More Info for those (low-timers) seeking a job in Namibia
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Maun, Botswana
Age: 37
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You can get a taxi anywhere in Windhoek city for $7.50 per Person. Possibly $15 for out to Eros Airport.
It doubles after midnight.
Do not pay more than that. (that is of course unless you are taking a cab from the international airport into town, that is around $180-$280 depending on your barter skills. Probably around $250 is the going rate if you are travelling alone)
It doubles after midnight.
Do not pay more than that. (that is of course unless you are taking a cab from the international airport into town, that is around $180-$280 depending on your barter skills. Probably around $250 is the going rate if you are travelling alone)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NY
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Well, I've been reading posts about Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, etc. for about 5 months now and have finally decided to go for it (hence the first post). I'll hopefully be heading to the other side of the world within 2 months, so now it's time for deciding where to go and ask some practical questions. I was thinking a lot about Maun at first so I hope these questions aren't ignorant for Namibia.
I've been thinking through the details of what to bring, what to do with my things here, etc. I guess my questions are:
1) Are basic needs such as toiletries and clothing worth stressing about or can I easily get what I need inexpensively once on the ground? Basically how thoroughly do I need to pack and still fit in my backpack?
2) Are the accommodations relatively secure or should I plan to carry most of my things with me all of the time?
3) Is it easy to exchange US $'s once there or do I need to get local currency here? Are credit cards accepted?
4) I'd rather not bring my laptop but is it easy enough to get online so my family doesn't freak out or is it worth bringing if I can?
5) Most importantly, anything I can buy cheaply here that I can make some money on when I get there (obviously not most important but worth asking)?
Thanks for any help
I've been thinking through the details of what to bring, what to do with my things here, etc. I guess my questions are:
1) Are basic needs such as toiletries and clothing worth stressing about or can I easily get what I need inexpensively once on the ground? Basically how thoroughly do I need to pack and still fit in my backpack?
2) Are the accommodations relatively secure or should I plan to carry most of my things with me all of the time?
3) Is it easy to exchange US $'s once there or do I need to get local currency here? Are credit cards accepted?
4) I'd rather not bring my laptop but is it easy enough to get online so my family doesn't freak out or is it worth bringing if I can?
5) Most importantly, anything I can buy cheaply here that I can make some money on when I get there (obviously not most important but worth asking)?
Thanks for any help
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Nowhere
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Windhoek in Namibia is pretty much First World - so the first 4 Questions present absolutly no hassles. Should be the same for Maun by now, although it is more rural than urban. You can get anything for everyday needs so I would rather take my Laptop along as well.
Concerning Question 5 - importing stuff would just be a waste of time... unless you really have something unique.
Concerning Question 5 - importing stuff would just be a waste of time... unless you really have something unique.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Australia
Age: 44
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What about medical certificates? Do you need to get a Class 1 done in each country? Or does a foreign class 1 do the trick? Which begs the question - if I come from Oz with an Australian class 1 and it expires after a few months in Africa, can I just get a new one done there? Or do people return for a holiday and get their renewal done?
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: MRats
Age: 54
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Krazy, you need to do your medical again in Namibia, but not the whole medical examination. The medical examiner will then convert your valid OZ medical to the Namibian one.
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: HK
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I've just heard from a friend in Windhoek that things are very quiet in Namibia at the moment. Some of the companies are also getting a little picky and raising their minimum requirements (because they can or for insurance purposes) to the 400-500 hour total. Time on type also a neccesity.
It's likely that things will pick up in March. I would advise anyone thinking of heading over there to wait until mid Feb.
Cheers and Good luck!
It's likely that things will pick up in March. I would advise anyone thinking of heading over there to wait until mid Feb.
Cheers and Good luck!
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PE
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I received a reply via email from the Chief Pilot at Sefo saying that they are having extreme difficulties in obtainning work permits for non-Namibians from the Ministry of Home Affairs... and they don't know for how long this is going to carry on.
I was also up in Nam during Dec, granted it's not the best time of year, but things were very very quiet and not much movement was expected for a while..
I was also up in Nam during Dec, granted it's not the best time of year, but things were very very quiet and not much movement was expected for a while..
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NY
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Thanks for all of the information on this thread. How critical do you think it is to be there in March as opposed late April or May? Obviously things are slow at the moment, but I've got a commitment at work I'm not really willing to walk away from until everything is resolved.
Also, since the World Cup is in South Africa, is there any chance that will increase business and hiring opportunities in May and June leading up to that? Since I've never been there, I'm not sure if international tourists would want to tack a safari, etc. onto their trip.
Thanks again for all of the great information.
Also, since the World Cup is in South Africa, is there any chance that will increase business and hiring opportunities in May and June leading up to that? Since I've never been there, I'm not sure if international tourists would want to tack a safari, etc. onto their trip.
Thanks again for all of the great information.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: UK
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Any pilots in Windhoek ???
Hi
I am currently staying in Windhoek and have been to the airport and done the rounds with all the operators. I have had a couple of informal chats/interviews, but haven't had any replies yet!!
Is anybody else in town? If so, PM me or call me on 081 618 4996.
Also, do you know where local pilots hang out round here? Maybe a pub or a club where it is easy to network, like the skydiving club in Swakop for example?
Cheers
I am currently staying in Windhoek and have been to the airport and done the rounds with all the operators. I have had a couple of informal chats/interviews, but haven't had any replies yet!!
Is anybody else in town? If so, PM me or call me on 081 618 4996.
Also, do you know where local pilots hang out round here? Maybe a pub or a club where it is easy to network, like the skydiving club in Swakop for example?
Cheers
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Philippines
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hi friends
i have a ICAO CPL issued in philippines.I have a total flying time of 825 hrs out of which 580 hrs are on PA-23-250 and i am very much interested in doing job in africa as my company closed its operation can any one plz help me get a job there
will be very greatfull to u all thank u
will be very greatfull to u all thank u
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: UK
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Namibia
Tomcat has answered your questions pretty much, You have the correct amount of hours and if you weigh very little ie 50 or 60 kgs Scenic Air would probably be very interested in you as they like pilots that are as light as a feather !!!
I know they are doing interviews at the moment as a Buddy of mine went on the 3-5-10 with a TT of about 325hrs, again he is built like a racing snake !!!
Cheers
I know they are doing interviews at the moment as a Buddy of mine went on the 3-5-10 with a TT of about 325hrs, again he is built like a racing snake !!!
Cheers
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Dark Africa
Age: 49
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: California
Age: 40
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July
Hi everybody,
I've been coming back to check on this topic for some time now. I would like to make the best of my situation by doing a year of flying out in Africa. I know you won't get hired unless you show up, but is it even worth considering in July?
Thanks for the help.
I've been coming back to check on this topic for some time now. I would like to make the best of my situation by doing a year of flying out in Africa. I know you won't get hired unless you show up, but is it even worth considering in July?
Thanks for the help.