Expat South Africa

[Ipay500]

Hi, just wondering if there are some companies in South Africa that would hire an Expat pilot from Canada or they only hire South African citizen? I am looking for any type of work, as long as it's located in South Africa. For the record, I have about 1400 TT, all turbine (except 200 of flight training) but no PIC

Thanks

[shamrock104]

I would guess not unless you are a citizen of that country. Have you considered other African countries?

[B52]

There lots of low time South African pilots but not as many as there used to be
and generally, getting a flying job as an expat requires that you have specific
experience needed and that is unavailable.

Africa does have several locations that hire expats and low time pilots.

Take a look on YouTube or bush pilots and also the pprune forums
that contain a wealth of information and latest tips.

One thing I noticed from the forums and the youtube was that
having an instructor rating was a real advantage.

In any of these countries, you will need to pass their written exam
that most do not have a problem with.

[timel]

Check Voyager or DAC aviation, they operate monthes on / off in Africa not sure it is south though.
I think there are a few otbers too.
Heard of 206 pilots going for tours or safaris in south Africa.

[B52]

He not have PIC time that Voyager need.
Lots of operations in the Africa continent that employ
raw CPLs seeking adventure with an ability to turn up
and ask for a job and pass the conversion exams.
They seem to prefer instructors for obvious reasons.

[SuperchargedRS]

South Africa is tuff, shy of you being typed in something they are having a hard time filling.

For a lower time guy Namibia and Botswana are a good choices

For over 1000tt with a little van time Tanzania is worth a look

[timel]

South Africa is tuff, shy of you being typed in something they are having a hard time filling.

For a lower time guy Namibia and Botswana are a good choices

For over 1000tt with a little van time Tanzania is worth a look

Know someone with +300 hrs who did a road trip and places like Namibia and he came back with empty hands and empty logbook in Canada. Think he loved the road trip.

Not better build enough time in Canada and than get a nice job into a company like Voyager?

[SuperchargedRS]

For a sub 1,000hr pilot you're not going to come near the experience and fast track to real piloting skills compared to over there. Yeah it's a gamble, but if you stick it out and have 400ish hours you'll probably do fine, a good friend of mine is flying over there right now.

Get on the Africa aviation forums on pprune.

[SgtStroka]

Before I headed to South Africa I got in touch with several companies. Executive Turbine, Solenta, Air Aquarius, and Fugro. I rented a car in Joberg, drove to Lansaria and I met with three and they all said if I had 300hr Turbine in my logbook I would have been ok, and possibly could have gone the next step of employment, Maybe Maybe not. One of them pointed me in the direction of a few companies in Namibia, (they were on my list of companies to see on my roar trip. Interviewed with two, was offered on job, but in the end turned it down cause the pay was to low for me. Thanked them and I went on my way, Botswana Next....same deal, at Sefofane, (I think its Wilderness now, I can't recall) In the end I phoned up Anna Westh at Coastal in Tanzania and said Im coming in two days and ya know what, when I walked off the plane in Dar Es Salaam I saw a man holding a sign, "Welcome Captain *********" I was in the right place. Worked there for a long enough time to put some money in the bank have a blast and meet some great friends.

I can't speak for the instructor thing, I don't recall seeing many, unless they were from Europe or South America. Just show up and I think most people will tip their hat for you making that big leap on your own. Just get to know a few companies before you hit the road. If you do take lots of pictures.

[SuperchargedRS]

That last post is almost a direct copy/paste from pprune.


In Bots and Namibia you won't get a job unless you show up, you'll make 1000-1200USD per mo, which ain't getting you a penthouse and a Benz, but it'll sure be a better QOL compared to what a fresh(ish) CPL will pull in North America.

For TZ, like I said over 1000tt pic, good chunk on the van, you'll make a little over 3k a month, live quite well over there, you can get a job remotely but you'll need a contact or two, also a African VOIP number would be good, at least they'll think you're on the continent.

Also they like instructors, degrees, and to a degree military service, not anywhere near mandatory but it's some icing on the cake.

There are some job postings & info here http://www.avcom.co.za/

Also read

Here

http://www.pprune.org/african-aviation/ ... t-3-a.html

And here

http://www.pprune.org/african-aviation/ ... guide.html

Here is a recent job posting

C208 captain required (Contract)
by Jetblast » Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:21 am

I have been informed by my company that they will require 2 C208 captains in the very near future.

This will be for a contract operation. (Non OGP or UN)
Salary is dollar based and daily S&T also provided. Client pays all food etc. You just pay for all your alcoholic beverages. But pilots don't drink so that's not a problem .

Accomodation is in a newly built house with en suite bathrooms etc. kitchen. Dstv. Wifi. Braai etc

The requirements I'm quoting are directly out of the insurance policy.

Total time 1000hrs
Turbine time 200hrs
Time on C208 50hrs
Must be current and have an OPC.

Please note these are minimum requirements stipulated by the Insurance company. Please do not shoot me as I have not come up with these requirements.

Please pm me for any further details.

Regards
JB

[SgtStroka]

That last post is almost a direct copy/paste from pprune.

Yeah, from my brain. I actually can't tell if your taking a shot at me or concurring..... Could it have beeeen I that also posted that? Maybe, Ill never know.

Not that it matters care to share why only SA?

Ipay500, where did you go anyways, some good info people are posting for you here.

[Chaxterium]

He not have PIC time that Voyager need.

There is no PIC requirement for Voyageur. I know what the website says but trust me, we've hired lots of guys with the bare minimum PIC. Throw a resume in. You never know.

[Ipay500]

Thanks to everyone who reply, some great info on here. I havent been on the forum in a few weeks sorry about that.

I was thinking SA simply because I have been there on a trip a couple years ago (before starting my aviation career) and I fell in love with the place.

I am getting sick of our winters and I'm trying to find a great place to work somewhere warm. SA came to my mind right away.

I am typed on BE20/30. You guys think it would be helpful to find a job over there?

[bradley14]

Hi there Ipay500,

South Africa is really difficult to break into the market and if you do they end up sending you on contract into deeper Africa as that is where the bulk of the flying is done anyway. Your BE30 rating will stand you in better stead as not many of us have them.
Contract up in Africa is usually a good deal as in most cases food and accommodation are provided.

I am in South Africa, being South African finding work here for us is nearly impossible and end up doing the same journey that has been suggested to you by others on this forum.

The road trip idea is probably the best but there are never any guarantees so it could end up just being a beautiful holiday. A mate of mine went up to Namibia to do the CV drop and show face. He came home with no luck, However a week after his return a company he had visited there called him to go and fly in Angola on their Van.
Like I have read about going to Canada, email introduction of your pending arrival, a smile and a handshake is the best way to make the correct impression.

All the best,
Bradley

(On a side note), Us pilots are a funny bunch. Always wanting the greener grass, you want to be here and we want to be there, Hahaha