Namibia's the place. A big country, ideal for bush flying, the beer is the best in Africa, the wild life is great (the animals are OK too). Weather is sunny mostly.

Pretty safe as well........:ok: Not as cheap as some places, but good quality all round.

Good luck, safe flying, enjoy wherever you end up.

Botswana info
 

Hi guys,

Im planning a trip to Botswana and Namibia.I have flown in Tanzania for several months but I would like to get a job flying C-206 in Botswana or C-210 in Namibia.Do you know what i have to do for the licence conversion?How much is it?Do i need instrument rating in Botswana or Namibia if i want to fly 206 or 210?(can image the answer is not).
I apreciate if you can inform me,please.
Thanks guys

the good thing
 

The good thing about Bots is that you dont have to do anything about getting a licence yourself. If a company likes you they will take you on and pay for everything. Licence medical and permits, then generaly bond you to that for a year or so.

No instrument rating needed, as its pretty much all VFR flying!

Great place have fun!

Thanks
 

Thanks a lot,

Thats what i wanted to know before i go there

I'm new to here so hello everybody.
 

I'm also going to plan botswana, but I've got one question. How much salary do they pay for me? Is that enough for stantart living or anything else like saving money?

thx
z-e-d

How important is it to get the Cessna 206/210 in your logbook before going and how many hours do people usually want you to have before letting you fly their C208?

Give me reasons to be positive!
 

Greetings....can people in the know set me on the right track? I have a lapsed CAA PPL (last flew 2000) 150 hrs and always wanted to go to SA, because of the scenery and I heard they have similar standards to JAA (ie high). I fancy revalidating my licence and maybe a complex and maybe a self-fly safari. Unfortunately there appears to be a certain amount of baggage (inevitably given the politics ) attached to the aviation/training scene (as evidenced in this very forum; 43 etc) also I had personal exp. with Federal Air who fell off the radar not long after I received a quote for a residential prof. pilot course. (correct me if you know better, please) Anyway, despite all the bulldust, surely it's a great place to fly?! and, who can I trust for good, friendly and professional flight training?? Any prep. req'd in blighty or can I sort all over there, etc? Thanky'all :ok:

Pilot salary query for Botswana and Ag flying SA.
 

Please could someone give me info on the following items:

What sort of salary can new CPL get flying for the charter industry in Botswana C206, C210 etc.

Also, has anyone ever done AG flying in SA crop dusting/fire fighting? Turbo Thrush etc. What does this pay?

Just trying to map out a possible career as a pilot, and not interested in going onto jets, quite like the idea of flying in the bush.

Between R8 000 and R10 000. (Vans and C210) If you fly contracts in Africa its about R28 000 as F/O and R42 000 as captain after tax. (King Airs)

freewheeler
Hi, is that a SA CAA licence or a UK CAA licence? if its a UK one I would suggest you renew that licence first then when you come over here you can validate your Uk licence for a SA licence for a limited time, I am not sure if this is how things still work but it used to work like that, maybe check out the SA CAA web site I am sure it will help you www.caa.co.za
Next thing is that there are many flying schools over here in most of the cities and towns, shop around, but Johannesburg/Pretoria might be your best bet for what you are suggesting, the airfields where flying schools are established in Johannesburg/Pretoria are Lanseria, Grand Central, Rand Airport and Wonderboom, there are a few others but I have only mentioned the big ones.
You have not flown for 7 years so I would go to one of these flying schools and do a proper course, learn the airspace, most of these schools have a hire and fly facility so maybe do a conversion onto the aircraft you intend hiring, then start looking where you want to go, many destination you could go to, maybe decide that when you are here and have spoken to the flying school...........good luck and hope it works out for you

Unfortunately some members of our society dont like the 'status quo' at some of the schools. That shouldnt stop you though. I'd personally recommend a flying school with a cosmopolitan setting to experience SA in all perspectives. Maybe a flying club in PE or other larger cities. Dunno bout the self fly safari.
All the best.

Whatever you do stay far and I mean very FAR away from Wings Over Africa...those are bunch of Sharks swimming on dry land...like you have never seen before...worst mistake of you life if you do ever find a job there.....

Hi Icarus
Thanks for the info on Nam and Bots. I am on my way to Namibia with my CPL and 220H.
Can you please give more info on your earlier statement about "Wings over Africa"

A Kiwi is coming
 

Hey there guys,

Some fabulous content in these treads. I'm a New Zealander who has just got his CPL and MEIR, and is coming over to Bots in November. My questions to you guys are..... is this a good time of year to come? and would the fact that I only have 220hrs be an issue? I will have my 206 type rating before coming so maybe thats a plus??
Cheers guys
Jono
p.s I don't own a pair of khaki shorts would you recommend I invest in a pair haha.
:ok:

What length of time are operators usually looking to employ people for and what's the shortest period they're are likely to?

the least youll get away with is a one year contract, with most companies wanting a two year... you could leave after 6 months but then you will have to pay whatever is left of the bond... one company makes this particulary silly with something like a P50 000 bond for 2 years on 206 (i stand corrected on this one.. anyone have details?)

Hi guys, is this a good moment to try to find out a job in Bots?

Any sofas free?
 

Hi,
I know this might sound a bit cheeky, but you don't get anywhere if you never ask...

I'm heading to Maun at the start of August for three weeks then, if nothing comes up in Botswana, a further three weeks doing the rounds in Tanzania; Mwanza, Arusha & Dar. If anyone has a sofa, in exchange for beers and groceries, I'd be most grateful. I'm easy going, keep my kit tidy and I can cook.

I'm also looking for a bit of information regarding kit selection. I've got desert boots and fatigues, but what's regular flying get up for charter ops down in Botswana? I have been trained in expedition field medicine and was also planning to have a grab bag in the plane in case of injuries to pax or myself - do companies provide or cater for this?

Finally, if anyone has any leads, and would like to help me out, I'd also love to hear from you. I've poured over the previous threads and basically planned most of my trip from those, but would just appreciate a little info on the actual daily setup of the charter ops.

Finally, if anyone wants anything bringing over from the UK, I'll try and sort you out (within reasonable baggage allowance! No pianos...:ok:)

Thanks for reading,
M80

Khaki cotton/linen longs, good socks, white or khaki shirts with space for bars. Light yet comfortable footwear is a must. Don't go too Rambo on the desert boots. Blundstones are good or pick up a pair of the local Jim Greens in SA. Look at boxers rather than briefs as the heat and humidity can cause quite a severe dhobi itch if you wear the wrong kit. The khaki stuff and other clothing is all available in SA if you want to stock up here and save weight/space for a few luxuries from home.

Might find your aircraft space/weight limited as far as the med kit and grab bag goes. The Yanqui turistas in the Delta carry a lot of baggage. Keep it small and it may be a good selling point if you're seeking work but don't be surprised if they're actually looking for pilots. Bring a spare liver if you're heading for Maun.

:hmm:
If one might be forgiven for one comment here and one addition.
The boxer short business is very important because, quite simply, if you get once get Dhobie's Itch, you will probably never get rid of it in the heat. Life will be absolutely miserable. Perhaps therefore, consider using a medicated talc or aloe vera powder as a prophylactic.

Condoms are important. You won't want to use one if you have the crotch rot, and neither will she wish you too either. However, a condom packs down flat in your flight bag and it does hold an aweful lot of water if you ever need a water bottle in a hurry.
Read up on what to do for snake bites and scorpion stings, also vampire bats, rabies and tick bite fever.:O

Hey CC you forgot to mention the "Night Fighters":E:E:E
Rat :O:O:ok:

thanks for the replies
 

Thanks for the replies guys. The usual suspects with good advice.

Just a quick question - what are flights like between Tanzania and Botswana? Prices to Tanzania from Europe are a lot cheaper than flights direct to Bots.

Finally, what are the Namibian operators like? Is it worth adding a few weeks knocking on doors there if nothing comes up? There seem to be more twin aircraft in the fleets rather than 206s. I'm guessing my best opportunity will be with the 206 over any twins.

Thanks again. Anyone need anything bringing over? It's a two-way street, you get a free courier, and I make a contact - so don't be shy! :ok:

Might be better to dry it out with medicated talc as Mr Cheetah has mentioned. Keeping that thing moist can lead to severe crotch rot.:bored:

In the event of a forced landing with respect to contingency planning, what is the general, or specific if available, plans in use by operators in Botswana and Tanzania? How long would you be on the ground awaiting assistance; who is responsible for the passengers during this time; and how do the operators equip the pilots?

Just sourcing final items for next month. Thanks for the useful answers so far. If anyone knows any websites specific to aviation in these two countries, or bush flying in Africa, I'd appreciate a bit of guidance especially from the experienced guys down there.

Thanks all
M80

any sofas free
 

Hey dude - you can have mine. BTW are the beers exchangable for dry white and is it a comprehensive policy?
send me a PM or mail and I can detail you requirements in Nam.
If you are still in the UK I'll take some vegemite and steinlager!!!

White shirts with space for bars?
Condoms?

Dont worry about the white shirts mate, I wore one when I arrived looking for work and everybody thought I was a muppet. In fact, I am, and everyone still thinks I am, but at least I have a job!
As far as condoms go, there is not much scope (there is some, but not much...) for using them as god or the inventor had in mind, but make for loads of fun when fellas like p'bags puts one over his head and inflates it with his nose. v.funny.
Anyway - if faced with the rare opportunity to get your rocks off you can buy connies at the 24hr BP.

Also, some companies insist on their pirates wearing rugged hiking boots, which is a good idea if you go down in the delta - others are more relaxed - for example, I was told that leather sandals are OK, but flip-flops (or jandals) was "just taking the piss". Bring both and bobs your aunty.

If you do go down you should stay with plane anyway, as ELT will be blaring and you will be spotted and picked up relatively quickly - we hope... theres lions and all sorts of kak out their to eat/stomp/sting/bite/ruin your day (as if it wasnt bad enough already)

Other than that come out and stay at Audi Camp for 10 pula a day...thats One Pound Sterling...tell them youre a pilot and they give discount.
Get a good waterproof tent!

Romans
 

Oh how i miss donning my roman sandals in the morning and tootling off down to the airport, so do a scenic flight full of 18-30year old swedish girls.

Thank goodenss due to w&b reasons the hottest one with the shortest skirt has to sit in the front, tanks in the back! (PS the RPM gague gives great reflection into the passengers crotch area)

Wannabee looking for advice - CPL training
 

Hi guys. I'm seriously considering moving to Africa and settle down. I'm currently looking for a Flight School where to get my CPL and hopefully do some hour building. I know It 'll be hard. Is South Africa the best place for it? Or maybe there are better options where to get a first flying job after getting my ratings.
Thanks a lot. Any suggestion will be appreciated

fixed wing or helicopter?

Are you wanting to get permanent resident status? You can't work in the country without one, although you can fly ZS registered aircraft on contract.

Hey pescos bill do you follow the news? Africa is for the most part and on on the whole a francophone war torn continent beset with thieves and murderers. The allegedly most advanced nation RSA has 27000 unsolved murders a year and 1 rape every 12 seconds STAY AWAY.

Pecos Bill - South Africa still one of the best places to fly. Both for training and for getting a job. Lots of contract opportunities on the Dark Continent after you've gained the right experience. After that, plenty of flying jobs around the world. Middle East, Far East, Asia...the world will be your oyster.
For training, coastal schools probabally nicer - but good schools inland too.
Have a look at some of the websites. www.flighttraining.co.za has some career advice as well. Good luck

are leather sandals = jandals? i never quite got the distinction cos i can like to be a bloody saffer...

Hi Pecos Bill,

Oerlikon is not quite right. You DON'T need permanent resident status to work in RSA, but you do need a work permit, and they're not easy to come by (I know as I'm a Brit living in Joburg). PR is almost impossible to get these days anyway, and you can't even apply until you've been living there for 5 years (either living on air (?!), or working under a work permit).

Also be careful about the convertability of a non-JAR CPL - under JAR-FCL 3 you can validate a PPL but not a CPL - I've just finished researching that issue about five-mins ago, so I think that info is correct (but I'd love to be wrong, and then I can save myself a load a money!)

I've lived in Joburg since 1998, but am now relocating back to the UK. To be frank the crime IS out of control (I've had two gunfights in my house, which is in a upmarket, security-patrolled area), and infrastructure is starting to trip-up; daily (and all-day long) powercuts are not uncommon in all the major cities.

All that said I've loved living & flying there, it's a beautiful country, and the people (of ALL colours & races) are great, so at least go for a look-see (but be careful!)

(Check out the facts for Kenya - might be another option)

Good luck!

no no no
 

You got it all wrong, Jandles is what saffas call flip flops and aussies call thongs!!!

jandals?
 

I've lived in SA for ten years and never heard the word! Around here flip-flops/thongs are called "slops"

(not sure I agree with the other post about white shirts, but I guess it depends on the operator - most of my jobs have been in whites, but I'm sure the game-capture/count guys would take the piss!)

you old fart!!
 

how goes it in the desert?

I never talk ****e, u zebra rapest!!!

Thank you everybody!
It will be fixed wing and I'm planning to go down there and spend some time to see with my own eyes before deciding.
I have found this school specialized in bush flight training (http://www.bushair.co.za/home.html); Any feedback about it? Would it be a good start to get a first hour-building job?

help about the licence conversion
 

hello thanks for spreading the good word for all.i wanna know about the license conversion in botswana .or my CPL/IR(ICAO) CAA Pakistan will do the job.and i also wanna know about the names of some operators who hire ppl in botswanna infact some websites..



thanks
JM

hahaha
 

websites...

Do this exist in Maun yet? Dude you have to get your ass to Maun and knock on doors.

Bostwana Bushpilot
 

Hi Budies,

It might sound like if I were landing from another planet but I have been away from the flying business for so long that I am a bit lost with what is happening in Africa. Yours comments most welcome. I have been flying for the past seven months in Malaysia as a flying instructor. Wont tell anyone to go overthere. Back in Madagascar where I have been flying for many years as a bush pilot I really need to get away from here. No more jobs. 2,000 TOTAL TIME. Flew BN2, Chieftain, Navajo, etc. What about a C206 rating? Is this a joke or are you all serious? I am now holding an ICAO licence (Madagascar) original licence JAA (CPL ME IR FI) not valid anymore. What are the chances to get a job in Tanzania, Bostwana? Need to fly urgently. I'am broke. Wages? Thanks. Safe flights