More Info for those (low-timers) seeking a job in Namibia
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Bruges
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Thx man
What is Wild Dog/Crazy Kudu? Bus company?
I am from Belgium actually, but we do speak the same language. Dutch is alot like Afrikaans (do they speak afrikaans there too?) so that might be an advantage indeed. I will buy some books and read about Namibia and Bots a bit on the plane.
In Maun they say Januari is the season, because a pilot like me requires some training and I don't know if they have the time to do that in full blown season.
I'll try to stay a month or two so...
Do you know anybody at firms? Because they don't seem to answer mails with questions...
Thanks again!
What is Wild Dog/Crazy Kudu? Bus company?
I am from Belgium actually, but we do speak the same language. Dutch is alot like Afrikaans (do they speak afrikaans there too?) so that might be an advantage indeed. I will buy some books and read about Namibia and Bots a bit on the plane.
In Maun they say Januari is the season, because a pilot like me requires some training and I don't know if they have the time to do that in full blown season.
I'll try to stay a month or two so...
Do you know anybody at firms? Because they don't seem to answer mails with questions...
Thanks again!
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Nowhere
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Wild Dog / Crazy Kudu is a guided back packer Safari Tour operator, probably the cheapest way to check out the country if you don't want to self drive (it might break out even).
Scenic Air works closely with Group the Leading Lodges which is run by a belgian Family - so they get a lot of Belgian guests - might make a difference. Look up Leading Lodges on the internet.
They never answer emails - it means nothing. They get about 200 emails from wannabe pilots a week, of which only very few will actually come there. They have better things to do, than answering emails all day... I have never had responses from email - just going there in person, being honest, able to show a bit of confidence and selling yourself is the only thing that works.
I know everybody there because I worked there for 2 years, however I will never post names or give them out to anyone for obvious resons. You also do not need names, it will not make a difference. Just talk to people or go to the office and try and get an appointment. It is not that difficult.
Scenic Air works closely with Group the Leading Lodges which is run by a belgian Family - so they get a lot of Belgian guests - might make a difference. Look up Leading Lodges on the internet.
They never answer emails - it means nothing. They get about 200 emails from wannabe pilots a week, of which only very few will actually come there. They have better things to do, than answering emails all day... I have never had responses from email - just going there in person, being honest, able to show a bit of confidence and selling yourself is the only thing that works.
I know everybody there because I worked there for 2 years, however I will never post names or give them out to anyone for obvious resons. You also do not need names, it will not make a difference. Just talk to people or go to the office and try and get an appointment. It is not that difficult.
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: HK
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Hi again,
I've had a few PMs recently from pilots asking about the current hiring situation in Namibia with regards to the Global financial meltdown...
I'm not living there anymore but my mates still there tell me that hiring has slowed down a bit with a drop in tourist numbers but there are still jobs to be found. It seems that Maun has been hit a lot harder with a few companies ready to fold.
I heard that Scenic Air has unfortunately had to increase their minimum hours to 400 due to insurance requirements.
Good Luck!
I've had a few PMs recently from pilots asking about the current hiring situation in Namibia with regards to the Global financial meltdown...
I'm not living there anymore but my mates still there tell me that hiring has slowed down a bit with a drop in tourist numbers but there are still jobs to be found. It seems that Maun has been hit a lot harder with a few companies ready to fold.
I heard that Scenic Air has unfortunately had to increase their minimum hours to 400 due to insurance requirements.
Good Luck!
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Neither here nor there
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I'm planning on travelling to Namibia and Bots in spring aswell. Does anyone know what the current hiring situation is down there? I also heared it has become harder cos of less tourists coming, but not sure how it really is.... Do you guys think there is a realistic chance of getting a job as a complete rookie with a CPL ME IR and 240h TT?
I'm working really hard doing a harsh job at the moment to save money for the trip. Does anyone know how much money I should have stashed in order to get there and be able to support myself for 2 months?
Thx for any answers....
I'm working really hard doing a harsh job at the moment to save money for the trip. Does anyone know how much money I should have stashed in order to get there and be able to support myself for 2 months?
Thx for any answers....
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Maun, Botswana
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Ronand, Im going there for 4-5 months, taking around 10k NZD with me, that includes my airfares there.
Thats a bit of a guide for ya. Plan a worst case senario and how comfortable you want to live.
Thats a bit of a guide for ya. Plan a worst case senario and how comfortable you want to live.
Join Date: Jun 2005
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It isnt that cheap to live in Windhoek, dont know about the rest of Nam. Reckon on spending about £20 a night for reasonable accomodation.
Also if you're any good at languages and you can learn some German in the months before you go, give that a go.
Also if you're any good at languages and you can learn some German in the months before you go, give that a go.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Maun, Botswana
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Nop havent been there before. Im also travelling most of southern africa while im there. So hence the large amount.
Give me a message when you are here, good to sit down with someone for some beer and stories!
Give me a message when you are here, good to sit down with someone for some beer and stories!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: oregon
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why does it seem that there are more pilots from Britain, NZ, and Australia than Americans interested in flying over there in Africa? are there many americans over there?
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: South Africa
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Hey guys,
If i may add to the thread, flying in namibia, angola, zambia and botswana was the most exciting bush flying any pilot could ever experience. I never did have the opportunity to fly in the air force but this is as close as you will get to true flying.
I truly miss the days of flying low level over the sand, swamps and ocean, of course only on the many empty sectors. Eventually I bought a garmin 3 pilot GPS which was probably the best buy of my life time! Map reading and nav planning is a great skill, but the gps sure does ease your thoughts when the fuel is low.
After 210's i was fortunate enough to graduate to twin piston and later twin turbine command. It was an amazing life. Remember this, in any company, if you go the extra mile you will be noticed.
I left Nam in 2005 with a heavy heart but knew that i had to go to the airlines for any kind of stability and ultimately, family life. If the money was better i would still be there today!
I wish all you keen aviators the best adventure of your lives. Enjoy the flying, lodges, game drivers and stay at least two years. Get that magical 1000hrs on 210's and you'll be joining an elite club.
Good luck to all....
If i may add to the thread, flying in namibia, angola, zambia and botswana was the most exciting bush flying any pilot could ever experience. I never did have the opportunity to fly in the air force but this is as close as you will get to true flying.
I truly miss the days of flying low level over the sand, swamps and ocean, of course only on the many empty sectors. Eventually I bought a garmin 3 pilot GPS which was probably the best buy of my life time! Map reading and nav planning is a great skill, but the gps sure does ease your thoughts when the fuel is low.
After 210's i was fortunate enough to graduate to twin piston and later twin turbine command. It was an amazing life. Remember this, in any company, if you go the extra mile you will be noticed.
I left Nam in 2005 with a heavy heart but knew that i had to go to the airlines for any kind of stability and ultimately, family life. If the money was better i would still be there today!
I wish all you keen aviators the best adventure of your lives. Enjoy the flying, lodges, game drivers and stay at least two years. Get that magical 1000hrs on 210's and you'll be joining an elite club.
Good luck to all....
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Neither here nor there
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20$ a night seems pretty expensive for Africa... As I remember a few years back in South east Asia I was paying about 5$ a night for a reasonable single room.....
So You guys think it's best to go there around Jan/Feb?. I think If I have made enough money by then I'll give it a shot....
So You guys think it's best to go there around Jan/Feb?. I think If I have made enough money by then I'll give it a shot....
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Got a Response
I was fortunate enough to get a response to an e-mail I had sent to Sefofane Air Charters in Botswana. Unfortunately Chief Pilot said they aren't any openings right now. I can only hope that the situation is only until the spring as I am willing to go slug it out in the 'motherland' and make an adventure of it if I get the chance. 
Join Date: Aug 2007
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They cant handle the conditions?
Perhaps because the United States has a higher demand than other countries for domestic jobs. Don't be ignorant.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Maun, Botswana
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I'm amazed at the lack of sense of humour that people have these days. Try taking a chill pill OLV, may be a reason why you guys have a bad name down these ways.
I'm in Namibia at the moment. I'll fill you guys in on the details and a list of each companies requirements shortly.
I'm in Namibia at the moment. I'll fill you guys in on the details and a list of each companies requirements shortly.