Sorry to sound like a dick...buuuuuut, if you are asking that question, then perhaps Africa is not for you.

The exam can't even be taken in Maun! Companies have to send pilots to Gaborone to write it these days.

I have not heard of anyone successfully applying to do the exam in their personal capacity. A letter from a company seems to be required.

The flight school in Gabs continues to turn students into CPL holders.

The "Industry Readiness Program" (transition training from flight school students into pilots who are able, willing and ready to work) has not happened as planned. The government was so enthusiastic, but the promised funding never came. This is Africa.

Nevertheless, lots of citizens were hired as pilots this year. Like any bunch, some have flourished, and some have fallen. Hard.

Thanks pink pilot,
Helpful comments

Thanks PIP,

Bit of a shame would have thought Ian would have "found" the funding being a very good pilot himself.

What sort of number flourished? and is that hard as in very bent aircraft?

There are many more places far more "Africa" than Botswana in Africa.

Guys! I will be there in just 1 month! see you.

Hello quick question is there any company that rent scooters over there? couldn't find anything on internet (only AVIS cars)

To the best of my knowledge, of the 15 that graduated in March, only 2 have made it on line flying PiC. The rest are either still doing line training, didn't get employed, or got a job and then got "let go". However a couple from the second group of graduates are up and running- so there's good news there.

The 'hard fall' that I mentioned was mostly hopes/ dreams/ ego related. One aircraft did get bent, but that was due to an engine failure over Kalahari bush as opposed to any kind of pilot error.

"company that rent scooters"

Did NOT use to be.

Can not see that being a profitable business in Maun, but it would be funny to see how much a scooter could actually carry.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...fb9691345a.jpg

Combi bus, walk and taxi are normal options.

PIP,


2 out of 15 is a great improvement of the Zero out of Zero in the 8ish years I was there. There were a "few" citizen pilots and for that matter engineers too. It seems the engineers have had a better chance of progression in the private sector than pilots, so the "Industry Readiness Program" can only be a good thing.

Is WR engineer still around town?

Hi folks. Just arrived in town this morning. I have the requisite hours so will start to go walk about next week when settled in.

Savanna, good for you mate, keep us updated! I'll be there on the 25th of December.

Hi Spaflyer,

No, there are no scooter rentals. Are any two-wheel rentals for that matter.
Taxi's are cheap (a couple of Pula each way during the day) and safe.

Good luck!

Haywire, what planet are you on. Taxis - Safe! I am not new to this town just back looking at opportunities. Look in the local rag, a taxi crash a week.

Done a small walkabout. Where do you guys meet during the day now Bon Arrive is closed?

My situation is semi retired looking for a last four or five years of honest living. So older but not necessarily 'bolder' than you guys.

My tickets (CAA) have lapsed. I can sort this out in Gabs. However there were rumours of a school opening here in Maun. Any news on this?

Hi Savanna Dry,

Last I checked I was on planet Earth.
Loads of friends have been using the taxi's here for years without any issues.
They're a heck of a lot safer than those in South Africa.

Can't help on the hang-out spots, but Cappello has some pretty good coffee!

Good luck.

Haywire, the editor/owner of the Ngami Times has had, for a long time, shall we say a 'campaign' about local taxi drivers' operational standards. This started before one ran him over and seriously injured him. This aside I have a tame driver who turns up on time, drives carefully and charges very reasonably. They are not all bad.

Interesting job advertisement in said paper last week for a CPL(H). 500 hrs with 50 instrument and 20 night this is in a VFR theatre. Hope the guy lined up gets the job. What a ridiculous situation. Shame he isn't also a member of The Magic Circle that would preclude a few locals.

A common theme I've found amongst folks in Africa and other developing places is their failure to separate THEIR circumstance from reality. I met a guy in a cafe in Bujumbura who was doing a tour around the world of "dangerous" countries. While he reminded me of Che Guevara, his point of conversation was that these places(Afghanistan, Pakistan and the likes) weren't as bad or dangerous as portrayed. Just because YOU weren't in an accident or YOUR driver is ok, doesn't speak anything vis a vis the situation for EVERYONE. Narcissism seems to be very prevelant these days, esoecially amongst people under 30. Or as I refer to them, the ME generation.

Hello! Heading to Maun next week on Fridaaaaay! finally, so last minute questions, about cash, there's any ATM accessible on the area or perhaps should I take some currency on Gaborone? Also if anyone want any treat from Europe/South Africa let me know!

Plenty of places to change foreign currency as well as banks that support visa and mastercard should you want to draw some cash. You will find your first atm as you leave the airport gate.

I decided to draw some cash too.