What's going on out there these days? Are there any real functional operations moving, food, oil, water(in some cases), without the politics over something thats been going on for so many many years? Or is it much the same? $$$...
I really don't know.
Flying relief in Africa.
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, Rudder Bug
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
There's a lot out there, but the spectrum is pretty broad... If you want completely non-political, you're looking at flying for religious missions for volunteer or very low pay (although the non-politicalness is pretty debatable). There's A LOT of work for the UN out there, both for the DPKO and for the WFP, including a few Canadian operators and a large number of foreign operators.
I can help shed some light for you, but maybe you can narrow it down a little:
- What types of aircraft are you thinking of?
- Canadian or foreign operators?
- What level of organization are you looking to be a part of?
Also, Africa is a pretty big place, so do you have a region you're interested in?
I can help shed some light for you, but maybe you can narrow it down a little:
- What types of aircraft are you thinking of?
- Canadian or foreign operators?
- What level of organization are you looking to be a part of?
Also, Africa is a pretty big place, so do you have a region you're interested in?
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bizjets101
- Rank 10
- Posts: 2105
- Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:44 pm
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Some African Aviation forums for you to check out!!
http://africaspotter.6.forumer.com/
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/index.php
http://africaspotter.6.forumer.com/
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/index.php
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
That is some good info, thanks. Ya know, after Rwanda, Somalia, Darfur, the Congo? Not to mention, the virus research out there. Still we know, there must be a huge amount of need out there. Machine wise isn't any matter. It's more about finding an outfit who helps, where it matters. I'd like to know more.
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Unfortunately machine wise, it does matter. I'm talking more along the lines of your experience and what you are qualified to be flying. In any case, here are a few companies based in Canada that operate for the UN:
- Voyageur Airways (http://www.voyageurairways.com/) operating DHC-7s, DHC-8s and CRJs in Ivory Coast, Sudan, Congo, Chad, Afghanistan.
- TransCapital (http://www.transcapitalair.com/ website has been under construction for many years) operating DHC-7s in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Haiti, Afghanistan.
- Regional 1 (http://www.regional1.ca/) operating DHC-8s in Afghanistan and I don't know where else, in anywhere else.
- DAC (http://www.dacaviation.com/) operating DHC-8s mainly based out of Nairobi, Kenya.
The Red Cross also does a lot of flying around doing humanitarian work, they function much like the UN where they contract out the flying. I believe most of the companies with Red Cross contracts are based in South Africa like Saffair (http://www.safair.co.za/) who operate a large swath of aircraft types (anywhere from King Airs to Hercs) all over the world.
bizjets links are a great start to browse through too. I remember thinking that it seemed so difficult to break the ice when it comes to flying in Africa. I highly highly recommend starting off with a Canadian company that operates overseas until you get a good feel for what's out there. There are many many questionable operators that are based in Africa, and also some really good ones, but the list of operations is extremely long - as I said Africa is a really big place, something a lot of people don't realize.
But you're pretty safe starting with Canadian operators... despite bad things that are said about all of them on Avcanada, in the big picture of things they are very safe operations that treat you well - compared to the trouble you can get into over here in Africa. Once you're here, it's really really easy to start networking since pilots of various companies tend to hang out together, amongst the numerous ex-pat parties.
- Voyageur Airways (http://www.voyageurairways.com/) operating DHC-7s, DHC-8s and CRJs in Ivory Coast, Sudan, Congo, Chad, Afghanistan.
- TransCapital (http://www.transcapitalair.com/ website has been under construction for many years) operating DHC-7s in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Haiti, Afghanistan.
- Regional 1 (http://www.regional1.ca/) operating DHC-8s in Afghanistan and I don't know where else, in anywhere else.
- DAC (http://www.dacaviation.com/) operating DHC-8s mainly based out of Nairobi, Kenya.
The Red Cross also does a lot of flying around doing humanitarian work, they function much like the UN where they contract out the flying. I believe most of the companies with Red Cross contracts are based in South Africa like Saffair (http://www.safair.co.za/) who operate a large swath of aircraft types (anywhere from King Airs to Hercs) all over the world.
bizjets links are a great start to browse through too. I remember thinking that it seemed so difficult to break the ice when it comes to flying in Africa. I highly highly recommend starting off with a Canadian company that operates overseas until you get a good feel for what's out there. There are many many questionable operators that are based in Africa, and also some really good ones, but the list of operations is extremely long - as I said Africa is a really big place, something a lot of people don't realize.
But you're pretty safe starting with Canadian operators... despite bad things that are said about all of them on Avcanada, in the big picture of things they are very safe operations that treat you well - compared to the trouble you can get into over here in Africa. Once you're here, it's really really easy to start networking since pilots of various companies tend to hang out together, amongst the numerous ex-pat parties.
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
+1 
Success in life is when the cognac that you drink is older than the women you drink it with.
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Hey guys,
I'm actually in southern africa hanging around botswana and namibia looking for job opportunities, but look like there's not much jobs around here. Just wanna know if you have any hints to consider for a low time pilot (475 tt with a M-Ifr rating TC license) who's desperatly looking to land a first job in africa. Is there some country I should go to, is there any other good spots for a low time french/english speaking canadian like in western, eastern or northen africa. Thx
I'm actually in southern africa hanging around botswana and namibia looking for job opportunities, but look like there's not much jobs around here. Just wanna know if you have any hints to consider for a low time pilot (475 tt with a M-Ifr rating TC license) who's desperatly looking to land a first job in africa. Is there some country I should go to, is there any other good spots for a low time french/english speaking canadian like in western, eastern or northen africa. Thx
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Air Serve has been known to hire Canadian pilots as well, despite being a US operation. airserv.org
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Scale of UN air operations, 4 years ago. It increased a lot since then:
The total value of UN Air Charter services in 2007 was some U.S. $800 million. Given the surge in UN peacekeeping operations in recent years, the demand for air transportation services has increased significantly.
The UN fleet currently ranges between 220 to 250 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft obtained through commercial air charter contracts and Letters of Assists (LOA) with a number of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). Collectively, these air assets flew more than 150,000 flight hours and transported 823,680 passengers as well as 140,980 tons of cargo in 2007. With the growing demand for air transportation services, it is projected that the total size of the UN fleet will surpass 300 aircraft by the end of 2009...
All in sh*tty places...
The total value of UN Air Charter services in 2007 was some U.S. $800 million. Given the surge in UN peacekeeping operations in recent years, the demand for air transportation services has increased significantly.
The UN fleet currently ranges between 220 to 250 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft obtained through commercial air charter contracts and Letters of Assists (LOA) with a number of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs). Collectively, these air assets flew more than 150,000 flight hours and transported 823,680 passengers as well as 140,980 tons of cargo in 2007. With the growing demand for air transportation services, it is projected that the total size of the UN fleet will surpass 300 aircraft by the end of 2009...
All in sh*tty places...
Success in life is when the cognac that you drink is older than the women you drink it with.
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
lots of places to teach and learn in Africa. start buy telling people in front of you, in this industry, of your real intentions of interest, and learn, law of the jungle.
I would think Ross air and Zimex will both need fresh hands dealing with military withdrawl out of persia, so as not to lose great civil aviation customers in Africa.
bug em, eh.
I would think Ross air and Zimex will both need fresh hands dealing with military withdrawl out of persia, so as not to lose great civil aviation customers in Africa.
bug em, eh.
Re: Flying relief in Africa.
Ross Air has been defunct for many years now. you should be current with your info before posting.
And Zimex as per their site require the EASA lic now
And Zimex as per their site require the EASA lic now
