Maun 2009/10 season

[Okavango]

Malaria

I posted this on the last thread and glad it has been re-highlighted to those possibly ill-prepared who are asking for travel companions. Also be aware that treatment itself can do damage to your organs and once treated it is possible to have a relapse. Make sure you understand what you are getting into, in my opinion the consideration should be one of living in Africa first and the prospect of a flying job second.

[nbv4]

nbv4, you made my day I must say, reading your pearls of wisdom, so I had to join nyathi with his replies

its only the wolds biggest killer.

And everybody I spoke too said it's not something they worry about, nor is it something they have ever heard of anyone else getting. I'm just going on what I was told.

Try looking in a shop, you may even see other white skinned folk buying some. (but there aren't many there, so don't be scared if all you see are 'natives')

The only place I saw sunscreen was in a pharmacy where it was like $10 for a small bottle. Over there it's not an everyday item, so it's expensive. The same goes for shampoo, I noticed. Unlike bugspray where it can be found at any supermarket for $1.

and you are surprised when
The answer was always "no"

I was not surprised when the answer was "no" because in the two months I was there not a single soul was hired either. There was this New Zealander who was there for 6 months who ended up leaving right before me without getting a job either.

Only an American could be offended that locals talk to each other in their own language and not yours. I mean, how dare they. You cretin.

When did I say I was offended? I'm just explaining what I noticed. English is everywhere on signs and things like that so people obviously know it, but it's hardly ever spoken. In Malawi, it's the same in that it's written everywhere, except everybody speaks it more comfortably, even though they have their own native language as well. Anyways, "my language"? English is one of the official languages of Botswana...

The 'Natives' as you put it, probably had one hell of a weird vibe from you too. No wonder they did there best to ignore you.

Uh, ok.

[nyathi]

nbv4........What year were you in Maun?

Because its sure as hell was not in the last 10 years!

[robofos]

hey so i saw a show on the discovery channel about a light plane crash in South Africa with the survivors stranded, partly because they didn't have an ELT. They said ELTs were not required in S. Africa and I was wondering if 1) that was true, and 2) if aircraft operating out of Maun/Windhoek use ELTs.

[abhi88]

hey so i saw a show on the discovery channel about a light plane crash in South Africa with the survivors stranded, partly because they didn't have an ELT.

I thought the crash was in botswana involving a south african registered king air!!!

2) if aircraft operating out of Maun/Windhoek use ELTs.

Absolutely...They even got satellite tracking systems here! Just to make sure you are not trying to impress the CHICK sitting next you in the airplane!

[Csanad007]

ELT

Yo, if this is your greatest concern get a Breitling Emergency.

[nbv4]

nbv4........What year were you in Maun?

2009

what exactly makes you think what i'm posting is outdated? I don't claim to be a Maun expert. I admit I was only there for 2 months. I'm just posting about my experiences...

[Tony Tornado]

They said ELTs were not required in S. Africa and I was wondering if 1) that was true

A bit off, but since you asked here it is from the South African CAR:

Emergency locator transmitter
91.04.26 (1) No owner or operator of –
(a) an aircraft to be operated on extended flights over water or over areas
where search and rescue would be especially difficult;
(b) an aeroplane with a maximum certificated mass exceeding 5 700 kg;
(c) a helicopter with an approved passenger seating configuration of more
than 19 seats; or
(d) any South African registered aircraft engaged in an international commercial
air transport operation;
shall operate such aircraft unless it is equipped with one or more approved
emergency locator transmitters (ELTs).

It goes into further detail, but this should answer your question. You can find the regulations on the SACAA's website.

[Csanad007]

Bivalybasznád-Piripócs

Tony this fantastic outback is in Maghiaristan! If you too happen to be from there drop me a mail.

[dmacnz]

on the ELT's.

I worked for Mack air, All aircraft were fitted with 406 ELT's. im sure all other companys were the same!!

[captnitin]

Info needed

Hi all aviators,

I am from India and planning to go to Maun to look for an flying opportunity. Can the people who have the experience and knowledge can provide some info. The help in this will be highly appreciated -

1. The procedure to convert FAA (US) or Indian (DGCA) to the one required in Maun. How much it cost, time involved and the documents required.

2. Is there any Indians working in Maun. Will there be any difficulty or additional document needed from Indian national who want to come there for work as I am planning to come on tourist visa.

3. Will it be of help to do Bush Flying course or CFI in Africa in getting the job there as I have only 250 hours TT with single and Multi CPL with IR.

4. Will January end be the right time to come there or any other season would be better.

5. Any other info which will be of help.

Regards.
Nitin

[surfbeach]

News Break: 8 Pilots Hunt like wild animals for jobs in Maun

Our wild animal pack is 8 strong. We wake early to scavage what food we can before we run the streets within a 500m radius of Maun airport. Each animal for themselves.

Our lives as the wild untamed animals of Maun range from 2 1/2 months to a newbie just born here days ago. I think he's from the NZ sheep family.

Our pack is two Canadian Beaver's strong, a British badger, two Spanish Bulls, and two South African sharks and a kiwi Sheep.

Always chase your dreams just realize some are supply and demand based, not quality of your breed.

[lilflyboy262]

There is another NZ sheep there, he is just currently on a tour of Namibia. Will rejoin the herd in a week

[Csanad007]

Haha

Surfbeach this was a great post! THX

[weelard]

hi everyone
i am currently working on my CPL in B.C Canada
i will be graduating with a diploma and multi engine IFR.

been on this thread like everybody trying to find information to advance my aviation career. I read through the whole 08/09 season for maun on this forum and South Africa seems very interesting. After i graduate i will be getting a float rating and consider becoming a flight insturctor.

If i dont take the flight instuctor route, i will do bush flying. I graduate end of 2010. My goal is to get the ATPL and fly for airline.

one question.
Majority of people in South Africa is Caucasin and African. I am Asian (chinese) will this be a factor during hiring? or am i just paranoid.

[Kash360]

Another British Badger on his way there too currently in Dubai will be there on Thursday!! Be great to see the rest of you there...

[Kash360]

Finally here!!

OK, well i have made it to Maun after a 2 hour flight...Was'nt too bad!! got my passport stamped but the immigration officer only gave me 40 days but told me to come back and extend it!!

Grabbed my bags and headed straight across the road Delta Air and met the chief pilot. Nice bloke gave me the in's and out's of what to expect well he said they will not be recruiting in the near future.

I then paid a visit to mack air but the chief pilot was out flying so will pay him a visit later.

Came back into the terminal to pay a couple more companies a visit but again the chief pilots are out.

But the suprising thing is i was introduced to 11 other pilots who are in the same position as me we are all sitting on the first floor on our laptops as the internet is free.

In a starnge wayi feel like a travel reporter sitting amongst guys who proberbly write on here too.

One of the guys i have spoken to currently sitting acorss me typing away has been here 2 and a half months when some others a month.

Well i didnt expect an easy ride!!

So for now guys take care ill keep you posted..

P.S It's hot here!!

[Der absolute Hammer]

weelard......................
You don't have to worry. China is the new colonial power throughout Africa. If you speak Mandarin or Cantonese you shold be in great demand with the more exclusive tour operators.
If you play Mah Jongg, people will think you a little strange perhaps but that is only because the game is too complicated for most Occidentals. You will, I am afraid, have to put up with stupid questions about cooked dog recipes. You might want to think about becoming a short term vegetarian.
Good luck.......and pay no attention to the comments of Prince Phillip who is, after all, a little Greek chap with a Danish cross breed strain in him. As for the Brits, ignore them, they just hang about like short order rickshaw drivers waiting for a fare to pass by, glad of any scraps that come their way; while the South African pilot mortality rate is quite high. You might want to think about learning Japanese though. It is a useful language to know at a pinch. Good luck....

[swaziboy]

Hey All

Not job hunting (not right now... maybe... if... when...), but will be there end of Jan for a HOLIDAY... can you recommend a decent place to camp for 3 nights? Bit of a relax, bit of a party.. you know what I mean...
Cheers
Swazi

[lilflyboy262]

Old bridge or Audi.

Audi gives cheap rates to campers, 17 pula a night, Old bridge has a good atmosphere with good bar tenders.