Maun, Botswana. The essential guide.
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Confirmed the bookings and paid for my tickets today! Arriving in Maun 1st December 
Now I'm reading through travel insurance policies for my first few months in Africa
Most seem to exclude everything to do with small aircraft 
@lilflyboy. Yes I have considered Air NZ Link and more than meet the minimum requirements but I don't feel like it's the place for me yet. I want to do some real flying after instructing for 3+ years. Definitely my 'one last adventure' before I settle into a real, and as Royal Navy put it, 'incredibly boring' job.
Now I'm reading through travel insurance policies for my first few months in Africa
Most seem to exclude everything to do with small aircraft @lilflyboy. Yes I have considered Air NZ Link and more than meet the minimum requirements but I don't feel like it's the place for me yet. I want to do some real flying after instructing for 3+ years. Definitely my 'one last adventure' before I settle into a real, and as Royal Navy put it, 'incredibly boring' job.
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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.
I was going to go out to the Australian bush, but after reading your comment, you have reignited my obsession with heading over for the hiring season. With 280TT I know I wont quite make the Botswana requirements so Im looking firmly at Nam.
Any advice from those in Namibia right now? Still having a blast?
Last edited by Elevators; 23rd Jul 2013 at 08:58.
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Air Link
Further to my post dated 13th July we flew Air Link JNB-MUB on Friday. It was a very fast check in with one queue for all Air Link flights and many desks open. There were a fair number of people but we got through in about 4 minutes. The flight departed smack on time and we arrived 10 minutes early. One hour twenty instead of two hours with Air Bots. Very smart aircraft (BA146) and crew. Very nice chicken with sweet chilli baguette. Good selection of drinks - 4 different beers, wine and soft drinks.
The whole flight was operated in a very professional manner - AND we got our luggage on arrival at MUB
They have my vote.
The whole flight was operated in a very professional manner - AND we got our luggage on arrival at MUB
They have my vote.
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JE you 'were' very much a driver and unlike many airline pilots of today can probably still 'drive' if requred. You are now a 'systems operator' 
Está servira para distraerle.
Not so sure that even the word 'operator' is appropriate for an A380.
Shouldn't that position rather be described as 'systems supervisor' or perhaps, in Lufthansa, an overseer?
Shouldn't that position rather be described as 'systems supervisor' or perhaps, in Lufthansa, an overseer?
Last edited by cavortingcheetah; 31st Jul 2013 at 17:08.
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Like Juliet-Echo and Navy1, I flew in Bots back in 96/97...
Now on the 777 further north but I managed to get back to the bush a couple of years ago again with another trip planned next year (they become less spaced in time).
Not much has changed, airstrips seems much better however and "Le Bistro" has been relocated and renamed to "Bon Arrivée".
Don't know if I ll ever get to do this again but being rather free, once my future is assured (I am not greedy money wise), I ll head back I reckon.
No worries for the job hunters, it is not quite for tomorrow.
The flying was great and rather safe I found but what made it was the people I met, the place and things I saw and where I lived (nothing special other than the memories I guess).
Great place.
Now on the 777 further north but I managed to get back to the bush a couple of years ago again with another trip planned next year (they become less spaced in time).
Not much has changed, airstrips seems much better however and "Le Bistro" has been relocated and renamed to "Bon Arrivée".
Don't know if I ll ever get to do this again but being rather free, once my future is assured (I am not greedy money wise), I ll head back I reckon.
No worries for the job hunters, it is not quite for tomorrow.
The flying was great and rather safe I found but what made it was the people I met, the place and things I saw and where I lived (nothing special other than the memories I guess).
Great place.
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My plans of going to Maun got up-ended since i managed to land a job as a flight instructor in the USA for now.
Hopefully I'll still want to go to Maun when my contract here is over. After that I should have around 2000h in the worlds most complex airspace.
With that experience, will there be a challenge finding jobs in Maun? Will the companies see me as over qualified?
Hopefully I'll still want to go to Maun when my contract here is over. After that I should have around 2000h in the worlds most complex airspace.
With that experience, will there be a challenge finding jobs in Maun? Will the companies see me as over qualified?
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206 rating necessary?
Hello, I am seriously considering to get over Maun this season but I'm concerned about the need of the C206 rating.
I'm from the EASA land and C206 doesn’t have a rating here, will this excludes the need for the rating because of the license of origin? Or perhaps if I just have about 5h to 6h would be enough?
If even a C206 rating (I really don't know where to endorse it) or C206 time is needed, can it be done in South Africa or other African country just be renting it?
Thanks
I'm from the EASA land and C206 doesn’t have a rating here, will this excludes the need for the rating because of the license of origin? Or perhaps if I just have about 5h to 6h would be enough?
If even a C206 rating (I really don't know where to endorse it) or C206 time is needed, can it be done in South Africa or other African country just be renting it?
Thanks
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@daladaladriver, it's easy to notice what's has already corrected but perhaps you should start noticing more on your wrong assumptions or filter your comments to those who are more contributive.
I the beggining of the theard there wasn't much interest for those who have time on the 206 but on the last year posts I notice advantage given to those who have it.
I'm trying to understand if it is something worthfull of investing, like if it is something that will cut much of your chances if you don't have, and most of all the best way to add that experience.
I the beggining of the theard there wasn't much interest for those who have time on the 206 but on the last year posts I notice advantage given to those who have it.
I'm trying to understand if it is something worthfull of investing, like if it is something that will cut much of your chances if you don't have, and most of all the best way to add that experience.
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"but on the last year"
that should answer your question.
the thread is several years old.
Most of what's in it is pertinent for now, however things have changed in the last year.
Read the thread. Your answers are in there.
that should answer your question.
the thread is several years old.
Most of what's in it is pertinent for now, however things have changed in the last year.
Read the thread. Your answers are in there.
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@ guererra, my assumptions are accurate. If you are serious, read the thread starting at page 1. Of course your EASA license won't exclude the need for a 206 rating. You will need a 206 checkout, 5 hours. But good luck with that,,, not many flight schools have a 206. Best bet is get your instructor rating and get a couple hundred hours of instruction under your belt, then come down.
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hello dalalaladriver
Hello. I am planning to come over to maun in mid nov. I have 5 hours in the c206 and a total flighf time of 345 hours. Kindly guide m as to which company I should head for once I am there. I am going to visit all but if you think about any particular company then please let me know. I am 32 and still looking for a job. Please let me know where I can begin. Thanks a lot. Have a good day.
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Hello everyone.
I am visiting maun in mid nov. Could any of you kindly tell me from previous experience a lodge where I can stay till I get thru with a job. Any decent lodge which is close to the aviation offices.
Appreciate any help I receive. Thanks a lot. Have a good day.
I am visiting maun in mid nov. Could any of you kindly tell me from previous experience a lodge where I can stay till I get thru with a job. Any decent lodge which is close to the aviation offices.
Appreciate any help I receive. Thanks a lot. Have a good day.
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Lodge...take a good tent with you. 3 months waiting for a job, living in lodge will be expensive. Take a tent and camp with the other guys/gals waiting for illusive first flying job.
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Trying to get a job in Botswana has been my hardest experience yet. I was hired in August 2010, then lost job due to company's change in management. I then came back January 2011, and again tried for 2months, but ended up getting a better offer in Kenya. And then came back November of 2012, and finally got hired January 2013, after 2.5months.
It is a waiting game. Third time lucky for me.
The hiring scene has changed soooooo many times since my first time here. Currently the law does not convert your license, but much rather does a validation on you original license (so make sure you have a valid/current license before coming here!!!) until you get 500hours on a "A2" aircraft, and with that obliviously you have to have the rating, ie: you wont get a C206 job unless you have a C206 rating. And you most definitely wont get a job on a C208 even if you have the rating due to insurance requirements, and seniority.
So make sure you either have at least one or 2 of these ratings- C172, C206, GA8.
But along with law requirements, companies too have requirements- most want at least 400hours (with the odd exception) [1000hours max, companies find it "fishy" if you come with too many hours] and something else that pretty much will help you get the job in terms of work permit- Dangerous Goods (even though immigrations probably have no idea what that is, it makes yr CV look pretty therefore making the permits application process a little bit smoother)
Even though I have a lot of "pretty" things on my CV- instructors with 100hours instructing experience, a few hours experience on C206, 60hours multi and instruments, dangerous goods, previous bush flying... it still took me a while to get a job... so don't come here thinking that you are "hot sht" because you have a ME/IR. It mostly boils down to personality and your behaviour- you are constantly under watch by the companies!!! (small town, mostly pilots = news spreads quick!!!) Which is why you generally have to stick it out for at least a month (I know some guys have been hired way sooner than this) because eventually your true colours start to shine, and no company wants to hire a "dck head"- we are all one really big family of pilots working together at the end of the day!!
So do come, rough it up- bring your tents and a few beers! If you are lucky you might get to house sit for someone (mostly December/January- luxury living for a few days!). Do keep your wits about yourself, dress casual smart (in case you do get on a flight- the company wants you to look presentable!), don't be a know-it-all (remember... dck head), do socialise a lot (but don't get too wasted- you r constantly under watch!) and do buy the pilots beers (it will score you points, but don't be an ass-kisser) ! Do check scheduling before 8am, and 4pm (for next day) for flights (EVERY SINGLE DAY!), and be friendly with the scheduling ladies, they have enough stress as it is!
BEST OF LUCK! ~ May the odds be ever in your favour
It is a waiting game. Third time lucky for me.
The hiring scene has changed soooooo many times since my first time here. Currently the law does not convert your license, but much rather does a validation on you original license (so make sure you have a valid/current license before coming here!!!) until you get 500hours on a "A2" aircraft, and with that obliviously you have to have the rating, ie: you wont get a C206 job unless you have a C206 rating. And you most definitely wont get a job on a C208 even if you have the rating due to insurance requirements, and seniority.
So make sure you either have at least one or 2 of these ratings- C172, C206, GA8.
But along with law requirements, companies too have requirements- most want at least 400hours (with the odd exception) [1000hours max, companies find it "fishy" if you come with too many hours] and something else that pretty much will help you get the job in terms of work permit- Dangerous Goods (even though immigrations probably have no idea what that is, it makes yr CV look pretty therefore making the permits application process a little bit smoother)
Even though I have a lot of "pretty" things on my CV- instructors with 100hours instructing experience, a few hours experience on C206, 60hours multi and instruments, dangerous goods, previous bush flying... it still took me a while to get a job... so don't come here thinking that you are "hot sht" because you have a ME/IR. It mostly boils down to personality and your behaviour- you are constantly under watch by the companies!!! (small town, mostly pilots = news spreads quick!!!) Which is why you generally have to stick it out for at least a month (I know some guys have been hired way sooner than this) because eventually your true colours start to shine, and no company wants to hire a "dck head"- we are all one really big family of pilots working together at the end of the day!!
So do come, rough it up- bring your tents and a few beers! If you are lucky you might get to house sit for someone (mostly December/January- luxury living for a few days!). Do keep your wits about yourself, dress casual smart (in case you do get on a flight- the company wants you to look presentable!), don't be a know-it-all (remember... dck head), do socialise a lot (but don't get too wasted- you r constantly under watch!) and do buy the pilots beers (it will score you points, but don't be an ass-kisser) ! Do check scheduling before 8am, and 4pm (for next day) for flights (EVERY SINGLE DAY!), and be friendly with the scheduling ladies, they have enough stress as it is!
BEST OF LUCK! ~ May the odds be ever in your favour
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Just as I left Safari Air, they had implemented a thing that only allowed one flight into the delta per person. Had to sign a whole bunch of liability forms etc.
And I think they were only offering them to people that they had an interest in hiring.
Not sure if that is still the case now that the Ops Manager has moved on... but yeah. Safari Air even at the best of times didn't offer tons of flights... it was usually up to the pilots flying the plane.
Don't hit them up every day... It gets a little much. Making friends with the pilots is a better idea, they will know their schedule and who is on it the afternoon before.
And I think they were only offering them to people that they had an interest in hiring.
Not sure if that is still the case now that the Ops Manager has moved on... but yeah. Safari Air even at the best of times didn't offer tons of flights... it was usually up to the pilots flying the plane.
Don't hit them up every day... It gets a little much. Making friends with the pilots is a better idea, they will know their schedule and who is on it the afternoon before.
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1000hours max, companies find it "fishy" if you come with too many hours
Do the rest of you guys find this true as well??
Planning on heading over in December with 3k hrs , ATP and flight instructor.