African Aviation Regional issues that affect the numerous pilots who work in this area of the world.

Maun avgeek

Old 12th Aug 2017, 09:22
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Maun avgeek

I'm a Maun Avgeek. Just wondered if anyone has any updates on Maun operators and fleet lists. This is purely from a plane spotting point of view. Not job hunting.

Have the wilderness Air C206s gone to Namibia to replace the C210s.

Thanks.
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Old 15th Aug 2017, 08:39
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I won't attempt to count how many of each type each operator has, I know for sure that I would get the numbers wrong.

I have listed the types of aircraft that are actively flying at the moment. Some of the operators own other aircraft that haven't been off the ground in a long time so I have left those off the list.

Air Shakawe
C206, C210

Delta Air
C206, GA8
(I haven't seen their C210 for a while... Abezzi- you've been flying more than I have lately, have you seen/ heard it??)

Kavango Air
C172, C206, GA8

Mack Air
C206, C210, GA8, Kodiak, C208

Major Blue Air
C172, GA8, C208, B200

Moremi Air
C206, GA8

Safari Air
Ga8, Kodiak, C208

Wilderness Air
C206, GA8, C208
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Old 15th Aug 2017, 14:50
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Thanks for the info, Pilot in Pink. Don't Air Shakawe have the C207's anymore?
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Old 17th Aug 2017, 16:29
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Delta Air C210 is back on line!
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Old 17th Aug 2017, 20:42
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Thank you for the updates
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Old 19th Aug 2017, 19:58
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Air Shakawe still owns the C207s, but they haven't flown for about a year.
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Old 20th Aug 2017, 07:19
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Oh, I'm surprised about that. I thought the 207s were the main stay of the fleet. From the pics on facebook it looks like Air Shakawe got the 206's from Mack Air.
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Old 24th Aug 2017, 17:06
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Jakekenobi, Maun requirements is 500 hours, CPL and a type rating i.e. Gippslands GA8
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Old 26th Aug 2017, 07:21
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Jakekenobi,

Try Moremi Air, they always seem to be recruiting or Kavango Air, but you really need a C206 or GA8 rating. Work permit could be tough.
There are only 8 operators as Fridge Air are an air conditioning firm!
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Old 27th Aug 2017, 05:41
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Maun was always and like many a turn up and hang around to get employed place. I doubt that has changed.

Sending a CV from another country and expecting a call is a bit mythical in my opinion, also does not do much for the turnover of a few camp grounds and bars.
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Old 29th Aug 2017, 12:23
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The ninth operator that you talk about was probably Fridge Air as mentioned in the "Essential Guide". Unfortunately, they have closed their operation in Maun. Also, as Hatton pointed out, they were a refrigeration and air conditioning company (but that didn't stop many people from sending hopeful pilots in that direction).

Other operators that could be included to make up to 9 would be Flying Mission Services or Helicopter Horizons. I didn't mention either of them because FMS pulled out of Maun awhile ago, and HH have their wings in the wrong place.


As for work, don't count on getting a reply to your emails. We almost exclusively only consider the applications that are made in person.
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Old 30th Aug 2017, 13:56
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Thanks everybody for info.

I know i have to be in Maun and apply personally , i was just wondering if they are hiring expats on spot like they used to, because in another thread there was talk of training and hiring locals...
And what is competitive CV nowadays in Maun?Is 870h Total time ok?

Thaks again
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Old 30th Aug 2017, 15:01
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870 hours is fine, but you need a type rating. The GA8 is the one to get, or a Cessna 206. Dangerous goods cert and farm strip/bush flying experience would really help.
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Old 30th Aug 2017, 15:04
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I really envy, Jakekenobi, so live the dream and enjoy being a bush pilot!

Last edited by hatton; 30th Aug 2017 at 15:41.
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Old 31st Aug 2017, 08:39
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While we are predominantly hiring citizens, there is definitely a need for higher hour expats entering the system. Many companies are finding themselves in a position where they have 200 hour pilots and management pilots, but no one in between.

870 is a good amount of total time. Hatton is correct about the type ratings- but that only applies for pilots who come from places such as South Africa or New Zealand where type ratings exist. If your licence is FAA or EASA where you only have class ratings for single engine piston aircraft, then that is sufficient. However, an hour or two of dual instruction in each of the C206 and GA8 will help.

Personally, I disagree when Hatton says that previous bush flying experience will help you. I actually cringe when I see that on a CV. We will teach you how to fly into the strips the way that we want you to. Every company has standard operating procedures based on decades of operations here. Pilots who have done short, bush flying courses may find that training here takes longer because you first have to un-learn everything. An open mind and a clean slate is easier for the training captains.

Dangerous goods, CRM and first aid certificates are definitely welcome and helpful. As are an instructor rating (with instructing experience) and courses in safety management and quality assurance. I foresee a problem in the not so distant future where Maun runs out of suitable training captains, so instructing is definitely bonus points for any applicant.

One final point, what does it say on your pilot licence? You hold a commercial pilot licence. "CPL with ATPL exams completed" if it makes you feel better. I have yet to see a licence that says "Frozen ATPL". I'm sure that other people may feel differently, but it annoys me when people use that term.
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Old 31st Aug 2017, 09:14
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How did you get to nearly 900 hours? Flight instruction, hour building? What about a bush flying course with the legendary CC Pocock, Pilot in Pink?
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Old 31st Aug 2017, 12:13
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Unless CC is training you to fly in a C206 or GA8, in accordance with our SOPs, and with specific focus on Okavango Delta operations, I see it as an unnecessary expense for any pilot intending to come to Maun. As recurrent training for a recreational pilot, I think it's ideal. Just my personal opinion.

Every pilot in the delta does thorough orientation, indoctrination and line training. The training captains will teach you how to fly the way that the company wants you to fly. From my experience, the hardest guys to train (and the ones who can cause problems) are the pilots who have "prior bush experience" and/or extensive time on type.
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Old 31st Aug 2017, 15:01
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Good point, Pilot in Pink. What's it like to fly in and out of Ntswi Island, I gather the strip is only 600 meters long?

Also given the choice, what would you fly a C206 or a GA8?
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Old 1st Sep 2017, 07:18
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So long as you fly the aircraft the way that it is designed to be flown, then Ntswi is just like any other runway. It all comes down to proper training, following procedures, and knowing your aircraft.

At 30 degrees C and at MAUW the C206 requires a ground run of approx 402m and a distance of approx 830m to clear a 50ft obstacle. Under the same conditions, an airvan needs around 550m ground run and 900m for obstacle clearance... Needless to say, we are all grateful for the lack of any obstacles at the end of Ntswi.


In an ideal world, I would want a hybrid of the C206 and GA8. The C206 has better air vents for the pilot (definitely needed in this environment), rudder trim, better short field performance, and you can check the fuel without using a ladder. Wheras the GA8 has a better (but not perfect) flap system, is easier to land, and is so much easier in terms of load passengers and freight.
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Old 2nd Sep 2017, 10:54
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Thanks, Pilot in Pink. I wonder if the elephant is still in residence at Ntswi? I would love to fly from Maun to Ntswi in a Cessna 206 and then into Kasane via Vic Falls.
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