thinking in africa
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: anywhere
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thinking in africa
Hi everybody! I imagine is not the first time you ll read a thread asking general information about africa.
I m 24 years old and in a few months i ll get mi CPL and my multi engine. I ve always been really interested in africa, since i m a small kid, i was wondering if you guys, could tell me how can i do? i have to go there and see? or you can only fly in africa if you arrived with a contract to the country? I spent the last years of my life travelling all around latin america and europe so going there and just see what happens sounds to me really interesting.
For sure, that as more flying hours and ratings i have, more easier it will be to get to an airline. But going there with 300/350 hs is it really risky? Not only for improving my pilot career i want to go to africa, i also love travelling!!
Thank you very much! this forum is really complete!!
I m 24 years old and in a few months i ll get mi CPL and my multi engine. I ve always been really interested in africa, since i m a small kid, i was wondering if you guys, could tell me how can i do? i have to go there and see? or you can only fly in africa if you arrived with a contract to the country? I spent the last years of my life travelling all around latin america and europe so going there and just see what happens sounds to me really interesting.
For sure, that as more flying hours and ratings i have, more easier it will be to get to an airline. But going there with 300/350 hs is it really risky? Not only for improving my pilot career i want to go to africa, i also love travelling!!
Thank you very much! this forum is really complete!!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Mordor
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Wallander!
I will pretty much say what everyone (well maybe not all) will post after me.
Have a look at the other threads dealing with jobs in Botswana etc. There are companies around that will hire you out of school. Have a look into Tanzania, Bots and Namibia. You will most probably get a C206/210 job in these areas if you look around. Most places look at Caravan guys around the 1000/1500 TT+
You will also have to get out there and ask. No one will look at emails and hire (if you do, let me know, lol)! Make sure to get out before the high (dry) season starts as there will be many like you hunting for jobs and there is never enough for everyone, especially in this economic climate.
In all if you go to Africa you will not only love the flying and maggot lifestyle but you wll also learn the vital 'stick and rudder' skills that are now starting to be bypassed by fresh commercial pilots to sit in a modern airbus. As many will agree a wide experience in aviation will not only improve your skills it will keep your future career from becoming mundane and unexciting. I flew on the continent for a few years and through all the highs and lows I have to say it was a great time. I wish to return there soon too.
You may experience some negativity if you look around this site but don't let it bother you. No pilot has ever entered this life at the 10,000 hour mark so if you keep trying, you shall always suceed. If you do hear anything let me know.
I wish you all the best in your career and the future.
Regards,
AJ.
I will pretty much say what everyone (well maybe not all) will post after me.
Have a look at the other threads dealing with jobs in Botswana etc. There are companies around that will hire you out of school. Have a look into Tanzania, Bots and Namibia. You will most probably get a C206/210 job in these areas if you look around. Most places look at Caravan guys around the 1000/1500 TT+
You will also have to get out there and ask. No one will look at emails and hire (if you do, let me know, lol)! Make sure to get out before the high (dry) season starts as there will be many like you hunting for jobs and there is never enough for everyone, especially in this economic climate.
In all if you go to Africa you will not only love the flying and maggot lifestyle but you wll also learn the vital 'stick and rudder' skills that are now starting to be bypassed by fresh commercial pilots to sit in a modern airbus. As many will agree a wide experience in aviation will not only improve your skills it will keep your future career from becoming mundane and unexciting. I flew on the continent for a few years and through all the highs and lows I have to say it was a great time. I wish to return there soon too.
You may experience some negativity if you look around this site but don't let it bother you. No pilot has ever entered this life at the 10,000 hour mark so if you keep trying, you shall always suceed. If you do hear anything let me know.
I wish you all the best in your career and the future.
Regards,
AJ.
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: The land of chocolate and cuckoo clocks!
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nice reply AJ
I was expecting the usual tirade from someone..
This 10000 hour thing too, friend of mine has a theory, a pilot can have 10000 hours or he can have flown 1 hour 10000 times
Sorry, bit of thread creep there!
Wallander, I can only add to AJ's post by saying you will probably have to invest in a trip to these places as being seen makes the difference at the beginning.
Good luck!
I was expecting the usual tirade from someone..
This 10000 hour thing too, friend of mine has a theory, a pilot can have 10000 hours or he can have flown 1 hour 10000 times
Sorry, bit of thread creep there!
Wallander, I can only add to AJ's post by saying you will probably have to invest in a trip to these places as being seen makes the difference at the beginning.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: anywhere
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you ver much Jack and rat catcher!!! You gave me really good advices. As far as i m concerned dry season is during june july, august and september isnt it? I ll not be able to go on 2011 but for sure i ll go in the beginning og 2012. Meanwhile i ll earn more flying hours.
Last week i was talking with a 747 pilot who used to fly in africa and he told me the same as you Aviatior jack, that one of the best things about going to africa is the "stick and rudder" practice you get.
Let me ask you, guys, another question. What kind of works do you get with C206-210?? Is just a doubt i have.
Thank you very much for your attention!!
Best wishes
Wallander
Last week i was talking with a 747 pilot who used to fly in africa and he told me the same as you Aviatior jack, that one of the best things about going to africa is the "stick and rudder" practice you get.
Let me ask you, guys, another question. What kind of works do you get with C206-210?? Is just a doubt i have.
Thank you very much for your attention!!
Best wishes
Wallander
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Mordor
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers Ratcatcher!
We were all there at some point, whoever we are. Chilenno is correct too and checking the other threads will give you an insight in what to expect.
As going for high season, it can vary, the weather system in sub-saharan africa is the same but varies for each place you go to. Tanzania's long wet season is usually May/June, so get there at that time. After that business starts to pick up, first the hunters then the tourists. If anyone would like to give some work back in TZ then I wouldn't mind!
If you get to Dar Es Salaam ask around there. Also ask up in Arusha too, the Northern circuit is usually good! Zanzibar is an option and its a great life but not too many jobs but do try.
I can't speak for everywhere else but I would say after new year (Jan/feb). Now I'm not saying after you arrive it won't be easy! You will have to stick around and show your face and enthusiasm (the wages won't always be great to start out with but it will get better). In my experience the guys who get hired are the ones who stick around, no matter what the experience.
Again it is a great choice to make and I'm sure you will love the time you spend out there. All people you meet there seem to have the same thing in common.........adventure. So if you want to have a ride of your lifetime and meet friends for life then go, even if you don't enjoy it you will never forget!!!
If you decide on TZ then PM me, I can maybe help you out!
From one pilot to another,
AviatorJack
We were all there at some point, whoever we are. Chilenno is correct too and checking the other threads will give you an insight in what to expect.
As going for high season, it can vary, the weather system in sub-saharan africa is the same but varies for each place you go to. Tanzania's long wet season is usually May/June, so get there at that time. After that business starts to pick up, first the hunters then the tourists. If anyone would like to give some work back in TZ then I wouldn't mind!
If you get to Dar Es Salaam ask around there. Also ask up in Arusha too, the Northern circuit is usually good! Zanzibar is an option and its a great life but not too many jobs but do try.
I can't speak for everywhere else but I would say after new year (Jan/feb). Now I'm not saying after you arrive it won't be easy! You will have to stick around and show your face and enthusiasm (the wages won't always be great to start out with but it will get better). In my experience the guys who get hired are the ones who stick around, no matter what the experience.
Again it is a great choice to make and I'm sure you will love the time you spend out there. All people you meet there seem to have the same thing in common.........adventure. So if you want to have a ride of your lifetime and meet friends for life then go, even if you don't enjoy it you will never forget!!!
If you decide on TZ then PM me, I can maybe help you out!
From one pilot to another,
AviatorJack
