SA Flying schools and Jobs in Nam/Bots
 

I like probabbly hundreds of others am heading to Maun in Jan to try and get a jumpstart into the flying business. I got the flights booked, i've had more pricks than a two bob hooker (vaccinations) and am redy to go! Does anyone have any info about how to get from Joburg to Maun. Do any charter companies help out and flog spare seats cheap, are there busses or do I have to bight the bullet and fly Air Botswana? Any info would be great, Cheers

Spelling lessons under the big tree opposite the Caltex garage!

A-ha, now how to get to FBMN? Bight into that bullet man, Africa is lion country! The shots won't help for that!

:}

Might help if you can round up a few more folks on here, get an old clunker or make sure one of the guys has a car, share costs and head up there by road.


..Or there's always Air Bots...:E :ok:

How could you phrase such an ungenerous statement ... Air Bots Rocks!

I looked through the 'History' page of their site but one item is missing. :eek: Ooh, I am awful ...
--------------------
"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Just came back from Maun today myself. Drove up with friends but I know Air Botswana fly up there from Gaborone or Joburg.

You can take the Intercape bus from Joburg to Gaborone for R130 if that helps to keep costs down but not so convenient. Don't think there is a bus from Gabs to Maun though...

They expect you to camp over for a while but from what I understood January may be a bit late for recruiting.

Good luck!
Eric

Best way to go about things???
 

Hi Everyone,

I wonder if those in the know can help me.

I am traveling to Kenya and then to Botswana for 2 weeks next February in the hope of securing a pilot position.

1) Are these good places to start when looking for work in light of my experience(see below) or would you suggest somewhere else in Africa??

2)what is the best way to go about things when there??

3)In your experience is it best to call / fax the respective operators about your arrival or just turn up with CV in hand (I am very keen and confident but I do not want to be rude).

I have around 300 hours and should be at least around the 370 mark by the time I go. I have 100 hours Multi and this should be at least 120 - 150 when I leave for Africa.

I have a UK issued CPL / IR / MCC. I am an ex air traffic controller and I am 27 years old. I speak English, French and basic to intermediate Russian if that is of any help!!!!

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

First advice carry alot of cash although not on you, this is africa mate. In my experience and from what ive seen having a Cv in hand usually works best, make your face known.
The first major obstacle you always need to overcome is licencing so first stop should be the CAA of that particular country. Be nice and always smile or life will be hell.
Also try and make a stop through tanzania there is a shortage of experienced crew but by the time you come people might have moved up.
Persistance is key, dont give up no matter how bad it looks. Usually the chance happens and you have to be there ready to go. Timing is important. Try to arrive just before the beginning of the high season so all your conversions can be sorted out. Thats when movement is high amongst pilots.
Good luck. It is an adventure :ok:

Gunship,

Thank you very much for your well wishes. :ok:

Flyhardmo,

Thank you very much for the advice. I will be sure to visit Tanzania and make sure that I have lots of CVs on the ready.

First stop

It is indeed an adventure and I am itching at the bit to get going.


PilotATC:D

If your bits are already itching you'll fit right in, mate....:E

Good luck and give Maun a try as well.:ok:

Yes,Solid Rust Twotter is right.
Things are definitely happening in the the mesmerising metropolis of Maun.
Be sure to check it out.

Low time pilots are already starting to fill Audi Camp.:E

Good luck.:ok:

Solid Rust Twotter,

My bits are indeed itching, I can not wait to go. Thanks for the well wishes mate and I will definately check out Maun too.

Mangalui, Maun looks great and I will be certain to make myself known when there. I just wish I had bitten the bullet and done this months ago.

Thanks again guys.

Have heard that work permits are very hard to come by for foreign pilots in Kenya. Might want to give that one a skip.

Be sure to give Namibia also a try! As everybody say Botswana is a definit especially Maun!!

Have your CV in hand and go show your face, it doenst help faxing or emailing, those CV's just get chucked away!!

Good Luck!!:ok:

Howzit PilotATC

I'm in Nairobi at the moment and wil be here until about the end of February. To e honest this place is a hub of aviation activity, especially at Wilson airport, but it is also to to organized and at times seems to be a symphony of cock ups.

I'm currently contracted out by a South African company but even that was difficult because the government is pretty strict on foreign pilots operating in Kenya.

There is definitely jobs available here so it's just getting past the big chiefs in charge.

Good luck mate.

Let me know if you need some help when you're in Nairobi.

Cheers...

Thanks again for the info guys,

Phenomenon, thanks for the headsup, I will certainly give it a go in Kenya and then move onto Maun and then Tanzania before heading back to Kenya again.

I will PM you closer to the time if you do not mind as you may be able to point me in the right direction etc when there.

I had heard about the difficulty to obtain a work permit as a Foreign pilot - but I also read it can and has been done so I am going to give it a good try. I also have the places mentioned above to check out too.

My confirmed travel dates are:

February 3rd - 17th unless I get the opportunity stay!!!!

Thanks again.

Not sure there'll be anything going in Maun by then. The jobs usually go pretty quickly in the first few weeks of the year. Never hurts to take a look and knock on some doors, though...:ok:

Fixed wing flying schools in Southern Africa?
 

Can anyone recomend a few flying schools in Southern Africa (does not have to be South Africa) and what aircraft do they use for training?

Thanks in advance

TMY

There are many good flying schools in South Africa. 43 Airschool in Port Alfred, a quiant little seaside town is probably the biggest and best....but also a bit on the expensive side.

http://www.43airschool.com/

Also try www.aptrac.com. As far as I know it is a school run by South African Airways training captains

Here are the majority, exlcuding the Johannesburg ones: (excuse the formatting)

Progress Stephanie 041-3721647 [email protected]
Natal Flight Acad 039-3120821 [email protected]
Avstar 033-3864347 fax [email protected]
Deal Alliance Cape Town Deborah 082-495-8179
CFS Gerald 044-876-9036 [email protected]
CFA 011-805-4118 [email protected]
43 Wendy 046-624-2433 [email protected]
Outeniqua Marlene [email protected]
Cape Aero Club 021-934-0234 [email protected]
Airline Pilot Training Centre 041-581-0327 [email protected]
Zero Four Evan 083-5771452 [email protected]
Cape Town Flight Training Centre Fisantekraal 021-976-7053 [email protected]
Southern Right CTIA 021-934-2660 [email protected]
Stellenbosch Flying Club 021-880-0294 [email protected]
Aeronautical Training Solutions CTIA 082-828-9410 [email protected]
Starlite Aviation Virginia 031-573-2716 [email protected]
Avstar Pietermaritzburg 033-386-4745 [email protected]
Westline Aviation BFN 051-451-1717 [email protected]
Nelair 013-741-8025 [email protected]
Sheltham PE 041-581-4194 [email protected]
Cape Flying Services George 044-876-9217 [email protected]
Border 043-736-6181 [email protected]
Algoa 041-581-3274 [email protected]
Flamingo East London 043-736-3400 [email protected]



and here are the email addresses :

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

:ok:

Flight schools Jhb area
 

Sam Berriman and his brother Vaughan have taken over Benoni Brakpan flight school, and apart from the fact they are both nice guys, Brakpan is in my opinion the best place to do some fun flying for the following reasons:
The pricing structure is not bad at all.
You are not plagued by the uneccessary wastage of taxi time as well as lengthy radio procedures that you find at Rand and Lanseria, as well as Grand Central.
There is far less congestion in the East Rand flying area.
Good luck, and enjoy!:)

Rand Hire & Fly
 

You could also try Air Safety or Vic's Flight School, at Rand Airport. As far as I know, they both have C172

It's doubtful whether the money saved would compensate you for the fuel, time and aggravation of schlepping around after a discount.

Maun - when to try?
 

The bones have been thrown... After 5 years of social work and teaching the flying bug has finally taken over - posessions sold, CPL/IR course in Kansas booked and with a dream of VFR flying in black Africa alive and well - time to make some preparations. Flying wise should be OK as I have flown AN-2s and PZL 104, been to the Nordkapp and back in a Pa 28, flown in 9 countries and althrough with only 300hrs I'm an optimist. Will make sure to get some 206/210 time while doing the course as well. My question is - when is the best time to head down to Botswana/Namibia? After researching the subject on the net it would appear that it's December but - it's the middle of the rainy season, so how is it? Any advice on jobhunting that hasn't been mentioned before? And for the experienced - I'm a big chap with 190cm and some 100kgs, would that be a big disadvantage in looking for this 206 flying job?
Kris

Don't worry, the guys down there will forcefeed you on a diet of beer and meat, until you are big and strong enough ;)

I was told Jan to April is the best time but after being there it seems that September time is also a good time to visit, several people got jobs then and that is also another time when pilots leave.

Hi

Plan to arrive around Jan. You will only have 90 days to find a job in Botswana, after that you are out, tight immigration laws here). You will not be working until Aug when the season starts in full. Get as many hours in a 206 as possible as it will be easier to convert licence.

I would say you are to late now. The companies will ask for 50 hours right seat, and 50 hours learning the strips this will be free labour (it is the way it is) so bring plenty of money to live on.

And when you get there network, and speak with a New Zealand accent.

If you have any more questions please feel free to PM me.

Cheers

Paddy

There are still a few jobs in town but also the same number of guys waiting that have been there since Jan.

The fuel shortage didnt help this year and so some guys have run out of time and had to leave but made good impressions with the operators so the door is open to come back later in the year when it is rumoured other positions will come up.

A good point made above is the time in the 206, to convert to a bots licence you must have completed 5 hours of training, including the flight test.

Although I did mine in the 172 and will do the 206 rating during my training with my company.

but it is worth taking enough cash to look at passing the law exams, 206 tech and flight test yourself, there is a training school in Maun now and it can be done, you cant actually apply for the licence without a job offer but it shows your commitment and helps the operator to get you through the process that much easier.

How to get a job in Africa?? (The Top Grog thread)
 

Hi, I am about to take a one way trip to africa (from Europe) with my licence, garment and money with the intention to stay there forever.

What would you suggest is the best way to find an aviation related or even flight deck job.

I got 500 hrs. total, 26 yrs old, frozen JAR ATPL, taildragger + short field experience , no type rating

do you think it is an extrem risk to go there without connections?

has anyone of you experiences in africa piloting ? (safari flying, surveillance, etc.)

wherecan I get addresses to apply at from?

yours

lusthansa

Africa is a large large large continent lustthansa:ugh: where in africa are u planning to go? south, west, north or east?

Goodluck :ok:

where to go?
 

Hi, I plan to go to Namibia (first choice), South Africa (2nd choice) and Botswana (3rd choice).

All other countries (as far as w/o civil war and racial probs at present) 4th choice

Yours lusthansa

Do you think it is a true story that a guy from Luxembourg knocked on the doors of the Nairobi A/Ps hangars and got a job as a surveillance pilot, built hours and is now on 747 for an icelandic cargo carrier?

Hi lusthansa
 

The guy from Luxemburg story is true. You may want to give it a shot yourself. As long as you are from Europe, you will be given first priority for a job. Who knows you may end up flying large jets straight away.:ok:
Try Jet Link they operate 767’s.

Hi Captabcd,

I was in kenya and Tanzania last month but I did not get the impression that the europeans have some kind of priority. In fact, In kenya you need to have the kenyan licence and work permit (difficult to obtain). In Namibia might be different, but I don't know.

I'm looking for to go back in africa as soon as possible, to search for the job and living there for a while. For this reasons, if you can please write useful info would be very much appreciate.

Thanks a lot

tony

Precisionair in Tanzania
 

:cool: Hi Lusthanza!!

The three places of ya first choice are the best place to fly in Africa but I believe they would want you to come with a rating lika I did.

But one place where you might get a rating is in Tanzania. These people treated their rated and experienced expats pilots so well that they lost 80% of their work force in a couple of months.

The bill at the end is that they have now to recruit EU guys n giving them a rating if u sign one of their ridiculus bond.

Place n people r great, but can't say same thing of their std n maintenance. But... but... beggers can't be choosers.

Made lot's of hours there, though came home poorer than when I joined.

Check their web site.... I think www.precisionairtz.com ...Just pick the ad n phone No. n don't believe a crap from the web site.

Now if u really want to fly in Botswana, take a trip to Maun and walk in the offices of the different little co's that r there. U might b at the right place at the right time. They don't keep cv n give job's to who's behind the door.

Gut Luck!!

R L ASAP:ok:

Namibia and Botswana are good places to start. SA Im not so sure about as your hours are reasonably low and its difficult to get a work permit. No harm in trying though you might get lucky. From what Ive heard Bots and Namibia are more likely options because of your hours and your shall we say nationality. Im heading out that way at the end of the year so lets hope the market is good. :ok: :ok:

yes, you guys from europe will have no problems.

all you really need do is turn up at these companies offices and they will more than likely hire you on the spot. and because they consider the european licence a superiour licence, they wont even put you on the 206 or 210's...you will probably go straight on to a caravan, king air 200 or 1900.

even with you low hours, not a problem.

the people will all look after you well and help you with everything you need to do...

i think the sooner you guys get out there the sooner you will be employed.

G'day guys,

Ok so the Africans love the Europeans - do they like Australians as well?... How about low houred Aussies, looking for a first job?

Ads

yes carro, australians welcome too...infact, they just prefer poeple from the 1st world as they feel the training is ahead of the local...

i would recommend getting yourself over asap...

Am I the only one finding these replies very unfunny (?).

south coast!

where are you from and from where are your informations about namibia?
i can´t believe what you have told, that european pilots are so welcome there. maybe i am wrong, but i visited all of the companies at eros!

they put you direct in a caravan, 310 or a 414? haha!!! without time on the 206 (the "complex powerhorse") you do not even get a job on any plane there. a european licence helps? you have to have a namibian licence there! you have to do a exam in namibian air law and their radio telefonie licence. last but not least the work permit - the most difficult step!

lies like: "come back tomorrow when the OPS manager is here....." "Oh i am sorry the OPS manager is on an emergency dutie today......." and so on were told.

correct me if i am wrong. i was there at the end of jan. until mid feb.

regards

dieter