Fly-in Safari's and Charters in Namibia

KenoraPilot · Post by **KenoraPilot** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:05 am

Hey,
I've been talking to a few operators in Namibia. A few have suggested I come down and talk to them in person. However, that is very costly. Estimated at $3,400 just for the airfare to get to Windhoek. I was wondering if anyone knew any operators down there that were looking for pilots. I have no problem paying the airfare if im moving down to Namibia for a job. If anyone has any idea's of operators in any part of Africa that need pilots for Cessna or light twin operations I would greatly appreciate the advice and or tips. Thank you

Puddle Jumper · Post by **Puddle Jumper** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:00 am

Usually, if you want that type of job in Africa, you'll have to put on your back pack and travel there. Here’s a quick analogy for you. Would AC hire you over the phone and then wait for you to turn up for work hoping you’re going to be an OK pilot? It’s the same for hiring a pilot in Africa; they’ll want to see you.

Pre-contact as many operators as you can before you go. Find out who to contact when you get there, what hours/licences or visas you'll require etc. Then treat the whole thing like a massive overseas road trip adventure.

Don't assume you're going to get a job with any of the operators you’ve already contacted! Knock on all the operators’ doors that you can find, at all the airfields you can find. It may take a week, it may take a month, or you might not get anything! But you'll have fun doing it and meet some interesting people on the way.

Always have an out plan! i.e. Always have enough money to buy a ticket back home if it doesn’t work out.

Research, research, research, research, research, research, research!

Try and find a like minded individual to travel with, it more fun that way.

Network. Talk to as many pilots, AMEs, dispatchers etc when you’re out there.

Have a look at the African forum on http://www.pprune.com

Most of all have fun!

Cheers

wiggle · Post by **wiggle** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:56 am

As a pilot currently living in Africa, I would recommend that you stay where you are or look elsewhere, the opportunities just dont exist here anymore, you are welcome to PM me if you have any questions and i will be glad to answer them.

termerair · Post by **termerair** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:04 am

Hey there!

I am also flying in Africa (DRC) at this time... I have talked to a few CP's in Kinshasa, Brazza and Bangui... It seems like it could be some openings... I could give you some phone numbers. But I am not sure those opportunities are great... Usually the pay sucks, the maintenance doesn't look too awesome and your life quality is poor... Not forgetting crap mentalities around here... Been stolen fuel, antennas from our plane... And yes we DO have guards!!!

Tanzania might be a better destination... Openings on the C208 for sure...!

Good luck

Termerair

Pilot_adam · Post by **Pilot_adam** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:20 am

I have never been to Africa(mind you I am from a Tunisian background) but I have enjoyed this reading about flying i Africa and thw world

http://walter.freefuelforever.com/index ... ge3932.htm

Read all his stories , I have enjoyed them.

Good luck

Adam

wiggle · Post by **wiggle** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:32 am

Just do your homework properly, termerair hit the nail on the head, Tanzania is a good option but yet again, maintenance is a huge problem, good way of life though.

ClevelandSteamer · Post by **ClevelandSteamer** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:36 am

I have heard many good things about Sefofane in Botswana. They are also out of Namibia and Zambia....not to sure bout the last one. But if you go to their website they seem to be well put together, but of course it is only a website. The Ops Manger is from Inuvik too, so if you have any stories from the north it might be a in for you. Who knows, they have lots of different aircraft.

I plan on Africa as well, have wanted to do it from day one. Ill take any tips as well if anyone wants to PM me. Thankyou

wiggle · Post by **wiggle** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 12:03 pm

I will keep in touch as there could be a position up in Francistown in Botwana, they are operating the Baron, 177, and C90 and they have just bought a Citation I, it is a fairly new operation and I know that they will be looking for a few more pilots in the near future, if it is really what you are looking for then I can point you in the right direction.

chipmunk · Post by **chipmunk** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:20 pm

wiggle wrote:I will keep in touch as there could be a position up in Francistown in Botwana, they are operating the Baron, 177, and C90 and they have just bought a Citation I, it is a fairly new operation and I know that they will be looking for a few more pilots in the near future, if it is really what you are looking for then I can point you in the right direction.

And Francistown is pretty nice & safe as far as the town goes... Plus the best Chinese restaurant EVER.

Botswana is often referred to as "Africa for beginners..." (similar for Ghana and Namibia.)

Sefofane in Maun seems to be a good operation, although when I was in Bots 3 years ago (flying for a Canadian company) there were TONS of lurkers trying to get on with them and the other operators there. Maun is also a pretty nice place, lots of fun & decent nightlife.

KenoraPilot · Post by **KenoraPilot** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:20 pm

AWSOME, I have always wanted to fly in Africa. Has been a dream since I started flying. If any of you come across any leads or needs please PM me with phone numbers, email addresses anything. It would all be most appreciated. I have no problem working for crap money....I work for crap money right now. I am also used to some shoddy maint...in my day. Im doing it more for the experience more than anything, a dream needs to be fufilled before I can move on or realize anything else, otherwise I will always be wondering...."what if..." Thats what I did with my float flying career, two summers and I was happy to move on. It was another dream to be a Canadian Bush Pilot and I did that now time to move onto the real goal, Africa. Thank you all for your responces, gives me hope. Cheers all of you! My names Dave feel free to PM me with any suggestions or opinions.

Ralliart · Post by **Ralliart** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:08 pm

I have no problem working for crap money....I work for crap money right now. I am also used to some shoddy maint...in my day. Im doing it more for the experience more than anything

Sir, your attitude is the root of what's wrong in the industry.

Mr. North · Post by **Mr. North** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:11 pm

Woa! KenoraPilot said:

Thats what I did with my float flying career, two summers and I was happy to move on. It was another dream to be a Canadian Bush Pilot and I did that now time to move on

I sincerely hope the women you feed this line to continue to misunderstand that two summers as a bush pilot isn't really that much at all...

Sure it's still the "bush" but two summers out of Kenora hardly does the term Canadian Bush Pilot any justice. Keep that kind of bragging for the floozies at the bar in Africa.

I'm sorry your Bush Pilot dream was so short lived and financially unrewarding. But don't worry, I'm sure that once your halfway around the world in Africa, you'll do real good!

Lord have mercy!

chipmunk · Post by **chipmunk** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:17 am

KenoraPilot wrote:I am also used to some shoddy maint...

Risking your life just for a dream isn't worth it, whether it's overseas or not. It was my dream to fly in Africa too. I've since flown in many parts of the continent, and it didn't take long for me to appreciate that I was flying for a reputable company.

No Brakes · Post by **No Brakes** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:03 am

KenoraPilot wrote:I have no problem working for crap money....I work for crap money right now. I am also used to some shoddy maint...in my day. Im doing it more for the experience more than anything, a dream needs to be fufilled before I can move on or realize anything else, otherwise I will always be wondering...."what if..."

Yeah... The answer to "What if" would be "Maybe".

"What if" I said NO to crap money, "maybe" I would have some sense of pride in myself knowing that I don't need to undercut other people to get where I want. "Maybe" I would be contributing something to the industry instead of just taking. "Maybe my quality o life would increase, as would everybody else's.

"What if" I said a vibrant NO to the shoddy maintenance, "maybe" the employer would have realized that his/her employees are not the mindless drones he/she thinks they are. "Maybe" I wouldn't have crashed and killed one of my female passengers while her surviving daughter had to see her with a piece of metal through her face. "Maybe" I wouldn't be a danger to myself and others.

All just speculatve stuff. Maybe.

Maybe you shouldn't call yourself a pilot, but a walking timebomb.

KenoraPilot · Post by **KenoraPilot** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:00 pm

I appologize for my commets I don't think they were taken the way I had intended. I do realize Kenora is not a real bush pilot center. I do have worries about maint and money, however, I do the flying for more than money, the Maint issue since I know something about airplanes I can figure things out. I appologize if I have offended any of you, that was not my intention.

KenoraPilot · Post by **KenoraPilot** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:44 pm

How many of you during your first commercial job ever stood up to your bosses and said no? With 220 hours? Honestly now?

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:26 pm

" How many of you during your first commercial job ever stood up to your bosses and said no? With 220 hours? Honestly now? "

Good question Kenora pilot.

It would be interesting to see if one person here stood up to their first employer because of poor maintenance and being intimidated into flying overloads in their first bush flying job.

As to your questions re Africa I can give you my own opinion on what you should do.

If you can affrord the trip and are willing to spend some time in Africa you would be a fool not to go.

Make sure you get all the shots needed for the countries you plan on visiting, your local health office will know what you need.

Also make sure you have visas if needed.

The best way to go would be with another person, makes things so much easier when there are two of you.

Africa is one of my favourite places to fly and see, I've been to 26 African countries and each was really different.

Cat

Mr. North · Post by **Mr. North** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:56 pm

Your right KP it takes some guts! Although newbie's are more impressionable, it really doesn't matter how many hours one has since your new to the operation. We've all been there, some more then others. Saying 'No' to an employer is almost a right of passage for a career pilot, much like your first revenue trip. And just like flying it gets easier the more times you do it (within reason of course). If the man can't respect that, then pack your bags. Unlike three years ago, you've got plenty of places to turn to.

Don't undermine your own worth! YOU are worth more then angry customers or late deliveries.

WhiteBeacon · Post by **WhiteBeacon** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:40 pm

Dude:

If your coming to Africa, check out the Wings Of Hope. They are on the net and sound right up your alley.

Pilot_adam · Post by **Pilot_adam** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:05 pm

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=264556

snoopy · Post by **snoopy** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 5:38 pm

No Brakes,

You said in your analogy: "Maybe" I wouldn't have crashed and killed one of my female passengers while her surviving daughter had to see her with a piece of metal through her face. "Maybe" I wouldn't be a danger to myself and others."

Just curious as to what accident/situation you are referring?

Snoopy

Sparrow FOOF · Post by **Sparrow FOOF** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:55 am

KP check your PM's.

Fly-in Safari's and Charters in Namibia

Fly-in Safari's and Charters in Namibia

Botswana

check your pm's