I have actually followed this thread since its early days, but getting annoyed at people for popping in now and then to ask a question is a bit silly as most people don't follow every single post. i do appreciate that people need to do the proper research and obviously fully reading all threads should be done prior to anyone going, but for something thats at least a year away I'm not quite at that point yet!

And for the record I would not be disrespectful enough to consider myself too good for the job, but personally I am fortunate enough to have access to those kind of aircraft in my own country at the moment. If I was to stay here more than likely I would be on a Caravan in a year or so, similar to Africa as it seems... Everybody's circumstances are different and I would love to go to Africa, or Asia for that matter, but I would like to see a potential progression path (as you quite rightly pointed out I have a kid on the way!)...

But then again you may very well see me on here next year getting ready to go!

Such is life....:ok:

Chasing heavy tin where you are away from home a lot. Working long hours. On a very average salary.

Flying planes, in a nice town, on an african salary where you and your family can live comfortably, where you are home most nights working daylight hours.

Progression is not as important as lifestyle. A lot of us only realise that once we have progressed as far as we can go.

liffeyboy
 

One of the better posts i have ever read on here :D

Like I said, I wouldn't be shocked at all if it ends up being the place for me, just not quite yet... Unless they don't mind me sitting in the RHS with a BabyBjorn on?! :}

A year will change alot

He's wise beyond his published years.

Indeed, not a lot has changed in 40mumble years.

No glamour, no fancy uniforms with stripes and pay that is just about enough to live in frugal comfort and afford a few beers.

On the plus side a great life with great people and some damn good flying in the bush.

Would I do it again if I could wind the clock back - YES.
Some of the best days to remember and yarn about when you reach retirement.

lilflyboy:

Been there seen it done it. Disagree with the salary though, not in my case anyway. However totally agree with the rest of the post. That is why I changed my lifestyle and will hopefully live a longer albeit poorer life. Too old and bold to start bush flying but thank you guys for letting me fly right hand seat occasionally - terrific stuff. Only half a day though please, kindly do not exhaust a pensioner :eek:

Are there any 40 plus year olds flying in Maun?

Currently on the C208 but will fly anything. Wife and I (and baby) are both wanting to take a sabatical from our "day jobs for say 12-18 months. I have lived in Africa but never flown there.

Yes.

No.

It is not a sabbatical type of job. Also you will not get a contract for this short period. Try: Africa Mission - Church of God missionary efforts in Africa :hmm:

Thanks for the link exascot.

Hi guys

I've read all the posts in the past week, very interesting.
I'm very undecided if leaving home to get there, of course I know if you don't risk... but I don't want to waste my money either.

I've just finished my training, 330 TT, 21 years old.

I will be grateful if you guys tell me what you think about this plan:
Get there by december by taking a flight to Johannesburg and then a local flight (or a bus?) to Maun. Don't tell to the dogana you are looking for a job. Stay a couple of night in an hotel, buy a tend, find the Audi camp or whatever. Rent a space there, where you also probably find some others pilots.

Then go to the airport and try to impress the local company, because the most important thing is the attitude not the total time.

Be prepare to stay there at least 2 months to find something, with a budget of 700 - 800 euros a month, depending on your habits.

Be prepare to a big life-changing, don't be afraid of spiders, snakes and other animal :D

Ok I can do that, to chase my passion :D

Any mistakes or suggestions ??

Thanks to all I'll really appreciate any help.

That sounds about perfect.

@ Maxed out.
You can probably pick up work with one of the operators for a 12-18 month stay. They usually sign you on for 12 months for the C206 and GA8. Then you sign on for another 12 months on the C208.
Wilderness does each for 18 months. Depending on their need for pilots.

Just don't expect the van unless they really need you on it.
With your time on type however, they may check you out anyway. You would be smart to check out wilderness air.

lilflyboy262...2

Thanks for the info.

Don't mind flying the 206 at all. Hmm just need to renew my piston rating now!

I'll research the old posts re cost of living, salary. My wife prefers the Flying Mission as that is right up her street. I suppose she could maybe look for work at one of the lodges if the response from Flying Mission is a no.

Thanks again

pm sent

Work at a lodge...
probably not as likely as you think, it's downright impossible to get a work visa unless you're sponsored, and that's not the type of place that sponsors many people... not a very unique job...

Any latest news from Maun?

lilflyboy: Amazing and very informative post, thank you so much!

I have read through the thread in some detail, and as far as I can tell, the minimum time required has increased to 300 hrs, and will continue to increase to 500. That is to say, unless there have been recent changes in their insurance requirements.

I presently have ~227 hours total time. This seems like an amazing opportunity for me, but I was wondering if anyone can update me on the current requirements.

I am all for the adventure, and know full well that nothing means a guaranteed job once I get over there. That being said, I would like to know if there is a firm minimum for hours. If none of these companies will hire a pilot with less than 300 hours, period, then perhaps I will have to look at other opportunities elsewhere.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Ohh the woes of the low-timer!!

Start of last year, My buddy got hired with just over 200hrs. His friend had over 900 and didn't get the job.
There will always be exceptions to the rules.

This is Africa. They will see all the new pilots being hired with 500hrs, and will put the requirements up even higher for the work permits.
Then after some begging and pleading, threats and butt kissing, the work permits will go through again.

Fair enough. Well in that case, I suppose I'll be Africa-bound by the end of the month then!

Can anyone tell me what the pilots/jobs ratio is presently? I'm expecting to wait at least three months, if not more before a job opportunity presents itself. I'm curious to know which excuses have worked for the purpose of extending my stay past the initial 90 days. I don't mind telling a white lie to their immigration officers, but I don't want to risk getting in serious trouble in Africa either!

And finally, it was mentioned that single-bedroom apartments are available for rent there. Is there any reasonable way to obtain one before making the move? Or like the job, is it a matter of just showing up and pounding the pavement until I find something?

I know all the questions you receive must be getting quite exhaustive at this point, but I truly appreciate any and all the help you can provide. Without your post, I don't think I'd have made the decision to travel to Maun : )

I cannot speak for all the companies but I know that Wilderness (the largest operator in Maun) has a requirement for insurance purposes that you have 300 hours before they release you to the line. You will do some bush training and the like so a prudent minimum would be 270 hours to get yourself seriously considered by Wilderness. Any way to get another 50 hours before you arrive in Maun?

Is that a new thing Won2Go? I know they hired a guy who had a 150hr cpl from Europe 2 years ago.

I just checked out the Wilderness Air website. They say 250 hours minimum, and they will provide 50 hours training in the right seat. Better than 300, but it still leaves me some 23 hours short... If I had the time and cash to spare, I'd definitely go do the 50-hour bush course in Kelowna, BC.

Given flyboy's last comment, I might just roll the dice and hope that what I lack in hours can be replaced by my M-IFR rating and my killer attitude!

Hey just a heads up for anyone coming to Maun this season, old bridge backpackers is only good for about 5 nights then they want you out, don't know anything about Audi camp sorry but there is a new backpackers 2km away from the airport called Motsebe backpackers. I found the place through a local guy. Its cheaper, quieter and best of all only a 15/20 min walk from town. Has lots of shade, grass,*pool, showers and toilets that are new, lounge and kitchen. Worth a look if you planning on staying in Maun for a while in the search for a job.

Wilderness Air just increase their requirements!
800 hours, cpl
500 hours, cpl and instrument rating.

Thanks maunman. I just got in not long ago and moved down there as wel... The owner is a really nice guy, pool is nice n deep the proximity to town makes it a great place.

It's cheaper when you stay for a longer period as well.

Anyone else planing on heading over, head on down to motsebe. The place is perfect for those on the job hunt.

Wilderness Air has definitely increased their requirements, it seems that the website is out dated also. I believe its something to do with a new website or something.

A friend was told: 800 hrs with a CPL or 500 hrs with an instructors rating.

I've been told the same: 800 hrs with a CPL or 500 hrs with an instructors rating.

I did say in an earlier post that 'The Bridge' are not into long term deals any more. They have changed their business slightly and offer a very good price because they aim towards visitors who will book their boating and camping tours. You guys do not come into this bracket. It was also suggested that the other problem is that you are into chasing their wives and girlfriends but I think they were joking? :suspect: Please do not put them down though it is a great location for an afternoon by the river.

Glad that you have found this new alternative location.

Hi Guys,

Just spent about 2:30hrs reading the whole thread. First off thanks to all who have helped answer so many questions and especially to lilfy for keeping calm and collected! I just had a few questions i felt weren't asked or answer not mentioned.

1) Looked at operators in both Nam and Bot, most seam to bond you(12months to 3 yrs) if hired. What is the average amount, incase you find a better opportunity in that time? While working is it taken monthly out of salary? how much?

2) What are the eye sight limits for medical? Is it the case of if you have foreign 1st class then its a given or separate tests? Eg FAA have no limit but uk CAA have -6 dioptre for initial 1st class.

3) Someone mentioned that simulator hours were counted in Nam? Wasnt able to find definitive answer, Is this true?..for both FNPTII and full flight simulators? In which case my hours would go from 270 to 360!

4) Seams most people went with the tourist visa option when arriving. Is there a difference in arriving by air or by road? do one or the other bother/hassle you more or less in regards to questions/searching etc

5) I hold a valid and current JAR frozen ATPL MEP/MEIR, no single. And a FAA CPL- ME/SE/IR with the last FAA flight test over 2 years ago! Would i need to do a biannual before I leave? Also can i mix and match my licences, Ie use my FAA CPL/SE and JAR IR to get validated or do i have to apply on one licence? Are there any FAA examiners in maun/windhoek that i could renew with while there?

6) Wilderness air mention 250 hrs as min for Nam, Zim and Zambia. Would one have to go to those separate locations or can you get interviewed in one place? which one is suggested to a pilot with 270hrs? maun/windhoek?

Hmm seams quite long and boring! sorry but any feed back would be greatly appreciated, apologies if these questions have already been addressed in the thread.

Thanks

Answer for Q6
 

Hi,

This is taken from Wilderness' website.

"All pilots are interviewed in Maun or Windhoek. We would recommend that applicants take the time to travel to one of the regions and personally hand in their CV. No applicants are hired over the internet or telephonically."

Wilderness Air : : Employment Opportunities

Cheers.

Ok, I will do my best to answer what I can.

1) I can't remember the bond for the 206 but 6000 Pula (this is for botswana) sounds about right, and the bond for the Van was around 10000 Pula. I think! Its not a huge amount in overseas terms.
The bond is not taken out of your paycheck. You basically "Work it off". If you leave before your time then you are required to pay the remaining amount.

2) Unsure of the eye things, I have no problems with mine.

3) Unsure about Nam. I would say go with the 270, but mention you have an extra 90hrs in a sim.

4) No real difference in going via road or via plane in terms of getting your visa. Maun is a tourist town and have hundreds of them arriving every day at the airport. Same with via road.

5) As long as your licence is valid, then it will be converted. You would probably be better off going for the FAA one. Not sure of the FAA examiners. Pretty sure there is none in Maun.

6) Wilderness Air has increased their minimums for ease of permit issue. If you have a truly exceptional CV they may take lower than that, but for the most part they are higher.
Don't even bother with Zim. They only use local pilots from there. Zambia has a 1000hr limit on expat pilots so most of the Zambia pilots go from the Botswana base to fly up there.
Nam I am not too sure about. I know they were having issues with getting expats work permits, and were looking at doing the whole 1000hr thing as well. I don't think it acutally happened but it is tricky to get in there. Can't hurt but try though!!!

I've been reading the thread and researched this a bit, between Dave's Botswana bound and avcanada posts to cell phones to rentals/realestate.

Currently I'm FAA CPL land and sea, instrument and a flight instructor, and a emergency medical technician... if that helps lol

About 2200 TT
2050 PIC
500 Caravan, 300 U206/207
Most of the rest tailwheel.

I cant make it over this season as my current caravan job will have me for a little over a year (so looking like next season for sure!). By that time I'm pacing to be at 3500 or so TT, 1200 Caravan and I'll get off my lazy arse and get my ATP.

The deal is, I dont have any desire for the airlines, just interviewing places where I can do some rewarding flying, learn, enjoy life and call home for more then 1.5 yrs, Africa has a... well a real draw for me!

Problem is,

1 I'm not sure where I should go, Maun appeals to me, however I would like to be on the coast, a friendly culture would be good too.

2 Not sure how I should market myself, I realize many folks just want to time build and get on to the airlines, is there a fixed ceiling, or could a expat grow to be a chief pilot or something more if they put in the time?

3 My van hours are a little goofy, shes a Garrett, not sure if that would be a issue.


THANKS

ninethreekilo:

1. don't even think about Bots and Nam. Shoot for Tanzania, you can send your CV through email and they will answer. In this moment there is a shortage in Van drivers at least two companies are looking for guys they could put on a plane asap - and it is low season.

2. nope, no ceiling, and yes one could grow

3. I wouldn't think it's an issue

Also most companies in TZ will give you a crew flat (or allowance), pay is much more then in bots and nam, and it has an awesome tropical coast.

Tanzania
 

Zanzibar is great fun man. There's many charter co's here. I haven't got the hours to fly here so I'm going to Maun. But definitely want to come back. PM me if you want more info.

haha, say that ZNZ is fun after 3 months... no one ever :ugh:

I'll look into TZ,

what type of planes and flying?

Vans, some 206, PC12, ATR's and some other stuff as well

Do they still have the Twotters hacking around the Mara ?
Great place to fly, lots of interesting stuff like having a sedated lion or baby elephant in the back.

Why restrict yourself to the PC12, they are relatively rare and used for longer sectors. There are probably 20 or move Vans in Africa for every PC12.

The C206 and C208 are the workhorses of the game reserves nowadays.
Anything much larger is likely to be operating on a scheduled service which can be just as boring IMHO as flying a 737 in Europe.

Wilderness has increased her requirements indeed... 800 hrs and btw here is the response I got last month by a manager:
Thank you for your interest in Wilderness Air.

We are not hiring at the moment. However, CV's are filed for six months, as is policy in our company. When we require crew, we contact short-listed candidates for an interview in person.

All non-Namibian citizens require a work visa/permit to work in Namibia. We have been experiencing extreme difficulties in obtaining these from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and this is beyond our control. Consequently, we prefer hiring Namibian crew i.e. citizens of the country. Should none be available, we revert to the (foreign) CVs on file.

Good luck in your search for employment!

What about the other companies in Maun? Is it still possible for a low houred CPL IR ME 270hrs to get a job?:sad:

Hey guys, someone is going to Maun?;)
See you there in January!!!

Watching the show on Sky. Proper stik 'n rudder flying. That and Erman would could float my boat any day!