Maun, Botswana. The essential guide.
Join Date: Nov 2011
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For VC10... haha ok, work through those one at a time.
Average sector: Depends on you. 500ft was common early in the morning or late in the afternoon once the turbulence died down.
I liked to give my passengers a scenic flight out there because there are thousands of animals to look at!
Over the desert areas I was usually flying between 6000-9000ft AGL on the longer legs to stay above the bumps.
Scraping the vegetation... Not often. I had one instance of finding some reeds in the brakes. That was from landing though, not take-off...
No NDBs out there. I only used the ADF to tune into BBC World for the nice long legs. Was the top 20 on sundays.
There is a VOR at Maun and Kasane, they do want you to report crossing some radials for separation from inbound IFR flights. But that's about it. The DME can be a bit unreliable.
We had to do 50hrs flying with a senior pilot to learn where all the landmarks are and your check ride is done without the GPS to show you can find your way around without it.
There is no lights out at the strips, but there is lights at Maun. Kasane Airport closes at a certain time from memory.
No night flying though. If you are going to be late back, it will mean an unscheduled stopover at a camp for the night...not a bad thing.
We do hot turn-arounds on the Caravans due to engine start cycles. Average day is 8-10 legs. Will soon chew through the cycles before the engine has to be overhauled.
No encounters with lions thankfully... Got close enough to them in a car...
As for Kikofc... I'm sorry mate, I'm not in town anymore so can't tell you. I still believe turning up there and talking to the people is the best option.
Although, I spent a year in Canada... there is a lot of opportunities there. I would put a hunk of that money into a road trip across Canada and look there.
Chuck bags for half a year or so.
A lot of companies out there!
Average sector: Depends on you. 500ft was common early in the morning or late in the afternoon once the turbulence died down.
I liked to give my passengers a scenic flight out there because there are thousands of animals to look at!
Over the desert areas I was usually flying between 6000-9000ft AGL on the longer legs to stay above the bumps.
Scraping the vegetation... Not often. I had one instance of finding some reeds in the brakes. That was from landing though, not take-off...
No NDBs out there. I only used the ADF to tune into BBC World for the nice long legs. Was the top 20 on sundays.
There is a VOR at Maun and Kasane, they do want you to report crossing some radials for separation from inbound IFR flights. But that's about it. The DME can be a bit unreliable.
We had to do 50hrs flying with a senior pilot to learn where all the landmarks are and your check ride is done without the GPS to show you can find your way around without it.
There is no lights out at the strips, but there is lights at Maun. Kasane Airport closes at a certain time from memory.
No night flying though. If you are going to be late back, it will mean an unscheduled stopover at a camp for the night...not a bad thing.
We do hot turn-arounds on the Caravans due to engine start cycles. Average day is 8-10 legs. Will soon chew through the cycles before the engine has to be overhauled.
No encounters with lions thankfully... Got close enough to them in a car...
As for Kikofc... I'm sorry mate, I'm not in town anymore so can't tell you. I still believe turning up there and talking to the people is the best option.
Although, I spent a year in Canada... there is a lot of opportunities there. I would put a hunk of that money into a road trip across Canada and look there.
Chuck bags for half a year or so.
A lot of companies out there!
Join Date: Nov 2011
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No Bastian, but they require a work permit just like every other country. It is next to impossible to get for someone with low hours due to the thousands of fresh CPL students trained every year.
I only mentioned Canada because of Kikofc being from there.
I only mentioned Canada because of Kikofc being from there.
Join Date: Oct 2011
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My friends and family think I've gone nuts, but I'm going to have a shot at flying in Botswana. With 1300+ hours I'm hoping to have a bit more luck than others with the visa/ job situation.
I'm looking at booking flights in the next week or so to arrive in Maun later this year. My itinerary is sorted for the rest of the trip but I'm yet to get the JNB-MUB connection- Air Botswana is cheaper than South African Airways, but is the latter more reliable? I haven't heard much about this option since it began operating on the route.
I'm looking at booking flights in the next week or so to arrive in Maun later this year. My itinerary is sorted for the rest of the trip but I'm yet to get the JNB-MUB connection- Air Botswana is cheaper than South African Airways, but is the latter more reliable? I haven't heard much about this option since it began operating on the route.
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As a mere pax and very frequent flyer JNB-MUB, I have to say SA Air Link everytime! Sorry to sound negative, but all my recent experiences with Air Botswana have been utterly dreadful (lost luggage, cancelled flights, crazy re-routes) and they just couldn't care less. If you are really strapped for cash and can afford to arrive late (and probably without your luggage for a day or two), then risk Air Botswana but any extra expense associated with SA Air Link is completely worth it. Enjoy Botswana.
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Pilotinpink, just out of curiosity, why would you want to take such a gamble and go to Botswana if you already have 1300 hours?
Is it just that you have a burning desire to be a bush pilot in the Okavango delta? As a career move, I can't see it being too beneficial for you.
Sure you have your reasons, would be interesting to hear them.
Air Bots best avoided if possible, as already said, they seem to leave the luggage behind more often than not out of Jo'burg.
Is it just that you have a burning desire to be a bush pilot in the Okavango delta? As a career move, I can't see it being too beneficial for you.
Sure you have your reasons, would be interesting to hear them.
Air Bots best avoided if possible, as already said, they seem to leave the luggage behind more often than not out of Jo'burg.
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...seem to leave the luggage behind more often than not out of Jo'burg.
Or, put it on the wrong flight.
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I know a few pilots who have been to Africa and I want to experience it too. I've been wanting to go for several years but have never been in a financial position to go until now.
I agree it is a huge gamble to leave a stable, secure job. However, I'm young, single and craving a new adventure. I figure now is the time to explore rather than reaching middle age and wishing that I had.
Worst case scenario, I'll return home and get and instructing job or apply for the regional airlines.
I agree it is a huge gamble to leave a stable, secure job. However, I'm young, single and craving a new adventure. I figure now is the time to explore rather than reaching middle age and wishing that I had.
Worst case scenario, I'll return home and get and instructing job or apply for the regional airlines.
Last edited by PilotInPink; 9th Jul 2013 at 08:44.
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Worth checking out Zambia and Namibia too. A lot more twin / IFR work in Nam at least, which will be useful to have if ever coming home to NZ / Aus.
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Hello!
My wife and I are headed to Maun in the next few months. Just figure I'd introduce myself since it seems like a lot of the pilot community is already on here
From Alaska. Currently working as an aircraft inspector in Anchorage. Got a job flying 206/ 207's at FMS out of Maun.
Looking forward to meeting and flying with some of you over in Bots!
My wife and I are headed to Maun in the next few months. Just figure I'd introduce myself since it seems like a lot of the pilot community is already on here
From Alaska. Currently working as an aircraft inspector in Anchorage. Got a job flying 206/ 207's at FMS out of Maun.
Looking forward to meeting and flying with some of you over in Bots!
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My wife and I are headed to Maun in the next few months
Now i have 210 TT In these hours have 50 Hours in a C206 and 20 in a GA8. I believe that I can to get a job with that experience but I now that is a Very low TT.
Guys tell me... Whats is better Maun or Namibia for me... for the first landing and then continue my adventure.
Thanks
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JS32, perhaps you should read the previous posts regarding hours required. The Botswana authorities have tightened up considerably on work visas and I would suggest that your 210 hours total time is way below the hours that the operators and the government require.
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Flying in Botswana sounds like a real adventure. I'd love to do this after getting my CPL+IR+ME in South Africa.
How much of a living wage do pilots make? I don't mind making little when compared to other nations, Just that the wage is ok to live comftably in the country.
How much of a living wage do pilots make? I don't mind making little when compared to other nations, Just that the wage is ok to live comftably in the country.
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Air Bots v Air Link
I have just booked JNB-MUB for 26th with Air Link it is only 15 € more than Air Bots. It however takes half an hour less as it is a 146 not an ATR. So by the hour much cheaper with Air Bots 
However we may get our luggage, and get more drinking time at Bon Arrive on arrival. Watch this space and stand by your beds Exascot will be back in town 
Actually a little earlier than planned due to a small police problem here in Greece. Well I didn't know she was only 15 did I? 
However we may get our luggage, and get more drinking time at Bon Arrive on arrival. Watch this space and stand by your beds Exascot will be back in town Actually a little earlier than planned due to a small police problem here in Greece. Well I didn't know she was only 15 did I?
Last edited by Exascot; 13th Jul 2013 at 14:44.
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JS32, perhaps you should read the previous posts regarding hours required. The Botswana authorities have tightened up considerably on work visas and I would suggest that your 210 hours total time is way below the hours that the operators and the government require.
Somebody are in Namibia or Bots now? Where is better for me?
Thanks.
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JS32, I wouldn't totally get down about it just yet. You have time in aircraft that they need. One of the new requirements is having the rating on the aircraft you will be using.
It's worth getting in touch with the companies and see what they say rather than just the hearsay that is on here. The hours excuse can be used on a lot of the guys that they don't think will be a good fit with their company.
@pilot in pink. Have you thought about air nz? Or is this a one last adventure before settling into the airlines? They are taking nz pilots with around 700 hours at the moment.
It's worth getting in touch with the companies and see what they say rather than just the hearsay that is on here. The hours excuse can be used on a lot of the guys that they don't think will be a good fit with their company.
@pilot in pink. Have you thought about air nz? Or is this a one last adventure before settling into the airlines? They are taking nz pilots with around 700 hours at the moment.
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Maun
Just been reading all the interesting posts on Maun. Brings back some memories.
I flew in Maun years ago with Moremi Air, then owned by Mark Smith. 1997 I think it was? Seems like everything is just the same as it was then? Maybe a little bigger now with a few more caravans and twins etc.
If your thinking of going to Maun, my advice is DO IT!!! I fly a 777 now and I can tell you that although the finances are a little better its the most incredibly boring and over regulated flying you will ever do.
Get out there and enjoy what is probably the best stick and rudder flying in the world. with the exception of maybe Alaska? Plus you have great scenery all at low level and fantastic wildlife and some of the best entertainment and friends you will meet in aviation. Everytime I see a C206 I have to smile. I loved it there.
As a pilot in Maun you will learn the ropes far quicker and better then your compatriates who elect to stay at home and go down the hours building route or instructing route. You will be wearing many different hats. Dispatcher, load controller, ATC (sometimes) fuel'er, Maintenance (Yes you will get stuck somewhere in east nowhere and have to do this) Flight planner..... the list goes on. You will leave Maun as a very capable pilot.
It was a fantastic time in my life and because of it I can certainly pole an airplane.
The only down side to places like maun (in the flying sense) is that you will be a little rough round the edges when it comes to things like regulations, SOPs ANRs and all that which is part and parcel for the airline world, should that be your goal? My advice is don't worry about it. Get flying, have fun, get the experience, then go back and polish yourself up for the rules and regulations that that we are forced to comply with in the airline world.
Get out there and get flying on a 18 sector day round the delta starting with Vumbra and ending up in Vic falls.
Wish I could be there. So much fun.
Cheers Guys.
I flew in Maun years ago with Moremi Air, then owned by Mark Smith. 1997 I think it was? Seems like everything is just the same as it was then? Maybe a little bigger now with a few more caravans and twins etc.
If your thinking of going to Maun, my advice is DO IT!!! I fly a 777 now and I can tell you that although the finances are a little better its the most incredibly boring and over regulated flying you will ever do.
Get out there and enjoy what is probably the best stick and rudder flying in the world. with the exception of maybe Alaska? Plus you have great scenery all at low level and fantastic wildlife and some of the best entertainment and friends you will meet in aviation. Everytime I see a C206 I have to smile. I loved it there.
As a pilot in Maun you will learn the ropes far quicker and better then your compatriates who elect to stay at home and go down the hours building route or instructing route. You will be wearing many different hats. Dispatcher, load controller, ATC (sometimes) fuel'er, Maintenance (Yes you will get stuck somewhere in east nowhere and have to do this) Flight planner..... the list goes on. You will leave Maun as a very capable pilot.
It was a fantastic time in my life and because of it I can certainly pole an airplane.
The only down side to places like maun (in the flying sense) is that you will be a little rough round the edges when it comes to things like regulations, SOPs ANRs and all that which is part and parcel for the airline world, should that be your goal? My advice is don't worry about it. Get flying, have fun, get the experience, then go back and polish yourself up for the rules and regulations that that we are forced to comply with in the airline world.
Get out there and get flying on a 18 sector day round the delta starting with Vumbra and ending up in Vic falls.
Wish I could be there. So much fun.
Cheers Guys.