Madagascar
 

Hi

I'm looking for any info regarding flying in Madagascar. Supposedly heading off there next week for a month's contract flying a 200.
Supposedly staying in Tana. Any hints, tips, etc would be appreciated.
Decent hotels?
Costs?
Internet reasonable?
Phone SIM cards readily available and costs of phoning, etc?

Any info would be appreciated.

ATR42 driver
 

Am also seeking ATR42 work in Madagascar.Do they recruit only nationals?Is Enlish widely spoke.?What are any special licensing requirments?Any stories from those who hsve flown in Madagascar will be appreciated.

As far as foreigners go you have about zero chance. Awesome place to do some flying though if you have the opportunity. I can't remember names to help you out but there are lots of very good French restaurants all over. The one name I do remember is Mangoustan rhum. A local drink but very good. You will enjoy your stay there, I know I did. Went back a few times. If you don't enjoy it there of all places, heaven help you in the contract world.:}

Hi,
The national flag hires only national pilots. Things are pretty tough since the crisis in 2009 and unless you have an interesting type rating (citation XLS,...even) or ineretsing contact it would be hard to just come and find a job on place.

Hotels cost is between 20€ and 200€ per night depending on the standing.
At 5 to 15 mn from the airport. You can check Orchidée (brand new), Relais de la Reine, Raphia Hotel, all in an area called Mandrosoa Ivato (read Mändrüsü Ivat), also a nice one with a very nice restaurant in an area of Talatamaty (read Tälaätämät) just in front of a gas station called Galana, Medicis hotel. This last one is the most interesting one, in my view point, as you have a supermarket at 25 meters.
You can buy sim card upon arrival at Ivato Airport, check Telma stand or Orange stand just after passing the customs formalities. But may be you need to change money first.
The first time you do exchange only do it at the office at the airport. There are 2 of them, one in the international flight area and one in the domestic. The airport is a small one, you can find all these in 5 mn. Better rate is in the exchange office in the domestic flight area. There is an ATM also but not for Mastercard, only visa.
If you go to Medicis hotel, you can find many internet shop around. The hotel should have a wifi network also.
In my opinion if you exchange 300€ on arrival it should be enough. If you go to these hotels, you don't even need to take a cab. A shuttle is available, cheaper and safe than taxis. The shuttle is around 5 to 10 €.
To call abroad (europe) it s around 0.5€ the minute. You can buy a 20 000 or 30 000 ariary card for balance, it should be ok (8€ or 11€).
Notam: caution advised for thiefs, picpocket,...they can kill you for a smartphone or 10€!!! Don't go outside at night unless having a friend who knows the area, it could be dangerous.

Thanks for all the info. Arrived on Sunday, ferry across from FALA, not too shabby.
Staying in a pretty decent hotel, should do fine for the month that we're here.

Time to enjoy some flying again...

Hi Zimbo200

Keep us updated- I've always wondered what flying in that part of the world would be like. And a few photos would be fab as well!:)

I have some home video of the remnants of the Malagasy Air Force, lying derelict and semi-derelict at Antananarivo Airport.

It was taken through a B-737 window just on dusk. I was SLF on a flight from Reunion to Johannesburg of Air Austral, that stopped there.

They made all us SLF get off, while the a/c was re-fueled, we were put into the 'transit lounge' where the natives hoped that we would spend some hard currency on the duty free.

My wife's comments weighed it up perfectly, 'What a dump!' :sad: