Job search for Africa

justplanecrazy · Post by **justplanecrazy** » Wed May 18, 2005 12:23 am

I've heard a lot of talk about Africa and Asia being an open market for time building. Does anyone know how to get ahold of operators for entry level jobs in these areas? Also, what sort of qualifications do you need to work in Africa, does a canadian CPl suffice? Are there any websites that advertise pilot positions? Any info would be appreciated.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Wed May 18, 2005 6:07 am

When I was in Kenya, there seemed to be alot of Brits (and other speaking non locals) flying some pretty interesting Russian equipment over there. Everything from C182, to Lets, to these huge 4 engine turbo props. I can't see the pay being anything great, but it would be a good place to get some time.
I will try to remember some of the small companies we came across there..

Cheers.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:14 am

Here is the company we always came across, they call themselves skyriver. here is the link.
http://www.mombasaairsafari.com/

Cheers.

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:46 am

Although Kenya has probably some of the most interesting flying and equipment, I doubt that you'll get your first job there. The license conversion is also lengthier for that country.

In the past, Maun in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe were place that might have entry level jobs. Look up the 206 operators. No one hires off the internet, you have to be there and hang around drinking and getting to know the people.

This used to be true in 97-99 but has gradually slowed down and Africa has now a lot of low timers trying to get their first break...

Good luck.

MAFer · Post by **MAFer** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:51 am

I have spent the last 10 years flying in Africa. Most of the aviation action is happening in South Africa, where I lived for the past 3 years. (It is funny that I know many South African pilots who have left there to come to find flying jobs in Canada!) Depending on the kind of planes that you would like to fly, the two best organizatons are NAC http://www.nac.co.za and Execujet http://www.execujet.aero

With a Canadian licence, you can get validation for a foreign licence by writing their Air Law exams and taking a flight test. The biggest challenge is getting a visa to work there - otherwise all the licence transferral work is in vain.

Let me know how it works for you.

SplitS · Post by **SplitS** » Wed May 18, 2005 4:45 pm

Ok, I have to ask what we're all thinking: Why would you want an entry level job in Africa??????

Expat · Post by **Expat** » Wed May 18, 2005 9:36 pm

It could be hard getting that flying break in SA, as I think there is a surplus of pilots down there. Most of our BE and LJ pilots here are from SA. And so are the planes. As I said on previous posts there are a lot of ex-military pilots from around the world competing for these jobs and the salaries are not that great. Of course when you talk about airliners, the situation is different.

bee tee · Post by **bee tee** » Thu May 19, 2005 4:33 am

I've talked with some companies over there. To get on with a company to fly twins and anything faster, you will need 1000 hours for insurance minimums. Yes, if they exist in one place they will exist everywhere.

It seems they offer single engine jobs to lowtimers, but you may have to go there and dig around. No one will give out a job over the phone, because they want to know who they're hiring. I think there are opportunities, but when you add up all the money, including air travel fees, hotels, this and that until everything is converted, and you finally find a place, it may be too risky, because nothing is guaranteed.

justplanecrazy · Post by **justplanecrazy** » Fri May 20, 2005 1:09 pm

SplitS wrote:Ok, I have to ask what we're all thinking: Why would you want an entry level job in Africa??????

I figured there'd be at least one person asking that question. Basically what it comes down to is that I'm in a position now where if I'm going to persue the dream of becoming a pilot, I have to do whatever it takes to play catch up. I made the first commitment of getting my licence later than most and then I ended up getting sidetracked and going the ATC route.

Right now I'm in a position to make a lot of money over the next few years in a job that I don't despise but that I don't enjoy. I would never do this for free and if someone offered me a flying job with no pay but a lot of catch up hours, I'd jump at it. Yes I guess I'm no better than the whore buying a PPC but how else do I get where I want to be? I've thought about doing the job a little longer and then buying my way into a PPC, 200 hrs on floats or whatever but I figure that whatever I do I have to commit 100% to it. I heard that Africa may offer just that, a lot of hours with little pay, but a whole lot of adventure.

Well thanks for the input and advise. Right now I'm considering any pathway so if you have some ideas then let me know.

Rubberbiscuit · Post by **Rubberbiscuit** » Fri May 20, 2005 1:58 pm

When it comes to the insurance thing that does not surprise me. Correct me if I am wrong but I belive many insurance companies operate globally.

As far as going to Africa I wish you the best of luck! Unfortunately, as someone allready mentioned, if you find someone that is willing to hire you there might be a conversion or insurance issue, but you never know. If you don't try you definetly won't find anything. I would also do some serious research before accepting anything. I would also be carefull about buying a PPC since most operators require a minimum level of experience even if you have check on type.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Fri May 20, 2005 2:00 pm

Crazy,
Why don't you get your instructor rating and teach part time while you keep your other job. That way in a few years you will be much better off trying to find a job - anywhere.

Cheers.

TG · Post by TG » Fri May 20, 2005 4:12 pm

Here is my 2 CFA

If you decide to go and pending on which country you will end's up, do your study on it and be ready for a "cultural choc"!
You will love it or hate it! Honestly, I don't think there's a middle.

Central and West Africa are francophone, lot's of French.
Africa for them is probably the equivalent as "going north" for us.
Same idea in west and south of Africa, being anglophone, with many South African guys, some Brits, etc...

So you won't be the only one to lurk around.
If you plan to "hop" country to country during your search, don't hesitate to speak with local crews. They might be willing to give you a free ride to your next stop.

The last info come from a wonderful Congoles friend of mine flying down there since....hmmmm.....92 or 93
and I kept hidden his sweet horror's stories just in case it would scare you

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Fri May 20, 2005 4:39 pm

If nothing else to have experienced Africa is well worth going.

scotothedoublet · Post by **scotothedoublet** » Fri May 20, 2005 5:27 pm

Not much of a lead...but for what it's worth there was a Cdn lady managing a charter/maint service out of a hangar on the old side of the airfield in Entebbe, Uganda (in 2003). They seemed to have decent equipment.

I was only there for a month or so, wouldn't say I hated it, good experience, but I wouldn't volunteer to go back. I think KAG's idea is the route I'd take.

wollypilot · Post by **wollypilot** » Sat May 21, 2005 8:47 am

Having sex in Africa is like bungee jumping: If the rubber breaks you die. Banged may ebony beauties there, exotic crazy monkey sex! Crazy good times but don't even thing about not wrapping that rascal.
Cheers, wp.

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Sat May 21, 2005 8:59 am

" exotic crazy monkey sex! "

Did you manage to please the monkey?

wollypilot · Post by **wollypilot** » Sat May 21, 2005 9:05 am

I think so, it kept reaching for the banana.
Cheers, wp.

justplanecrazy · Post by **justplanecrazy** » Sun May 22, 2005 6:52 am

Thanks for all the input. KAG I'm starting to realise that you're suggestion is probably the only practical one. I was hoping to find a way to build my time faster than instructing but that doesn't seem to be possible until I have a bigger Resume'. Once again thanks for all the input especially about the monkey sex... note to self... no monkey sex for self. I'd rather risk my life flying.

pencilneck · Post by **pencilneck** » Sun May 22, 2005 7:09 am

Hey Wallypilot be careful what you do with your banana, it just might split! What about tea-bagging opportunities there?

wollypilot · Post by **wollypilot** » Sun May 22, 2005 9:24 am

It"s wOllypilot not to be confused with wAllypilot who has joined recently.

There is as much tea-bagging as you would ever want: as far as the eye can see.
Watch out for the muju majumbas though. They will slit your throat sure as cold shit in a dead cat!
Cheers, wp.

yok driver · Post by **yok driver** » Sun May 22, 2005 12:07 pm

Had a great time in Africa. Most people can say they have had sex with one partner, a few can lay claim to a threesome, fewer still to a four- way, I, thanks to some spicy smoked meat in Angola I can claim participation in a manage a huit. Bring Viagra, lots of condoms and lube (Astroglide is the best) when you go!
Rammin' and Jammin',
The Driver

TG · Post by TG » Sun May 22, 2005 12:20 pm

yok driver wrote: I can claim participation in a manage a huit.

2 cockroachs,
1 big black ant,
2 spiders,
a snake,
and 1 tick.
All hidding in the same bed

yok driver · Post by **yok driver** » Sun May 22, 2005 3:12 pm

TG don't make me post the pictures! Take my word: all you could see was black ,white and pink!
Cheers The Driver

DHQ · Post by **DHQ** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:26 am

SplitS wrote:Ok, I have to ask what we're all thinking: Why would you want an entry level job in Africa??????

Would be great fun I would imagine. I would like to get over there myself. If you have the opportunity and nothing holding you back home, my question is why wouldn't you?