Can I trust Nigerian Corporate Jet flying Companies to Pay for Contract Pilots?

[Rockstar1966]

I am considering working a 3 month small private jet job in Nigeria. Can I trust to get paid? Am I stuck there if I elect to want to return to the USA? Someone told me to get paid before I leave? Please offer up all the important issues I need to consider prior to leaving?

Sincerely,

Signed 'Pilot who can't find any 411 off the internet regarding contract flying in Africa'

[Shunanny]

Hi Rockstar,

as with all things in life you can get lucky or not.

I would suggest you have a return ticket in hand and negotiate at least 2 months pay up front.

Giving the Company name would have helped.

[FlexibleResponse]

Can I trust to get paid?

No, definitely not in my opinion.

Request pay in advance...period of advance pay negotiable...but, never in arrears.

[eagleflier]

If you disclose the name of the company, it'll help.
Negotiate 2 months pay in advance? Dnt think you'll get that. If they'll pay you at the beginning of the month, good.

[Rockstar1966]

Tradecraft LTD

[blablabla]

If its only for 3 months they have no incentive to retain you so will defo try to not pay your last month salary at the end...its standard practise...if they need you they`ll keep paying you although late etc but if its 3 months haha forget it..all the hassle and uncertainty and health issues and malaria to worry about for 3 months work...not worth it at all.

[KRONOS]

Whaahaa,

Trust and Nigerian in the same sentence....:}

K.

[221340]

There is a whole other issue to consider here. Nigerian aviation is a completely different animal. The ATC procedures are very difficult to follow. The ATC radios are very difficult to understand (especially Kano Control). Other aircraft will lie to ATC, stating false locations, false altitudes in order to gain advantage. Do not even consider taking off with an inop TCAS. The controllers will lie about the actual weather conditions at their airport. You will have to fight for transmission time, as everyone is talking over each other. Understand that your GPS NAV is more reliable than the garbage ground based NAV aids. Do you have experience with ITCZ thunderstorms that routinely top out at 50 or even 60,000 feet? Did you know none of the runways in Nigeria are grooved? Did you know Lagos 18L routinely floods in heavy rain? How about sand storms?
It takes a minimum of 3 months just to grasp what you will be expected to do on day one.
I wish you good luck. I hope they are offering you a lot of money. I hope you get the money they are 'offering'.

[Rockstar1966]

Needless to say.... I am an unemployed pilot who has a wife (with baby due to arrive 3 days before I leave. Food stamps are not pulling it. So, let me ask? Have you personally had this experience? I understand independent contract companies such as ACCASS, etc... work this type of business on a regular basis. Would you recommend I try to call a couple of these type companies (if you have any contacts, names, etcc..... I'd appreciate it) to inquire about protocal to protect our pay as best we can? Was your comment directly pointed at TradeCraft? Any way I can get a phone number to someone (or yourself if is the case) who has done this job in the last year or two? I know I am asking alot but the brotherly love is appreciated during these trying times.

PS I flew MD11s Worldwide for 8 years for FedEx as typed rated FO. Yet I haven't done the Africa thang yet.

Signed, possibly soon-to-be African bush pilot...:)

[BALEWA]

So there you go Rockstar1966 ur expat colleagues have responded to your question.

So If my guess is right they succeeded in making you stay away......nothing to worry about mate....would do the same if I were in your position after reading all their responses to ur question.

Hope you find something else somewhere else.

By the way just so you know.... most of them are in Lagos operating for Nigerian Corporate Jet flying Companies as corporate pilots..;)

Balewa

[TangoAlpha1]

So much negative energy about Nigeria even though most of these pilots are in nigeria flying at the moment.
Ps @balewa pls check ur inbox

[LGW Vulture]

Well put it like this, I worked for the most succesful Nigerian bank - begins with a Z - on a major transaction. They did not pay my bill.

Never again will I work with any Nigerian customer - it is never ever a pleasant experience. :ugh::ugh:

[NaijaNinja]

@ LGW Vulture:

I worked for the most succesful Nigerian bank - begins with a Z - on a major transaction

Whoever lied to you that 'Z bank' is the 'most successful Nigerian bank'? Obviously, you didn't do a proper due diligence on your client, so maybe the fast buck you were looking for didn't come that fast. :*


Major transaction? It makes me wonder if you are one of those 'Mr. Fix-it' the thieves use to steal money from the country. No?

@ Balewa:

Sir, you've said it all, they don't want their fellow 'expert' to come and taste the sweet water they drink. You know what, if only the thieves who employ them wake up to realise that they have options, then most of them won't get the chance to mouth off about Naija. They would probably be earning their gigantic salary that they deliberately disregarded to come and work in Nigeria.


@ Rockstar1966:

I haven't heard of the company name you mentioned, all i would advise you is to get the offer and whatnot documented; and probably see if they use a recruitment and/or management company which could give you some additional information about the potential employer.

Better still, if the money is too much to ignore, take the initiative, show up for two months, get paid and disappear as long as you are able to do so. That way, you don't get to experience what others try to scare you with, it also gives you the opportunity to assess your employers first hand and then decide if you wish to play out the third month.

Nigeria isn't perfect but trust me, nowhere is! Its what you make out of it that should matter to you. Whatever you decide, happy Landings!

[Shrike200]

Yes. You're right. It's all just a big cover up. ALL the expats here who are warning against doing it are actually just trying to protect the secret of how super-awesome it is to work in Nigeria and to deal with Nigerian institutions.

OR.

It sucks. Badly.

You choose.

[LGW Vulture]

Yes Naija - you stay in denial. You can keep living in your wonderful little world. Fool.

[CentreOfExcellence]

Firstly, welcome to Nigerian Aviation. It is such a sad shame all of the misinformation you have been receiving from devious expatriates. They are clearly insecure and do not wish to face even steeper competition for jobs in the Shangri-La of aviation.

Might I suggest a humble good faith offering to the employer for the job your are competing for? Maybe send them the equivalent of three months salary to show your commitment?

For what it is worth, here are the facts:

1. All salaries are paid, in advance, on or before the first of every month.

2. Whomever your operator is, they have an unblemished record of honesty and virtue. Of course they will pay your salary!

3. Nigerian aviation is the yardstick by which all other aviation communities of the world measure. EASA, FAA etc. all have done extensive case studies on Nigerian airspace, navigation, communications and airports in order to improve their systems. If you enjoy a smooth, safe flight with quality ATC in the USA, thank a Nigerian.

4. Radio communication is not lacking. Everyone is just so friendly and social in Nigeria that they like to talk at the same time. It's nothing personal!

5. Kano control (which most times should be called Ethiopian Control), has crystal clear sound quality. Anyone who complains clearly has poorly maintained radios in their aircraft. You will read them 5 X 5 24/7

6. Grooved runways are a silly throwback to a time before anti-skid and grooved tires. As a matter of fact, the runways are so good, you'll never even hear tower say "Caution standing water on runway."

7. Only sissies are afraid of thunderstorms. Nigeria's proximity to the equator only guarantees a daily opportunity to wear your big boy pants to work. Go for the magenta! Channel your inner Chuck Norris.

8. Insist on being paid in Naira. Take it all home with you in cash. That way you'll be ahead of the game in 2013 when the IMF declares Nigerian Naira as the new world standard for currency. If not, it's VERY easy to exchange elsewhere.

9. Enjoy the delightful lack of accountability for every day occurrences. Just know that (insert your god here) will provide.

10. TCAS...schmeecas

11. Never wear Deet, keep your windows open at night, don't bother with aircon and embrace the nightly symphony of mosquitoes buzzing in your ears. It's magical. 10-14 days later, you'll be reliving it during the malarial hallucinations. I like to think of Malaria as Nigeria's gift that keeps on giving.

What else can I say but "Welcome to The Centre of Excellence!"

.

[221340]

Well said. I laughed out loud!! Great wit and sarcasm. And truth.

[chuks]

I think C of E has covered most of what you really need to know.

If it's only 3 months, why not give it a go? Seriously! (That said, it did take most of my first tour, about three months, before I could understand what ATC was trying to tell me, yes...)

When it comes to ATC, you know that business about never accepting an ATC delay without getting an EFC (Expect Further Clearance) time? Would Chuck Norris worry about that? No, and neither should you!

If you do go for it, be sure to tell us later how it went. As well, be sure to say hello to Balewa when you get there, and Naija Ninja too. I am sure you will find them to be very good company in person.

Yeah, Nigeria... 'best kept secret' for a place to work abroad! I remember one time when Julius Berger decided to replace me with a newbie from California. He left partway through his first tour, saying 'I don't want to die!' What a pansy!

[fly5N]

If its the tradecraft i know, the owner a Kano based bizman is an honourable gentleman. He has a 767 5N ASG he uses for hajj ops. Is the base Kano or Abuja?

[NaijaNinja]

@ LGW: I won't object to you calling me a fool but i'll leave you to determine who has been fooled. Whoever has been fooled is surely a fool!

@ CentreOfExcellence: Don't stop, carry on with the humour/sarcasm. Trust me the 11 facts ain't complete, there's more for you to reveal, try to remember the rest.

@ Chuks: I really wish you could scare Rockstar1966 with so many of your Nigerian experiences and whilst at it, kindly explain to him why you stayed so long in the country. Maybe he would learn a lot from you and probably emulate your bravery.

@ Rockstar1966: Try this new approach to your decision making process. Go to Abuja airport, approach the 95% foreign crew who show up to operate on over 30+ corporate jets for the whole day and ask them any question you may have. At the end of the exercise, am sure you would sensibly figure out what's best for you.

Am equally sure the Nigerian thugs they work for have a gun over these crews' wives' head back home else, they won't be found suffering in Abuja. No?

[chuks]

As I have said many times, I very much like the Nigerian people. The rest of it, well....

BTW: Mr Ninja, I know that Nigeria has lots of new states, but where is 'Bucks' on the map? I never heard of that one when I was there.

[NaijaNinja]

Simple answer to a stupid question, just because i follow the Nigerian thread doesn't mean i am in Nigeria.

[chuks]

So, if you love it so much, why aren't you back home with your brothers?

Some of the stuff you write, I have the idea you dislike we oyingbos, hence this stupid question. It reads as if I have about as much business commenting on Nigeria as you do, given that we both seem to be expats!

I used to find it amusing to talk to people who had spent less time in Nigeria than I had, despite their having been born there. Not to say that I knew much about the place compared to them, no! About as far as I got was definitely knowing how little I knew about it, which put me far ahead of most of my fellow expats, at least in my view.

Seriously, to the original poster, give Nigeria a try. Three months won't kill you. Probably.

[NaijaNinja]

@ Chuks: Check your PM but i will still answer your questions.

Maybe soon, i will start a thread on working with my brothers, so that you lot will get my first hand experience, nothing dressed up.

I don't dislike any race, as i have written in the past, i am married to an Asian woman.

Well, i am not an expat but if i was, i would be more objective and definitely not a sad pessimist like some, not you though!

@ Rockstar1966: This is one time i will agree with Chuks, GO FOR IT, it won't hurt you to try and find out, you have precautions you can use to safeguard your interests.

Happy Landings

[MamaPut]

Rockstar,

Despite the many bad stories people like to tell about Nigeria, there are many more good ones. You say you're unemployed, so why not come on over and give it a go - you may even find you like it :ok:. It's like so many other things in life. Whether you like it or not will depend in part on who your employer is, what you're flying (is it well maintained), how well you get on with the people you'll be working with and (most important) your own attitude. Keep and open mind and maybe you'll end up like so many expats who find that once you have been bitten by the mosquito you will always have a little of Africa in your blood (and I mean that in a nice way :ok:). It will do you well if you remember two things when you come over here:
Do not try to change Africa, rather see how it changes you
God gave the White man watches, and Africa…TIME.

Come on over .... and enjoy ;)

[NaijaNinja]

@ MamaPut:

God gave the White man watches, and Africa…TIME.

That line about watches & time, classic stuff! Nice one matey:D

[unstable load]

I'm with chuks and Mama Put, come on over and give it a shot.
Be warned though, if you come expecting misery, you won't be disappointed. Most of the "misery" folks experience starts in their heads.

[cwatters]

Google found this but no idea if out of date..

Tradecraft Air Status Inactive.
Tradecraft Air - ch-aviation.ch (http://www.ch-aviation.ch/portal/airline.php?cha=RFT)
Aircraft and Fleet Lists - ch-aviation.ch (http://www.ch-aviation.ch/portal/aircraft.php?search=set&airline=RFT)

also a video of the aircraft before it left California..

New Nigerian Airline: Tradecraft Air « Aviation in Nigeria (http://nigerianaviation.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/new-nigerian-airline-tradecraft-air/)

[CentreOfExcellence]

Previous tongue in cheek comments set aside (I can't resist the opportunity to be sarcastic), I couldn't agree more with the above posters. Like I said earlier, put on your big boy pants. Get a taste of West Africa. Everywhere has it's ups and downs. Your happiness and success will depend on which you see more clearly.

We all know that aviation is a disgusting business filled with low-life cretins who prey on the weak. Nigeria has the benefit of said cretins being more obvious and transparent than most other places. A little street smarts and common sense serves anyone well, not only in Nigeria.

You only live once. Are you going to stick your toe in the water or jump in? Have a sense of humour, enjoy the experience and embrace the genuine happiness of the Nigerian people.

[yambat]

C of E

Loved your earlier post on flying in Nigeria.

Slight thread drift here, I have 4 or 5 days coming up in Port Harcourt, any recomendations for a hotel chaps, I believe Novotel, Meridien are there but open to suggestion.

Thanks in advance

[MamaPut]

yam bat,

Probably Meridien, Novotel of the international hotels are good, but also consider the Presidential in that order. However, the Star King is also on the GRA and good value. If you want the best place for a social life (but rather noisy because of it at weekends) the Bougainvillea is cool. The large South African chain, Protea also has a good hotel on Evo Road, GRA 2. I'd be happy to stay in any of them for a few days :ok:
Forgot, the Rosie Hotel on GRA Phase 1, opposite the Polo Club, is also okay.

[FlexibleResponse]

GECAS has pulled the plug on leasing 737s to Air Nigeria who also have reportedly not been paying salaries since May...plus, plus, more, more...

http://www.pprune.org/african-aviation/489735-air-nigerias-plane-repossessed.html

Now, what was your question about the likelihood of being paid in Nigeria by a ..?

Pay in advance or you take a BIG chance...

[unstable load]

yambat,
Presidential is quite OK. Living there at present after the Novotel, and no complaints that haven't been promptly addressed by management.:ok:

[E.A.T]

What you said here is great!-- "Keep and open mind and maybe you'll end up like so many expats who find that once you have been bitten by the mosquito you will always have a little of Africa in your blood (and I mean that in a nice way http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif). It will do you well if you remember two things when you come over here:
Do not try to change Africa, rather see how it changes you
God gave the White man watches, and Africa…TIME."

I will always have a special place in my heart for Africa.

[Capt. Manuvar]

The bottom line is that most expat corporate pilots in Nigeria are getting a good deal, FULL STOP. There are two sides to a coin, you have to put the two together to get the full picture.
Nigeria has it challenges,but i'm sure most were aware before they signed the dotted line. A lot of pilots coming to Nigeria were either on food stamps or came from jobs were they were paid far far less than what they are getting now. There are other perks,e.g. rotation. A lot of guys get more days home than they would get if they were working at home. And then there's "dash" money, the dash money a lot of corporate pilots is in excess of their salaries. Most pilots ahve good accomodation, transport arrangements and per diems. Many will be quick to complain about he security situation so I find it hard to reconcile the fact the same individuals dont have any qualms hanging out in the dodgiest hangouts until the wee hours of the morning.
Nigeria (and not necessarily Nigerians) is a corrupt place. Every single corrupt transaction of a significant value in Nigerian must have an oyinbo involved. There is an unwritten rule that when you are going bidding for a govt contract (99% of which involve massive corruption) you must have an "öyinbo" on your team to be taken seriously.
At the moment, most owners prefer expat pilots over Nigerians because they want to keep their secrets away from Nigerians (I have this on authority from a/c owners with total aviation assets in excess of $200m). There's a lot of illegality in the nigerian corporate sector e.g. illegal charters, money laundering, immigration violations, smuggling, etc.
An interesting fact to note: most (+75%) of the pilots that left the airline which is the biggest employer of expat pilots in Nigeria have applied to come back. The airline went through a bad financial spell and salaries were late. Most left for the "first world" and yet they have still applied to come back to malaria-infested Nigeria, including some of the posters who were very vocal on the pprune thread.
Anywhere you go in the world there will be dodgy operators. some guys get the wrong end of the stick. i dont know much about tradecraft so i cant vouch for them.
Another word of advice if you decide to come is to note that justice is one sided. If you get into a dispute with your employer, you are probably gonna lose out. So suck it in, relax until you get your salry and f$%k off without saying goodbye. If possible get in with a foreign agency so you have some sort of security if it goes belly up (I believe there are quite a number of ACAS guys in Nigeria).
With regards to the operating environment, Nigeria is challenging but not that challenging. There have been a few improvements but a lot remains to be done. A lot of expat pilots have difficulty operating in a procedural environment (i've flown with LOADS of expats), they expect a babysitting. If you are not above average you will find it challenging, and probably terrifying, flying in Nigeria.

Good luck.

[Shunanny]

Well said Capt. Manuvar :ok:

[fanfree]

No, :(:\:mad: