Africa, after all, and they do not conform to the same processes as what you may be accustomed to in your own country.
You literally need to go knocking on doors until they get sick of you. And one word of advise - do not go into a pub and piss off any of the line pilots, in fact they are the ones you have to become mates with, because most of the hiring happens through their recommendations.
Good luck
Still the best time of my life. It's worth the gamble to get your butt over there.
If you are serious about getting a job there then FORGET about emails and CV's etc. You have to go there in person. This is Africa, after all, and they do not conform to the same processes as what you may be accustomed to in your own country.
You literally need to go knocking on doors until they get sick of you. And one word of advise - do not go into a pub and piss off any of the line pilots, in fact they are the ones you have to become mates with, because most of the hiring happens through their recommendations.
Good luck
Still the best time of my life. It's worth the gamble to get your butt over there.
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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Fly me to the Maun.....
Well ladies and gents, I am definitely off (unless I want to turn my air ticket to a charitable donation for Virgin Atlantic that is).
Flights are booked for Monday - I'm off to meet Alexace! I will be sure to keep everyone posted with my travels and adventures. Anybody there at the moment/planning to go out there soon, I guess I will see you in the not-too-distant-future! You will know who I am when you get out there because I will probably be the only one getting ID'd for drinks, but hopefully the smell of trout will have departed from my person by then.
MKA742: I wish you luck with Luxair/TNT!
Timewarp: I don't know what you are trying to convey but you seem annoyed.
Juliet-Echo: 6 years! Blimey. Can't be THAT much of a dustbowl then. I wasn't emailing CV's or asking them to give me a job through email, as I know that's not how they work. I was just asking a couple of questions but got nothing back
. Never mind - got the answers on here instead. I'll give them an earful when I arrive 
Wish me luck!
Flights are booked for Monday - I'm off to meet Alexace! I will be sure to keep everyone posted with my travels and adventures. Anybody there at the moment/planning to go out there soon, I guess I will see you in the not-too-distant-future! You will know who I am when you get out there because I will probably be the only one getting ID'd for drinks, but hopefully the smell of trout will have departed from my person by then.
MKA742: I wish you luck with Luxair/TNT!
Timewarp: I don't know what you are trying to convey but you seem annoyed.
Juliet-Echo: 6 years! Blimey. Can't be THAT much of a dustbowl then. I wasn't emailing CV's or asking them to give me a job through email, as I know that's not how they work. I was just asking a couple of questions but got nothing back
. Never mind - got the answers on here instead. I'll give them an earful when I arrive Wish me luck!
Join Date: Nov 2008
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waiterpilot: I envy you mate, I still have a long time to fly some 90 more hours, but now I'm like a kid who's waiting for Santa, except that I'm waiting to be headed to Maun...
and don't forget us, now and then drop a story here
good luck!!!
and hope to see you there sometime
and don't forget us, now and then drop a story here
good luck!!!
and hope to see you there sometime
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Since this is the Maun thread, I thought I'd ask what happened to A2-DOG ?? Anyone got some news of what happened? 
Today 05:23
Today 05:23
First write off in the Delta this year if my memory serves me right. Two in 07 and one in 06 I believe so crashes are still a regular thing for you new guy's heading to town, remember to bring your 'A' game
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Yeah waiterpilot. I used to work a regular 8 to 5 job as an engineer, and as soon as I got my comm I hitched a ride from SA, in an Islander, over to Maun. I stayed with the mate who flew the Islander, with hardly any money, and literally living on the bones of my @rse.
I was lucky to get a job with Safari Air about a week after arriving, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven!!
The flying was magic (low level flying over game infested waterland), there were always other pilots to share a few beers with at the old Duck Inn and plenty of expat women as well.
My alias is named after the 206 I flew there - A2-AJE. RT is also a bit different in the delta. Normally just the last 2 letters are used. Got about 1700 hrs on that machine, after arriving with a little over 200.
I didn't spend all 6 years in Maun. 2 years in Maun then 4 years in Gabs, flying King Airs. Look, the novelty of Maun eventually wears off and the desire to further your career also sets in, but now I fly for a major airline and there's certainly a lot of nostalgia!
Enjoy your time there, because one day, when you're sitting in an A330 at 41000 ft you're going to think back to the time you had in Maun.
Those 2 years pass by in the blink of an eye.
Cheers
JE
I was lucky to get a job with Safari Air about a week after arriving, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven!!
The flying was magic (low level flying over game infested waterland), there were always other pilots to share a few beers with at the old Duck Inn and plenty of expat women as well.
My alias is named after the 206 I flew there - A2-AJE. RT is also a bit different in the delta. Normally just the last 2 letters are used. Got about 1700 hrs on that machine, after arriving with a little over 200.
I didn't spend all 6 years in Maun. 2 years in Maun then 4 years in Gabs, flying King Airs. Look, the novelty of Maun eventually wears off and the desire to further your career also sets in, but now I fly for a major airline and there's certainly a lot of nostalgia!
Enjoy your time there, because one day, when you're sitting in an A330 at 41000 ft you're going to think back to the time you had in Maun.
Those 2 years pass by in the blink of an eye.
Cheers
JE
Join Date: Sep 2007
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All the best
Waiterpilot: Good luck over there!
I'm coming over too, in Janurai, I hope I'll still find a spot...
Would like it very much to get together with you and alexace! Can you send me an email please?
Im so excited!!!
I'm coming over too, in Janurai, I hope I'll still find a spot...
Would like it very much to get together with you and alexace! Can you send me an email please?
Im so excited!!!
Join Date: Nov 2005
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A2-DOG, the dog, used to be my office.
Glad that nobody past away. She was not the fastest 206 in the fleet but she was a pleasure to fly. She was in a previous accident when she was still working for Wildlife. I had some of the best times in my life flying that machine. Like the man in Dubai said, best times you will have in your flying career. I was there for 3 years.Nostalgia is the word......
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Thanks, lads!
Waiterpilot, AlexAce, J-E, et al...
Good of you to share all the Q&A's about flying the Okavanga Delta. I'm one of those that Waiterpilot predicted would be popping out of the woodwork once this chat got rolling. It's been an education and an inspiration. Thanks to all of you, I'm about to buy a ticket too (from San Francisco); gonna beat the tarmac of Maun, Windhoek, etc. in search of that all-important first flying job. Am hoping to go in early January. By then, hairspray-&-tent-wielding guys, you'll be settled and signed on with a carrier in Maun because you did your homework and took action.
I was sorry to see this chat degenerate into name-calling briefly, but the main players got us back on track. I'll definitely buy a round when I get to Maun.
Cheers,
dogismycopilot FAA CPL ME & SE, IR, 600 hrs tt
PS Luckily, there's a Botswana consulate here in San Francisco. Any last-minute advice from anyone re stuff to get/do? Any requests?
Good of you to share all the Q&A's about flying the Okavanga Delta. I'm one of those that Waiterpilot predicted would be popping out of the woodwork once this chat got rolling. It's been an education and an inspiration. Thanks to all of you, I'm about to buy a ticket too (from San Francisco); gonna beat the tarmac of Maun, Windhoek, etc. in search of that all-important first flying job. Am hoping to go in early January. By then, hairspray-&-tent-wielding guys, you'll be settled and signed on with a carrier in Maun because you did your homework and took action.
I was sorry to see this chat degenerate into name-calling briefly, but the main players got us back on track. I'll definitely buy a round when I get to Maun.
Cheers,
dogismycopilot FAA CPL ME & SE, IR, 600 hrs tt
PS Luckily, there's a Botswana consulate here in San Francisco. Any last-minute advice from anyone re stuff to get/do? Any requests?
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Absolutely! ...but, uh...
007,
I think every sane person would agree with you on that, unless one can afford a very expensive vacation. But Maun seems to be the exception to the rule; that is, if you don't show up on the tarmac you can continue sending emails 'til your fingers are numb. Aye, there's the rub.
Let's hope we hear from Waiterpilot once he reaches Maun.
I think every sane person would agree with you on that, unless one can afford a very expensive vacation. But Maun seems to be the exception to the rule; that is, if you don't show up on the tarmac you can continue sending emails 'til your fingers are numb. Aye, there's the rub.
Let's hope we hear from Waiterpilot once he reaches Maun.
Join Date: Nov 2008
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yepp sir, you are right, I know how this works (unfortunately).
something else:
I'm trying to put together a small site for the wannabe Maun pilots.
will gather and sort the informations from here (without hairspray), put some nice photos. would probably quote posts pro and cons from here and my mailing if u guys agree (Dupre, waiterpilot, Swamp Rat, Der absolute Hammer just to name a few).
there would be of good help to guys and gals to have the info in one place.
something else:
I'm trying to put together a small site for the wannabe Maun pilots.
will gather and sort the informations from here (without hairspray), put some nice photos. would probably quote posts pro and cons from here and my mailing if u guys agree (Dupre, waiterpilot, Swamp Rat, Der absolute Hammer just to name a few).
there would be of good help to guys and gals to have the info in one place.
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Join Date: Jul 2008
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Maun detailage
Yo homies.
I have seven minutes left for the internet cafe, so this probably won't be as long and fascinatingly brilliant as previous postings.
I have arrived! London = hail, Maun = 35 degrees, so there is quite a difference! There is wireless interent at Audi camp, and round the town there are a few hotspots, so bring your laptops (assuming you don't mind worrying about them being nicked all the time)!
I have been round to a couple of the companies, not got round them all yet - but everyone is very friendly and helpful. When you first arrive just introduce yourself, and you will be speaking to somebody 'in power' pretty quick. Make a good impression and hand in your CV! They will then send you up in any flights where there are spare seats. I did this today in the Caravan for the first time and I am pleased to announce I spotted an elephant. I even got a Mack Air shirt (several sizes too big mind you - the sleeves make me look like I have wings).
Nobody really knows what they are hiring this year, since their bookings re down compared to last season - but there seem to be lots of pilots leaving in January so that would be a good time to arrive. There is only one other guy looking for a job at the moment.
Audi camp is sandy - be careful or you will chafe...
That's all for now, will be back in a few days to let you know my progress!
I have seven minutes left for the internet cafe, so this probably won't be as long and fascinatingly brilliant as previous postings.
I have arrived! London = hail, Maun = 35 degrees, so there is quite a difference! There is wireless interent at Audi camp, and round the town there are a few hotspots, so bring your laptops (assuming you don't mind worrying about them being nicked all the time)!
I have been round to a couple of the companies, not got round them all yet - but everyone is very friendly and helpful. When you first arrive just introduce yourself, and you will be speaking to somebody 'in power' pretty quick. Make a good impression and hand in your CV! They will then send you up in any flights where there are spare seats. I did this today in the Caravan for the first time and I am pleased to announce I spotted an elephant. I even got a Mack Air shirt (several sizes too big mind you - the sleeves make me look like I have wings).
Nobody really knows what they are hiring this year, since their bookings re down compared to last season - but there seem to be lots of pilots leaving in January so that would be a good time to arrive. There is only one other guy looking for a job at the moment.
Audi camp is sandy - be careful or you will chafe...
That's all for now, will be back in a few days to let you know my progress!
Join Date: Nov 2007
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finally you made it there
visa under process now, so will find out by 11th or 12th december. another couple of weeks to get the transit visa for SA and then im off as well
DDMow, one of my friends also mentioned this and told me to take along a small torch with a UV LED, helps seeing those creepy crawlies better at night when checking the tent and the sleepingbag.
visa under process now, so will find out by 11th or 12th december. another couple of weeks to get the transit visa for SA and then im off as well
DDMow, one of my friends also mentioned this and told me to take along a small torch with a UV LED, helps seeing those creepy crawlies better at night when checking the tent and the sleepingbag.
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waiterpilot: I have one question for you right off the bat. How did you get to Maun? Did you fly into Johannesburg, then another connecting flight to Maun? Or did you use some other form of getting there?