Jobs in Africa and Aisa

[ah79ca]

Hey Guys,
just wondering anyone ever flown in Africa or Asia.
Just meet a guy that came back from Africa, he said that we was visiting some local charter companies
that fly tourist around, hunters, supplies etc. All bush flying. The companies hire Commercial Pilot with 200 hours all the time.
Flying a 182, 206 etc.

Anyone had experiace flying in Africa.
I personally would prefer Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. Has anyone ever flown in these countries? Any good advice?
Minimum Qualifications???

Thanks,
Andreas

[Wacko]

Good post! May also want to know they pay vs. living expenses and general maintenance of aircraft. I'm curious too

[210Pilot]

I just spent the last 10 minutes responding to your post only to accidentally click the "logout" tab . But here it is again...

Andreas,

I recently returned to Canada after spending just over two years flying in Namibia. There are loads of operators in Southern Africa that hire low time pilots. The best places to check out are Maun, Botswana and Windhoek, Namibia. They all operate 206's, 210's, 208's, and Islanders (the latter in Bots).

200 hours, a good attitude, and the ability to consume large amounts of beer will land you a job. Some of the larger companies will require a training bond... and yes you read that correctly, a bond for a 206. The bond is pro-rata. Others will take your word (but you better stick to it). After a year or so you can expect the opportunity to fly a Caravan.

Don't bother heading to Africa at this time of year as most companies start hiring in December and have finished by the end of March. But YOU MUST GO TO AFRICA to get a job. No one will hire you over the phone or internet.

I left looking for adventure, but most of all I left looking for a change. A change in scenery and people. Part of the reason I got into flying was to see the world. You won't need an Instrument Rating because there's not much IFR flying in Bots and Namibia unless you're flying airliners (but why on earth would you do that when you want to be a bush pilot... ) and you'll be flying VFR anyways. I left with around 250 hours and a Multi Rating. Think about getting a multi rating if you're planning on Bots as there are a few companies that fly Islanders.

Hope this helps a little.

Feel free to PM me for more details.

Regards,

Elliott

[Just another canuck]

…

[Ballsssssss]

I was in Phuket this spring and indeed it is Destination Air there that is flying a Caravan on Amphibs. They also have a 206 that was not operational for an unknown reason. They guy had told me that they have at least one Canuck Pilot and a Canuck AME.

[ah79ca]

You guys are awesome, great informations, very helpful.
Any information is appreciated.
Thanks guys.
Andreas

[ClevelandSteamer]

Joe's Tavern Namibia!!!

2 year Bond on a C206 in Bots with Sefofane....Close to 8000 bond.....NO GOOD! Only to make 7000 Pula a month. But I agree it is beautiful out there so if it aint about the money "yet" go for it.

Just another Mzungo Pilot. Oh yeah Irish Pub in Tanzania, if you come here....rock Karaoke night.

Good Luck

[ah79ca]

Hey Guys,
anyone every flown in Indonesia, Singapore?
What are the wages and requirements?
Interested in Bush Pilot, or light twin.

Thanks,
Andreas

[notaxrus]

Indonesia pays poorly. Nice women is the draw. Virtuallly no jobs other than 320s to 747s in Singapore. Very expensive also

[one8tee]

Hey guys.. good info on Africa.. any idea where one could find more information on possible job opportunities while still over here in Canada.. I have a multi IFR with Jet experience and would be interested in either an airline job or the left seat on a VFR aircraft for a year long contract, with a good company and a decent schedule.. any info would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks, 180

[short bus]

check out the african aviation forum on pprune.org, lots of info there.

[LOCBC]

Hey guys.. good info on Africa.. any idea where one could find more information on possible job opportunities while still over here in Canada.. I have a multi IFR with Jet experience and would be interested in either an airline job or the left seat on a VFR aircraft for a year long contract, with a good company and a decent schedule.. any info would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks, 180

www.Solenta.com

[snuffolupogus]

If the hiring season for Maun is in December, when do you finish for the season and go back home? Or do they expect you to work there year round?

[notaxrus]

I had a meeting today with Cebu Pacific Airlines. Its an operator in the Philippines. They have ATR 72s and A320s. Plenty of AC on order and looking for ATR captains and co-pilots. Pay for captains is about 12000US/month, not sure about FOs but its usually 60-75% of captain wage, plus accomodation.

Try them if you have time on either. I know the CP and other managers from my years in Brunei, Asia so I meet with them occosionally and this time we talked about the hiring of foreigners. I asked if they take pilots who buy their rating and have 0 hours on the type. They will advise on that next week.

I have spent most of my time the last decade or so flying the Middle East- Africa. I know there are a few in the hiring mode. Usually B767/B737-all series and Airbus. Haj is getting earlier each year and we will start gearing up for that within the month. There is a 747 classic job in Nigeria for Hadj ops and they will be looking for some pilots soon. In Kano. Not certain what the name will be this year.

[Vlakvark]

Don't you need to convert your Canadian CPL to an Africa CPL.

[Carrier]

Quote: “Don't you need to convert your Canadian CPL to an Africa CPL.”

No! Africa does not issue licences. Individual countries issue them.

[yvanddivans]

Great infos! thanks a lot

[VikVaughan]

I lived in West Africa for a couple of years when I was a kid around 6 or 7, its still one of the most memorable parts of my life. I'd love to go and fly somewhere like Tanzania for a couple of years after finishing my license. I'd imagine securing a job and making all your arrangements half way across the world would be a challenging proposition. Do most people simply find the contacts of the companies that operate there and send applications? Do they hire people sight unseen? What is the process like exactly?

[yvanddivans]

Regarding bush flying in Africa, would the eventual salary be enough to live there and keep your appartment and stuff here or you'd have to sell everything (or store the stuff, or sell your house...) before leaving for 1 or 2 years?

I'm still on my PPL, but thinking about contracts like that around the world (whatever country) is what wakes me up the morning!

Keep that topic alive, the more info the better!!

[Austin Power]

Good post!!

I worked in Madagascar for Air Hotel, they use to have C-208 amphib, but now I think they have PC-12. Need to speak French and not sure if they still hire foreigner, it was in 2001. Good place to work anyway.

I also worked in Indonesia, Bali for Travira air on C-208 Amphib. Also a good company to work for, use to pay 3000 USD no taxes with accommodation. Hell of a place, very clean, nice beaches and cheap beer!

Now I work in Papua New Guinea. Great flying on DHC-6 and E-110, ok money if you ask, but strange company to work for. I won’t tell you the name, I would feel bad if I recommend the place to any fellow pilot. I think Airlines PNG is not so bad and Heavy Lift sounds good, their chief pilot is a Canadian, good guy.

That’s all I had to say. Oh maybe, one more thing, whatever you want to do, just go for it! It’s probably worth the try and the pain.

Austin Power

[ah79ca]

Great Info Guys, thanks!

An other question, a got my CPL, but no IFR or Multi Engine endorsement, with 220hours.
Are there an companies that hire people like me to fly? If so, does anyone know who they are?

Thanks,
Andreas

[peakbagger]

Hey Andreas!
I am not much further ahead of you. I just graduated with my CPL Multi IFR float ratings a couple months ago. Jobs these days are few and far between for guys like us, but they are out there. I am from Alberta and ended up living in Northern Ontario for a month in my 2 man tent. I now am working the docks for a float operator and am set to start in the 180 anyday now! All the hundreds of emails and cold calls I made a few months ago resulted in many leads and quality info but F all for real results. If you hit the road with a good tent you stand a much greater chance, I am living proof. Many of these smaller operators are looking for a quality guy to start out. Keep in mind, I have only a 7 hour float rating, yet will soon be getting a 50 hour check out on the 180. I may be falling for the carrot, but none the less, I am in the industry and am making great contacts. The right place at the right time if you catch my drift. Long story short, from what I have seen in Northern Ontario, many pilots are lacking there multi / multi IFR yet have a ton of hours. There is hope! Good luck, and maybe see you around!
Rod

[yvanddivans]

Found this.... tought some could enjoy.

http://maunpilot.blogspot.com/

Enjoy I did.

[Gumby]

http://africanbushpilot.blogspot.com/

Leave as fast as you can, and soak it in.

[jetpilot]

Hi guys


I have work 2 yrs in Africa base in South Africa flying all over Africa! Capt on B737....i really miss it! it's bush flying with a jet...lol

West Africa is super nice..avoid Nigeria! i have find Canadian on dash-8 in Gabon, (Air Service) some in Congo Point Noir
flying short 360 ....


ps: i have work in asia before but in interview Africa is Africa.....

jet