IFR of Multi for Africa?

[BlueSide]

Hey guys,

I'm heading to Botswana/Namibia in a while and I'm wondering if it's beneficial for me to do a Single Engine IFR or even a regular Multi rating before I go? I know that you don't require either to fly in Maun, but if faced with the choice (and limited finances) which one would you choose?

Thanks

[OLVpilot]

I'd think that if you had competitive flight time and previous experience, you would be fine without it. However, I'd say go ahead and get it just because you'll need one anyway in future work more than likely.

[BlueSide]

Thanks for the info. But which one would you recommend I get... the SEIFR or the regular Multi rating? My time isn't competitive or anything... around 250, but enough for Botswana.

[HansFlyer]

Hi

My 2c worth would say:

1. If you are low time and want to fly in Botswana - don't waste on a Multi - and probably the IF will also be a waste right now. Save your money.

A single engine Com would be the minimum requirement as most operators in this area will only let you touch anything bigger than a 206 or 210 once you go past 1000 hours. This will probably not happen within a year and by then you are probably due for the next check ride.

2. The type of flying in especially Botswana will not involve IF on single engine pistons. The skills required are more geared towards what would be considered "bush flying" with emphasis on short fields, Hot & High, short hops and scenic's.

3. After some time the guys would probably let you go onto a Caravan but that will still be the same conditions.

4. In Botswana there is no problem with aviation fuel except for being expensive but anywhere further north you will probably not get AVGAS and JET-A1 will be the only available.

5. You would do well to postpone the Multi IF until you have done a 1000 hours or more of "real" flying - you will also save money as you would not have to redo the IF training again once you get back to "unreal" flying?

6. If however you want to move on quicker (and have a lot of cash) there are always other options like to get a Multi IF and go to one of the guys that does self sponsored Type Ratings on aircraft like the 737 or A320. They will then probably get you going with one of the Low Cost Airlines and by 1000 hours you could already have 500 hours on a medium or heavy and other career opportunities with other operators.

HansFlyer

[BlueSide]

Thanks HF,

So I should just go with my CPL thats it? Like you said , no SEIFR so don't bother with it? The only reason I thought about the Single IFR is that maybe it would give me an "edge" over others...

[HansFlyer]

Ok BlueSide

Google some on Charter Operators in MAUN or even Namibia. Call them or send e-mail. Make it clear you are just doing research and don't expect promises -

Ask them what do they require?

You can not go wrong then.

HansFlyer

[alpha-b]

I would suggest you do an IR rating it would give you more advantages over others and will make you more marketable also for your own sake,let's imagine during your bush flying for a strange reason you encounter IMC conditions as it can happen,what would you do?Do the single save your cash but think about IR

[Propellerpilot]

Remember Namibian airlaw states you need 300 hrs to fly more than 50NM (I think) beyond departure airfield commercially - therefor it is better to have SE IF.

I would suggest the following: get SE/IF then work in Nam or Bots for a year. Then get ME/IF for the first renewal if you have opportunity to get a MEP job. IF requires more training than VF but the extra hours will give you a better foundation to engrain vital ME flying skills in the process. Unless you want to be a bush pilot all your life, you will need the IFR rating one way or another anyway.