Maun, Botswana. The essential guide.

[cavortingcheetah]

The thought occurs that when applying in Botswana for a swamp job:
A pilot with 200 hours could be expected to be going for a first break. A pilot with 10,000 hours could be expected only to be going there for the fun of it. But a pilot with 2,500 hours could be expected to have already landed a decent full time job with an airline, so why is he there at all? Unless of course, he's very old.

[ninethreekilo]

Thing is some people dont have any desire to fly for the airlines, or some charter jet, I have the hours, degree and all that, just not one ounce of desire to do that type of "flying", bush and floats are where my heart is at.

Current plan is get a seat in a C208 (have +/-1200hrs Pic in a 331 powered 208B) and do some rewarding and challenging flying, thing is I honestly enjoy FLYING. Maybe work my way up to Chief Pilot after a few years.

Another reason I want to live over there is the culture of expats and the locals.. Seattle, LA, etc are great but not where my heart takes me.

One day I could see myself opening up a single plane 135 up north in the US , right now I see myself building up some experiences in africa.

I just hope my hours and ATP don't cause me any issues?!

[bonzaii]

KIWI (NZ) pilots in botswana/Namibia

Any kiwis out there - maybe even from CTC or Massey?

love to get some insight into your experiences

to everyone whos gonna rip me one for asking for tips on africa 'cause its already discussed' - Yes i know - im trying to find some kiwis there now to have a chat with.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

No Kiwis left in Africa. We ate 'em all.


It's your own fault for tasting like chicken...

[bonzaii]

Hahaha

Better not come then

[Solid Rust Twotter]

Lilflyboy is no longer in Africa, but he spent some time trundling around the swamps. Drop him a PM.

[lilflyboy262...2]

And so so so so tempted to come back.
Sure beats to socks off of flying around the frozen north of Canada.

[Exascot]

LB, forecast temperatures for this week in Maun: 34,35,35,36,37,37. Glorious clear blue skies and just having a cold beer by the river at ORL.

Guys ref. experience; I can only speak as a consultant not an employer or employee in the charter business. I am sure that the companies would welcome experienced pilots. They need people who have the experience and knowledge to become trainers and hold more senior posts than just being a line 'Biggles'. Also it is easier for them to get you work permits.

BUT and this is the BIG advice: Don't arrive here as Capt Know-All (this has been mentioned before). None of the 'I have always done it this way'. Accept the SOPs even if you disagree. Accept that you are still a new boy/girl in the field and willing to listen and learn. Make all this very clear in your first contact with a company. Also stress the point that you enjoy 'flying' not being a systems operator and the different way of life here compared to airline schedules. I know, I have; 'been there, seen it, done it' and would love to fly here in my retirement but only mornings, and say just three days a week! ATPL 8,000+ hrs single piston, twin turbine, fast jet, heavy four jet and wide bodied, any offers please?

[jblaverick]

Kalahari killings

Dear all,

In your time in Maun did anybody come across the story of the two RAF pilots killed by Bushmen in Botswana in 1943 after getting lost on a training flight from Bulawayo? Or the story of the pilot who bailed out broke his ankle and ended up being found by a herd-boy and being taken to Serowe?!

The former I have lots of info on, but I am always willing to hear more. The second I have only from a single source - The Hunting Blackbeards!

Many thanks

[skidbuggy]

Sorry for the posting here, but I figure it might get the most response.

I recently discovered the tv series 'Bush Pilots'; does anyone know if the show will ever be back for another season?

Thanks

[lilflyboy262...2]

I think if you look around on either this thread... or at least in this forum, you will be able to find the producers of the show. They were on here asking a few questions. Can ask the guys yourself!

[Contact Approach]

Programme

I spoke with the producers sometime ago during their pursuit to find guys setting out for this endeavour. At the time they had hopes for shooting more than one series. However, this was sometime ago so things may be different now.

[PilotInPink]

I have a question regarding getting a tourist visa on arrival in Maun;

On the arrivals card that you normally fill in on arrival in a foreign country, what have prospective bush pilots put in the past where it asks for your occupation? Or does the paperwork in Botswana not even ask?

I'm a wee bit worried about admitting to being a pilot when I'm at the airport. Thoughts?

(76 days til I get there!)

[propcowboy]

I've put butcher.
Come on man, be a bit creative, put on the questionnaire whatever floats your boat.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

You can put amputee dwarf goat porn fluffer if you like.

The gelled hair, big watch, poser shades and steely-eyed-master-of-the-sky attitude is what usually gives it away.

[cavortingcheetah]

Based on a rapid analysis of previous posts in this thread it seems that it would not be inappropriate to declare one's occupation as 'Professional Indigent'.

[lilflyboy262...2]

In otherwords.... Put tourist

[Altis20]

Hi !

I'm heading down to maun from Quebec, Canada between november (2013) and January (2014).
I have my CPL with 240hrs and i'll have my multi and IFR rating before october.

Anyone heading down there during this time?

[Potential]

C206 Positions Available: AvCom ? View topic - C206 Positions Available

[theops]

I might go as well. It would be nice to organize something, mean not to go there not "knowing" anyone..