Maun, Botswana. The essential guide.
Join Date: Mar 2011
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I have actually followed this thread since its early days, but getting annoyed at people for popping in now and then to ask a question is a bit silly as most people don't follow every single post. i do appreciate that people need to do the proper research and obviously fully reading all threads should be done prior to anyone going, but for something thats at least a year away I'm not quite at that point yet!
And for the record I would not be disrespectful enough to consider myself too good for the job, but personally I am fortunate enough to have access to those kind of aircraft in my own country at the moment. If I was to stay here more than likely I would be on a Caravan in a year or so, similar to Africa as it seems... Everybody's circumstances are different and I would love to go to Africa, or Asia for that matter, but I would like to see a potential progression path (as you quite rightly pointed out I have a kid on the way!)...
But then again you may very well see me on here next year getting ready to go!
Such is life....
And for the record I would not be disrespectful enough to consider myself too good for the job, but personally I am fortunate enough to have access to those kind of aircraft in my own country at the moment. If I was to stay here more than likely I would be on a Caravan in a year or so, similar to Africa as it seems... Everybody's circumstances are different and I would love to go to Africa, or Asia for that matter, but I would like to see a potential progression path (as you quite rightly pointed out I have a kid on the way!)...
But then again you may very well see me on here next year getting ready to go!
Such is life....
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Chasing heavy tin where you are away from home a lot. Working long hours. On a very average salary.
Flying planes, in a nice town, on an african salary where you and your family can live comfortably, where you are home most nights working daylight hours.
Progression is not as important as lifestyle. A lot of us only realise that once we have progressed as far as we can go.
Flying planes, in a nice town, on an african salary where you and your family can live comfortably, where you are home most nights working daylight hours.
Progression is not as important as lifestyle. A lot of us only realise that once we have progressed as far as we can go.
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liffeyboy
One of the better posts i have ever read on here 
Like I said, I wouldn't be shocked at all if it ends up being the place for me, just not quite yet... Unless they don't mind me sitting in the RHS with a BabyBjorn on?!
A year will change alot
Like I said, I wouldn't be shocked at all if it ends up being the place for me, just not quite yet... Unless they don't mind me sitting in the RHS with a BabyBjorn on?!
A year will change alot
Join Date: May 2010
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Indeed, not a lot has changed in 40mumble years.
No glamour, no fancy uniforms with stripes and pay that is just about enough to live in frugal comfort and afford a few beers.
On the plus side a great life with great people and some damn good flying in the bush.
Would I do it again if I could wind the clock back - YES.
Some of the best days to remember and yarn about when you reach retirement.
No glamour, no fancy uniforms with stripes and pay that is just about enough to live in frugal comfort and afford a few beers.
On the plus side a great life with great people and some damn good flying in the bush.
Would I do it again if I could wind the clock back - YES.
Some of the best days to remember and yarn about when you reach retirement.
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lilflyboy:
Been there seen it done it. Disagree with the salary though, not in my case anyway. However totally agree with the rest of the post. That is why I changed my lifestyle and will hopefully live a longer albeit poorer life. Too old and bold to start bush flying but thank you guys for letting me fly right hand seat occasionally - terrific stuff. Only half a day though please, kindly do not exhaust a pensioner 
Chasing heavy tin where you are away from home a lot. Working long hours. On a very average salary.
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Are there any 40 plus year olds flying in Maun?
Currently on the C208 but will fly anything. Wife and I (and baby) are both wanting to take a sabatical from our "day jobs for say 12-18 months. I have lived in Africa but never flown there.
Currently on the C208 but will fly anything. Wife and I (and baby) are both wanting to take a sabatical from our "day jobs for say 12-18 months. I have lived in Africa but never flown there.
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Are there any 40 plus year olds flying in Maun?
...wanting to take a sabatical (sic) from our "day jobs for say 12-18 months
It is not a sabbatical type of job. Also you will not get a contract for this short period. Try: Africa Mission - Church of God missionary efforts in Africa
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Hi guys
I've read all the posts in the past week, very interesting.
I'm very undecided if leaving home to get there, of course I know if you don't risk... but I don't want to waste my money either.
I've just finished my training, 330 TT, 21 years old.
I will be grateful if you guys tell me what you think about this plan:
Get there by december by taking a flight to Johannesburg and then a local flight (or a bus?) to Maun. Don't tell to the dogana you are looking for a job. Stay a couple of night in an hotel, buy a tend, find the Audi camp or whatever. Rent a space there, where you also probably find some others pilots.
Then go to the airport and try to impress the local company, because the most important thing is the attitude not the total time.
Be prepare to stay there at least 2 months to find something, with a budget of 700 - 800 euros a month, depending on your habits.
Be prepare to a big life-changing, don't be afraid of spiders, snakes and other animal
Ok I can do that, to chase my passion
Any mistakes or suggestions ??
Thanks to all I'll really appreciate any help.
I've read all the posts in the past week, very interesting.
I'm very undecided if leaving home to get there, of course I know if you don't risk... but I don't want to waste my money either.
I've just finished my training, 330 TT, 21 years old.
I will be grateful if you guys tell me what you think about this plan:
Get there by december by taking a flight to Johannesburg and then a local flight (or a bus?) to Maun. Don't tell to the dogana you are looking for a job. Stay a couple of night in an hotel, buy a tend, find the Audi camp or whatever. Rent a space there, where you also probably find some others pilots.
Then go to the airport and try to impress the local company, because the most important thing is the attitude not the total time.
Be prepare to stay there at least 2 months to find something, with a budget of 700 - 800 euros a month, depending on your habits.
Be prepare to a big life-changing, don't be afraid of spiders, snakes and other animal
Ok I can do that, to chase my passion
Any mistakes or suggestions ??
Thanks to all I'll really appreciate any help.
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That sounds about perfect.
@ Maxed out.
You can probably pick up work with one of the operators for a 12-18 month stay. They usually sign you on for 12 months for the C206 and GA8. Then you sign on for another 12 months on the C208.
Wilderness does each for 18 months. Depending on their need for pilots.
Just don't expect the van unless they really need you on it.
With your time on type however, they may check you out anyway. You would be smart to check out wilderness air.
@ Maxed out.
You can probably pick up work with one of the operators for a 12-18 month stay. They usually sign you on for 12 months for the C206 and GA8. Then you sign on for another 12 months on the C208.
Wilderness does each for 18 months. Depending on their need for pilots.
Just don't expect the van unless they really need you on it.
With your time on type however, they may check you out anyway. You would be smart to check out wilderness air.
Join Date: Jun 2010
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lilflyboy262...2
Thanks for the info.
Don't mind flying the 206 at all. Hmm just need to renew my piston rating now!
I'll research the old posts re cost of living, salary. My wife prefers the Flying Mission as that is right up her street. I suppose she could maybe look for work at one of the lodges if the response from Flying Mission is a no.
Thanks again
pm sent
Thanks for the info.
Don't mind flying the 206 at all. Hmm just need to renew my piston rating now!
I'll research the old posts re cost of living, salary. My wife prefers the Flying Mission as that is right up her street. I suppose she could maybe look for work at one of the lodges if the response from Flying Mission is a no.
Thanks again
pm sent
Last edited by maxed-out; 31st Oct 2012 at 17:53.
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Work at a lodge...
probably not as likely as you think, it's downright impossible to get a work visa unless you're sponsored, and that's not the type of place that sponsors many people... not a very unique job...
probably not as likely as you think, it's downright impossible to get a work visa unless you're sponsored, and that's not the type of place that sponsors many people... not a very unique job...
Join Date: Nov 2012
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lilflyboy: Amazing and very informative post, thank you so much!
I have read through the thread in some detail, and as far as I can tell, the minimum time required has increased to 300 hrs, and will continue to increase to 500. That is to say, unless there have been recent changes in their insurance requirements.
I presently have ~227 hours total time. This seems like an amazing opportunity for me, but I was wondering if anyone can update me on the current requirements.
I am all for the adventure, and know full well that nothing means a guaranteed job once I get over there. That being said, I would like to know if there is a firm minimum for hours. If none of these companies will hire a pilot with less than 300 hours, period, then perhaps I will have to look at other opportunities elsewhere.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Ohh the woes of the low-timer!!
I have read through the thread in some detail, and as far as I can tell, the minimum time required has increased to 300 hrs, and will continue to increase to 500. That is to say, unless there have been recent changes in their insurance requirements.
I presently have ~227 hours total time. This seems like an amazing opportunity for me, but I was wondering if anyone can update me on the current requirements.
I am all for the adventure, and know full well that nothing means a guaranteed job once I get over there. That being said, I would like to know if there is a firm minimum for hours. If none of these companies will hire a pilot with less than 300 hours, period, then perhaps I will have to look at other opportunities elsewhere.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Ohh the woes of the low-timer!!
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Start of last year, My buddy got hired with just over 200hrs. His friend had over 900 and didn't get the job.
There will always be exceptions to the rules.
This is Africa. They will see all the new pilots being hired with 500hrs, and will put the requirements up even higher for the work permits.
Then after some begging and pleading, threats and butt kissing, the work permits will go through again.
There will always be exceptions to the rules.
This is Africa. They will see all the new pilots being hired with 500hrs, and will put the requirements up even higher for the work permits.
Then after some begging and pleading, threats and butt kissing, the work permits will go through again.
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Fair enough. Well in that case, I suppose I'll be Africa-bound by the end of the month then!
Can anyone tell me what the pilots/jobs ratio is presently? I'm expecting to wait at least three months, if not more before a job opportunity presents itself. I'm curious to know which excuses have worked for the purpose of extending my stay past the initial 90 days. I don't mind telling a white lie to their immigration officers, but I don't want to risk getting in serious trouble in Africa either!
And finally, it was mentioned that single-bedroom apartments are available for rent there. Is there any reasonable way to obtain one before making the move? Or like the job, is it a matter of just showing up and pounding the pavement until I find something?
I know all the questions you receive must be getting quite exhaustive at this point, but I truly appreciate any and all the help you can provide. Without your post, I don't think I'd have made the decision to travel to Maun : )
Can anyone tell me what the pilots/jobs ratio is presently? I'm expecting to wait at least three months, if not more before a job opportunity presents itself. I'm curious to know which excuses have worked for the purpose of extending my stay past the initial 90 days. I don't mind telling a white lie to their immigration officers, but I don't want to risk getting in serious trouble in Africa either!
And finally, it was mentioned that single-bedroom apartments are available for rent there. Is there any reasonable way to obtain one before making the move? Or like the job, is it a matter of just showing up and pounding the pavement until I find something?
I know all the questions you receive must be getting quite exhaustive at this point, but I truly appreciate any and all the help you can provide. Without your post, I don't think I'd have made the decision to travel to Maun : )
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I cannot speak for all the companies but I know that Wilderness (the largest operator in Maun) has a requirement for insurance purposes that you have 300 hours before they release you to the line. You will do some bush training and the like so a prudent minimum would be 270 hours to get yourself seriously considered by Wilderness. Any way to get another 50 hours before you arrive in Maun?
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I just checked out the Wilderness Air website. They say 250 hours minimum, and they will provide 50 hours training in the right seat. Better than 300, but it still leaves me some 23 hours short... If I had the time and cash to spare, I'd definitely go do the 50-hour bush course in Kelowna, BC.
Given flyboy's last comment, I might just roll the dice and hope that what I lack in hours can be replaced by my M-IFR rating and my killer attitude!
Given flyboy's last comment, I might just roll the dice and hope that what I lack in hours can be replaced by my M-IFR rating and my killer attitude!