Check flying or Bush flying?

[socal 60]

Of the following two opportunities, which would you take?

#1.. Single engine cargo flying for a large Part 135 carrier. Potential for aircraft and career advancement is very good.

#2.. Flying a light twin as passenger charter in East Africa. Multi-PIC, low pay/low living expenses, lots of fun, SAFARIS!! 6 month season.

Thanks for your input.

 

[cvoav8r]

there is no choice...

AFRICA!!! with out a doubt. You can always go work for an ameriflight, or airnet, or telesis, or....
But most will never get the opportunity to fly in AFRICA...come on who are you kidding. Life is about the adventure!! I myself would choose AFRICA!!!

 

[Dave Benjamin]

I'd sign up for the boards at http://www.pprune.org/ and post some questions in the "African Aviation" forum. Chances are someone there will be able to provide information about the carrier you are considering and the lifestyle. I'm not too keen about living and working in that part of the world but it might be a good deal for 6 months. You'd have some great stories to tell during an interview.

 

[Rick1128]

I have flown in Africa several years ago. Since you are talking about safaris, it will be one of the better areas. It will be an experience you can not buy anywhere.

It has two things going for it:

1. ME PIC. That is had to beat.

2. International experience. Another hot item for many employers.

After all it is only for 6 months. You will have an adventure that you will always remember. Airnet and the like will always be there. And the potential for a better job after Africa is higher because of your new ME PIC time.

A few points from experience if you decide to go.

First, you will need an International Certificate of Vaccination in addition to your passport. I suggest that you take a couple of passport photos with you. For IDs or replacement passport. Somewhere in my bags, I'd also have a photocopy of my passport, drivers licence and the like ID. For Vaccinations, you are only required to have Yellow Fever. However, I would also get Tetanus, Typhod, Meningitidis, Hepatitis (B) and Cholera.

For Cholera, take the pills not the shots. The pills make you sick enough as it is.

There are two different schools of thought on Malaria. I didn't take the shots, but used lots of bug spray and had at least one gin and tonic a day. Didn't like the taste, but then I didn't get malaria either.

With the current rate of HIV is Africa, forget about taking care of the little head while you are there. Makes no difference male, female, black, white, brown, yellow, whatever. The last information I had was that at the current rate, there will be no more Africa in 30 years or so. And HIV is one of the milder diseases there. One of the wilder ones is Ebola.

Most airports in Africa are Military or joint use airports. So get permission before you take photos. African jails are so bad that they defy imagination.

Get the background of the country you are based in or flying into. If it has a fairly current history of warfare, like the last 50 years or so, there is a good possibility of land mines. Also learn at least a few words of the local lauguge. Hello, Good Bye, Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening go a long way. That and a smile and a thumbs up. Usually no problems.

Listen to the guys who have been there before. They tend to know the local issues and customs and will keep you out of trouble.

Have fun.

 

[YaMama]

What the heck does gin and tonic have to do with avoiding Malaria?

My .02, Africa. And add 'please' and 'thank you' to your vocabulary in their language as well.

 

[cvoav8r]

"With the current rate of HIV is Africa, forget about taking care of the little head while you are there. Makes no difference male, female, black, white, brown, yellow, whatever. The last information I had was that at the current rate, there will be no more Africa in 30 years or so. And HIV is one of the milder diseases there. One of the wilder ones is Ebola."

Rick is right on on this one. Good news is that will mean alot of cheap real estate in the future

 

[Rick1128]

Tonic water has quinine in it. Why do you think all the British Colonials drink it so regularly. It is not a good tasting drink.

 

[Eric]

I heard Delta pulled out of Africa because the majority of the blood in the blood banks has AIDS. If you need a transfusion, you're dead.

Tough decision. Would be a blast and a new experience.

Keep us posted.

 

[Rick1128]

Delta pulled out of Africa because they couldn't get grits and hog jowls.

 

[cl65200]

"Get the background of the country you are based in or flying into. If it has a fairly current history of warfare, like the last 50 years or so, there is a good possibility of land mines."


That should cover about 95% of the African countries.......

Also: Get paid in US currency, be prepared to fly overweight airplanes with marginal maint.

 

[Bad-Andy]

Do Africa... I spent almost a year based in one of crappiest places in Africa, and loved it. It was the best flying I ever did, and I made friends from all over the world that will be friends for life. (I guess shared misery creates good friends). Anyways, it was the best time of my life. So, if you're adventurous (and single) go for it. You'll have a good time...