International/Interesting opportunities for low time pilot
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Join Date: Aug 2011
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International/Interesting opportunities for low time pilot
I recently received my private pilots license and I'm currently
working on my instrument (will have about 150TT). I'm planning on taking a few years off from the corporate world and I'm interested in seeing a bit more of the world and putting my license to work. Ideally I would love to find an opportunity to help people (humanitarian efforts or working with
NGOs). My understanding is those types of outfits generally only take
pilots with commercial licenses so I would still be interested in
other opportunities to fly remote areas of the world.
I've seen a number of forum discussions regarding low time pilots
gaining hours working in Africa but have not gotten a very good sense
of how difficult it is to hitch up with the right group. I would also
be interested in hearing any ideas for interesting opportunities
outside Africa.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and if anybody knows great
people to speak with about this I would really appreciate any leads.
Thanks!
working on my instrument (will have about 150TT). I'm planning on taking a few years off from the corporate world and I'm interested in seeing a bit more of the world and putting my license to work. Ideally I would love to find an opportunity to help people (humanitarian efforts or working with
NGOs). My understanding is those types of outfits generally only take
pilots with commercial licenses so I would still be interested in
other opportunities to fly remote areas of the world.
I've seen a number of forum discussions regarding low time pilots
gaining hours working in Africa but have not gotten a very good sense
of how difficult it is to hitch up with the right group. I would also
be interested in hearing any ideas for interesting opportunities
outside Africa.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and if anybody knows great
people to speak with about this I would really appreciate any leads.
Thanks!
Join Date: Aug 2009
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yhea you ll nees a CPL to work in Africa, even if you ll meet some local pilots flying with ...questionable licenses..you as expat will need a JAA, CAS, FAA...whatever licence in order to get a local validation. The process changes from country to country.
in DRC you can find MAF from USA (MAF » Reaching isolated people through aviation and technology) and ASF (La voie des airs pour secourir la Terre) from Belgium , flying in support of ONG and for humanitarian aids. they use to fly Cessna 206 /7 and 208 caravan, so type rating is not requested, but I knew they use to seek pilots with some experience (I recall ASF asking 500 tt).
In Africa you can find many companies flying under contract with UN and red cross with bigger airplanes (dash, let, CRJ, antonov...)
Here in DRC most of them are from south africa, canada, est europe.
In order to join them, you need an appropriate license depending the registration mark of the AC and a type raing at least...essentially they are neither more nor less than regular airlines, but they have contracts with UN in Africa or elsewhere in the third world.
in DRC you can find MAF from USA (MAF » Reaching isolated people through aviation and technology) and ASF (La voie des airs pour secourir la Terre) from Belgium , flying in support of ONG and for humanitarian aids. they use to fly Cessna 206 /7 and 208 caravan, so type rating is not requested, but I knew they use to seek pilots with some experience (I recall ASF asking 500 tt).
In Africa you can find many companies flying under contract with UN and red cross with bigger airplanes (dash, let, CRJ, antonov...)
Here in DRC most of them are from south africa, canada, est europe.
In order to join them, you need an appropriate license depending the registration mark of the AC and a type raing at least...essentially they are neither more nor less than regular airlines, but they have contracts with UN in Africa or elsewhere in the third world.
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Flying Medical Service based in Arusha, Tanzania require just an FAA PPL. They operate 2xC206s.
Very interesting operation. They do regular rotations of clinics lasting a few days in remote areas - in which the pilot is an active participant (doing medical stuff). They do a a fair amount of their own maintenance (being a private op) which is another interesting aspect.
Due to the very low income of their work (partly fundraising, partly contributions from those they help) their pilots are volunteers - a food allowance and accommodation is provided. You won't lose money working with them, but nor will you save a single penny.
They'll put a lot of effort into you (airstrip training, kiswahili language, medical training, maintenance training etc) and in return expect you to stay at least 3 years. I don't know of anyone who has broken this commitment which says good things about a) the people who work there, b) the type of person they'll take on and c) the rewarding nature of the work.
Certainly not for the hour builder - but if you really want to get involved in helping people and have at least 3 years to offer it could be very worthwhile.
They have a website here.
FLYING MEDICAL SERVICE
Very interesting operation. They do regular rotations of clinics lasting a few days in remote areas - in which the pilot is an active participant (doing medical stuff). They do a a fair amount of their own maintenance (being a private op) which is another interesting aspect.
Due to the very low income of their work (partly fundraising, partly contributions from those they help) their pilots are volunteers - a food allowance and accommodation is provided. You won't lose money working with them, but nor will you save a single penny.
They'll put a lot of effort into you (airstrip training, kiswahili language, medical training, maintenance training etc) and in return expect you to stay at least 3 years. I don't know of anyone who has broken this commitment which says good things about a) the people who work there, b) the type of person they'll take on and c) the rewarding nature of the work.
Certainly not for the hour builder - but if you really want to get involved in helping people and have at least 3 years to offer it could be very worthwhile.
They have a website here.
FLYING MEDICAL SERVICE
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There's a lot of opportunities if you hold a CPL. Even with low hours you might strike a SEP bush job. Awesome.
Try checking google for Low Time Pilots Guide to African Bush Flying
Try checking google for Low Time Pilots Guide to African Bush Flying
