Bush Flying Jobs
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Bush Flying Jobs
Hi guys,
What's the current stance on bush flying jobs in South Africa/Africa/Australia etc? I'll hold a JAR ME CPL/IR (with ATPL theories) but only have around 250 hours, about 80 dual ME, and 5 of those ME "P1" (PIC/US).
I'm highly interested in getting some real hands on flying to build my hours towards airline employment, and I think I'd enjoy a few months in one of those countries, even though I've heard about the bad maintenance and risks that are out there.
Also, are there any particular countries I want to steer well clear of (such as those where there's a lot of rebel conflict etc).
Regards,
Ben
What's the current stance on bush flying jobs in South Africa/Africa/Australia etc? I'll hold a JAR ME CPL/IR (with ATPL theories) but only have around 250 hours, about 80 dual ME, and 5 of those ME "P1" (PIC/US).
I'm highly interested in getting some real hands on flying to build my hours towards airline employment, and I think I'd enjoy a few months in one of those countries, even though I've heard about the bad maintenance and risks that are out there.
Also, are there any particular countries I want to steer well clear of (such as those where there's a lot of rebel conflict etc).
Regards,
Ben
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well....
In most of those places it takes a few months to get a visa.
I had hours like u, went out to oz on BACKPACK visa, and flew in the bush for 2.5 years.It took 3 months of hanging around to get a job.In todays current climate, its the way to go.Personally I would head to Africa.Good luck, my 2000 hours of bush flying was the most exciting i ever did.Now its boring flying 8 hours ILS to ILS!!
I had hours like u, went out to oz on BACKPACK visa, and flew in the bush for 2.5 years.It took 3 months of hanging around to get a job.In todays current climate, its the way to go.Personally I would head to Africa.Good luck, my 2000 hours of bush flying was the most exciting i ever did.Now its boring flying 8 hours ILS to ILS!!
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Hehe, thanks, I'll definitely be looking into it.
Does anyone know the licensing requirements? Do I need to convert my JAA licenses, or are they recognised out in Africa?
Does anyone know the licensing requirements? Do I need to convert my JAA licenses, or are they recognised out in Africa?
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PPRuNe Handmaiden
Ben,
Things to consider.
Visas and right to work. (Definitely needed in Australia)
How hard is it to convert the license? What's required? Check with the CAA and the prospective country.
Vaccinations. Definitely required for Africa. Check World Health Organisation or Medaire for info.
Get a First Aid certificate if you haven't got one.
Language skills, a lot of Africa is French speaking.
Study the prospective area, eg, Kimberley region in Oz = tourism/scenics as well as govt charter. Find out what the main flying is.
Make copies of every thing. Leave them with someone responsible in the UK.
Inform someone official (Foreign Office, Embassy etc) where you are and contact details. If they need to get info to you or get you out, it's easier if they know approx where you are.
Research the "hot spots" for trouble.
Keep a spare credit card or funds available to get you home quickly.
Have a look on the African and D&G forums. There was a big shortage of suitable pilots for the scenics, not sure how that is now. Maintenance? I know CASA has cleaned out many of the rogues. Get a feel for the area and you'll soon pick up who's dodgy and who's not. Don't compromise yourself. It's better to be out of work and alive versus being dead employed.
You'll learn so much and more importantly, have a really good time.
Good luck, many of us have started out as bush pilots.
Things to consider.
Visas and right to work. (Definitely needed in Australia)
How hard is it to convert the license? What's required? Check with the CAA and the prospective country.
Vaccinations. Definitely required for Africa. Check World Health Organisation or Medaire for info.
Get a First Aid certificate if you haven't got one.
Language skills, a lot of Africa is French speaking.
Study the prospective area, eg, Kimberley region in Oz = tourism/scenics as well as govt charter. Find out what the main flying is.
Make copies of every thing. Leave them with someone responsible in the UK.
Inform someone official (Foreign Office, Embassy etc) where you are and contact details. If they need to get info to you or get you out, it's easier if they know approx where you are.
Research the "hot spots" for trouble.
Keep a spare credit card or funds available to get you home quickly.
Have a look on the African and D&G forums. There was a big shortage of suitable pilots for the scenics, not sure how that is now. Maintenance? I know CASA has cleaned out many of the rogues. Get a feel for the area and you'll soon pick up who's dodgy and who's not. Don't compromise yourself. It's better to be out of work and alive versus being dead employed.
You'll learn so much and more importantly, have a really good time.
Good luck, many of us have started out as bush pilots.
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Nico
Hi flying mechanic
Where did you hang out in Oz to get a bush flying job?
Are there still jobs available?
I've got 800 hrs ppl flying time, but had to stop due to increase
in hourly rates.
Thanks
Nico
Where did you hang out in Oz to get a bush flying job?
Are there still jobs available?
I've got 800 hrs ppl flying time, but had to stop due to increase
in hourly rates.
Thanks
Nico
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Hi guys,
To be honest there is not much happening with bush/charter jobs in Australia at the moment, that is to say there are a few around however they mostly wan't around 800-1000 hrs total with some command hours on the type they are using along side some previous bush time. Then there are the issues with visa's and licence conversions, probably not something you wan't to try and get into with a working holiday visa. to convert your JAA you will need to first pass the CPL air law exam (not too hard with a week or two study). Then pass the irex exam and complete a check ride to validate your IR. There also would be issue's as most larger airports require an ASIC card to be worn at all times, it can take a couple of months to get passed all the red tape and get one issued.
I would suggest you would need 6-8 weeks to get the conversion done plus however long it takes to get the security clearance for the ASIC card. A 12 month working holiday visa allows you to work and/or study for a maximum 3 months, so you may get a couple of weeks in flying if you are lucky and you would have to be very lucky..
To be honest there is not much happening with bush/charter jobs in Australia at the moment, that is to say there are a few around however they mostly wan't around 800-1000 hrs total with some command hours on the type they are using along side some previous bush time. Then there are the issues with visa's and licence conversions, probably not something you wan't to try and get into with a working holiday visa. to convert your JAA you will need to first pass the CPL air law exam (not too hard with a week or two study). Then pass the irex exam and complete a check ride to validate your IR. There also would be issue's as most larger airports require an ASIC card to be worn at all times, it can take a couple of months to get passed all the red tape and get one issued.
I would suggest you would need 6-8 weeks to get the conversion done plus however long it takes to get the security clearance for the ASIC card. A 12 month working holiday visa allows you to work and/or study for a maximum 3 months, so you may get a couple of weeks in flying if you are lucky and you would have to be very lucky..
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I'm surprised no one has yet pointed out to Ben that the likelyhood of a 22 year old newly minted pilot with 250 hours with no experience of rough strips and tropical weather getting a bush pilot job is slim. Particularly in the current climate when there's surplus of pilots with plenty of hours and experience. Once upon a time it might have been possible. But I doubt it now.
It's worth a try but don't bet the house on it.
My own particular job while not bushflying has certain similarities in that it's single pilot often off rough short strips. My boss has a stack of CVs from 250 hours pilots in his in-tray, who would work for nothing or less. As he never tires of reminding me. But he knows and I know that he could never trust an hour building kid with his aeroplane particularly after some harrowing experiences.
So that's what you're up against.
If you did get a 'job'. I would be very careful. I think it was Groucho Marx who said 'I wouldn't join any club that had me as a member'. The same applies to certain flying jobs.
It's worth a try but don't bet the house on it.
My own particular job while not bushflying has certain similarities in that it's single pilot often off rough short strips. My boss has a stack of CVs from 250 hours pilots in his in-tray, who would work for nothing or less. As he never tires of reminding me. But he knows and I know that he could never trust an hour building kid with his aeroplane particularly after some harrowing experiences.
So that's what you're up against.
If you did get a 'job'. I would be very careful. I think it was Groucho Marx who said 'I wouldn't join any club that had me as a member'. The same applies to certain flying jobs.
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I'm surprised no one has yet pointed out to Ben that the likelyhood of a 22 year old newly minted pilot with 250 hours with no experience of rough strips and tropical weather getting a bush pilot job is slim.
BUT I LOVE THE BLO
DY PLACEPeople you work with can be some of the best in the world (few crooks excepted), you get paid tax free so GB cant touch your money, night flying is rare so sundowners at the pub when you land, beer is always cold and cheep, you get to see amazing places, and siht holes, some contrcts are 6 on, 6 off and they cover all costs to and from home, where ever that may be. True the language can be a problem, but mainly you only need english or french for 80% of the place, its not that hard to learn.
With the license conversion it depends on where you go. When i first came here i had a FAA cpl me/ir. Now i have a kenyan cpl (expired), tanzanian cpl (expired) RSA atpl, FAA atpl, JAA atpl and a congo atpl (was hard that one!
) all current, (got a few more, but using them as door stops, wobbly table etc). Have flown piston singles into 500m dirt strips in the jungle, twins into int airports, had holes put in planes by the popular russian export, carried all sort of cargo, live, dead, SLF, things that go bang, gold, gems, crates of money.... Now flying DC8 and king airs, jolly good fun 50 ft off the beach!If you think you can come and hack all the bull siht that various CAA's will give you, and then do the rounds knocking on doors, come on down and have the best flying you will ever do. I have met guys who were in the airlines and chucked it to go back to real flying, because they were bored
flying 8 hours ILS to ILS!!
Hope this has helped in anyway, any other questions DO NOT pm me, put them in the thread so others can see.
Got to go, beach and beer time.
Cheers
Brat
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monster storms, rebels shooting at you, power cuts the norm, dont drink the water, loads of cool disease's (malaria, ebola, hep a,b,c, dysentry etc) lousy maint, crappy planes ( to start off ) and on and on and on......
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Hi CathayBrat.
I have just finished my SACAA SE IF Comm 210 Tot. Going to head up Africa in search of my chance to do some bush flying. However have found a lack of info on operators and their where abouts for anywhere North of Zambia (I have looked at all the threads and can't find any info). So was hoping to pick your brain.
What companies operate in the Congo, Malawi and Angola?
What is the likely hood of a Low hour guy being employed?
Are there any surveying companies operating there?
When is the peak/low seasons and when is the best time to head up?
How tough is it to get licences in the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Angola?
Any advice on how not to get screwed with a newby like myself heading up there?
Thanks any advice would be a great help.
I have just finished my SACAA SE IF Comm 210 Tot. Going to head up Africa in search of my chance to do some bush flying. However have found a lack of info on operators and their where abouts for anywhere North of Zambia (I have looked at all the threads and can't find any info). So was hoping to pick your brain.
What companies operate in the Congo, Malawi and Angola?
What is the likely hood of a Low hour guy being employed?
Are there any surveying companies operating there?
When is the peak/low seasons and when is the best time to head up?
How tough is it to get licences in the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Angola?
Any advice on how not to get screwed with a newby like myself heading up there?
Thanks any advice would be a great help
.
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What companies operate in the Congo, Malawi and Angola?
Lots of bad ones, a few good ones, helps if you fly and talk russian in DRC and little congo and angola. Not sure about Malawi, there was a small operator there a while ago, cant remember the name. But alot of embraer's in angola as well, local reg but some SA pilots there, maybe through nature link.
What is the likely hood of a Low hour guy being employed?
Depends. If you go with eyes open and mouth shut (about maint, living conditions etc), fairly good, as seat warmers needed. Also alot of companies up here like SA pilots as they usually know which way is up! Unlike some of the guys i've come across. But your best bet is to do the rounds at FALA, been a big increase of contract work so guys are looking for pilots, but with low hrs be prepared to beg, plead or sell your 1st born child! Aero service here may be looking soon, fly casa 212, bn2, c404, c402, but learn french.
Are there any surveying companies operating there?
Yup, loads, but all SA companies like fugro, so u will have to go through them is SA
When is the peak/low seasons and when is the best time to head up?
If you stay out of the touristy places like Bots, there is no season. Most of the companies fly for the mining/oil industries which are 365 days a year. And most baby pilots head to bots as that was where alot of people got their first job, so compatition is huge.
How tough is it to get licences in the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Angola?
$$$, paperwork, leg work and $$$. But TZ was a nice suprise, very easy, but the nice lady behind the counter will be a pain to you, untill she issuses the license, then shes v nice.
Any advice on how not to get screwed with a newby like myself heading up there?
Luck. you will need lots of it, to be in the right place at the right time. And dont come north of the limpopo thinking africa is the same as south, unlike some babys i've met, or it will be a big surprise. Eyes wide open, perserverance, and an easy going attitude.
Will answer any other questions later, off to the beach to recover as paddys day was fun, and the boss gave me a day off.
Cheers
Brat
Lots of bad ones, a few good ones, helps if you fly and talk russian in DRC and little congo and angola. Not sure about Malawi, there was a small operator there a while ago, cant remember the name. But alot of embraer's in angola as well, local reg but some SA pilots there, maybe through nature link.
What is the likely hood of a Low hour guy being employed?
Depends. If you go with eyes open and mouth shut (about maint, living conditions etc), fairly good, as seat warmers needed. Also alot of companies up here like SA pilots as they usually know which way is up! Unlike some of the guys i've come across. But your best bet is to do the rounds at FALA, been a big increase of contract work so guys are looking for pilots, but with low hrs be prepared to beg, plead or sell your 1st born child! Aero service here may be looking soon, fly casa 212, bn2, c404, c402, but learn french.
Are there any surveying companies operating there?
Yup, loads, but all SA companies like fugro, so u will have to go through them is SA
When is the peak/low seasons and when is the best time to head up?
If you stay out of the touristy places like Bots, there is no season. Most of the companies fly for the mining/oil industries which are 365 days a year. And most baby pilots head to bots as that was where alot of people got their first job, so compatition is huge.
How tough is it to get licences in the Congo, Malawi, Tanzania and Angola?
$$$, paperwork, leg work and $$$. But TZ was a nice suprise, very easy, but the nice lady behind the counter will be a pain to you, untill she issuses the license, then shes v nice.
Any advice on how not to get screwed with a newby like myself heading up there?
Luck. you will need lots of it, to be in the right place at the right time. And dont come north of the limpopo thinking africa is the same as south, unlike some babys i've met, or it will be a big surprise. Eyes wide open, perserverance, and an easy going attitude.
Will answer any other questions later, off to the beach to recover as paddys day was fun, and the boss gave me a day off.
Cheers
Brat
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wow. can you guide me how to get started ?
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Thanks cathay brat great info.
Going to start my job search of africa from the 1st of next month, will keep in mind-eye's wide open and mouth shut
. Do you have any info on Uganda and Cameroon, with regards to operators and where to look, have heard that a few pilots have started there flying out that side. How do you apply for the jobs further north ? Is it a case of get there and chat to the operators?
.Going to start my job search of africa from the 1st of next month, will keep in mind-eye's wide open and mouth shut
. Do you have any info on Uganda and Cameroon, with regards to operators and where to look, have heard that a few pilots have started there flying out that side. How do you apply for the jobs further north ? Is it a case of get there and chat to the operators?
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Why not get entrepreneurial and get a seaplane and head out for Somalia's coast? There is no functioning government, so you don't have to worry about duty times, licenses, hours, etc. Meet a couple local pirates and work out a deal where you transport food and ammunition between land and the mother ship. Maybe you could work out an agreement where you cut yourself in for a decent percentage of the ransoms? You could make a lot of money, write a book, then live the good life.
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Why not get entrepreneurial and get a seaplane and head out for Somalia's coast? There is no functioning government, so you don't have to worry about duty times, licenses, hours, etc. Meet a couple local pirates and work out a deal where you transport food and ammunition between land and the mother ship. Maybe you could work out an agreement where you cut yourself in for a decent percentage of the ransoms? You could make a lot of money, write a book, then live the good life. 
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can the C-180 on floats outrun an apache?
Could be one of the safest ways to get some experience in Africa.
