Flying in Africa

[pilotyip]

A buddy of mine has taken a job flying in Kenya. Any thoughts on things to be looking for when taking this job?

 

[tyuwerty]

Security and an exit plan (just in case): Things disintegrated pretty quickly there in 2008. That is normal operation in continental Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya

 

[Hugh Johnson]

I'd advise a second passport. Register with the embassy. A couple of thousand US cash stashed. Is he flying a Kenyan registered airplane? It took me a month to get an authorization to fly a King Air out of there.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

This is me. Leaving for Nairobi Sun, to fly DC-9s for a Belgian co. I will have cash, and register with Embassy-thanx 4 that!

I have my own round trip ticket, so I can bail if it goes to he!!.

The op is supposed to be flying all over E. Africa, and some West. They were going to Dubai 2x/week, but I guess that was changed (know 2 guys in Dubai, so too bad!).

There is another guy from our co. now flying -900s for Arik in Lagos. I also know another guy flying for??? out of Aden-that sounds pretty scary.

I have found 4 or 5 guys on pprune that are in NBO, or know about it, so that helps.

I am trying to figure out what to bring:
Cold weather stuff?
Footwear?
Pilot uniforms?
etc., etc.

Any suggestins/help/advice is GREATLY appreciated!

Oh, also: The aircraft are registered in Sao Taome, but they are changing to Kenyan registration. I will be working on the Kenyan Air Law Exam right away, as well as riding jumpseat to see what the operation is like.

Thanks!

cliff
KGRB

 

[ozpilot]

Good luck atpcliff!

It must be exciting to start a new chapter in your life. Over the years I've very much enjoyed your posts. Please don't be a stranger to FI and keep us informed!
:beer:

 

[2EASYPilot]

Hi!

This is me. Leaving for Nairobi Sun, to fly DC-9s for a Belgian co. I will have cash, and register with Embassy-thanx 4 that!

I have my own round trip ticket, so I can bail if it goes to he!!.

The op is supposed to be flying all over E. Africa, and some West. They were going to Dubai 2x/week, but I guess that was changed (know 2 guys in Dubai, so too bad!).

There is another guy from our co. now flying -900s for Arik in Lagos. I also know another guy flying for??? out of Aden-that sounds pretty scary.

I have found 4 or 5 guys on pprune that are in NBO, or know about it, so that helps.

I am trying to figure out what to bring:
Cold weather stuff?
Footwear?
Pilot uniforms?
etc., etc.

Any suggestins/help/advice is GREATLY appreciated!

Oh, also: The aircraft are registered in Sao Taome, but they are changing to Kenyan registration. I will be working on the Kenyan Air Law Exam right away, as well as riding jumpseat to see what the operation is like.

Thanks!

cliff
KGRB

Where is your housing...

 

[Hugh Johnson]

If I remember correctly, the City is at 5500 ft, so it can get chilly. Hot during the days. Use the mosquito net, and condoms.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

Don't know where the housing is. The guy in charge is meeting me at the airport Mon PM, and I'll find out.

I told him it didn't have to be a 5-star palace, but it HAD to have good internet!!!

cliff
KGRB

 

[b19]

NBO is actually very nice, and the people will treat you well don't be worried, enjoy the adventure. The only two cents I'll offer is always offset a mile to the right even when you aren't required to, just a habit to stay away from opposite direction traffic and problems. You will see some incredible natural beauty and some thunderstorms that look like atomic mushroom clouds. The real danger is sandstorms shutting down a destination and alternate for a day or two. So always pack extra gas, and never begin a descent from cruise unless you know other traffic is making it in. Not a problem in NBO, but can be in other parts.
Go to a really good travel medical doctor and get absolutely every vacine made should run you about $800-$1200 it's been a while but I think thats what I paid 5 years ago. Also carry a fair amount of the really strong Immodium and get a prescription filled for Cipro. Carry this in the flight bag at all times and you'll never need it.
As for the night life, and a word of caution, just ask yourself why you NEVER see any old people in Africa-they are all dead. As far as food and drink, if I have a question and can't get bottled water from the bottle (I don't use a glass or ice), then it's beer or coke, and as far as food if I'm in doubt I order pizza, it's been cooked at 400 degrees and most everything should be dead. In calculating MTOW never use wind or baro corrections to increase the load because they have as a general rule rule already lied about the weight so you should assume you are already overweight. Anyway be safe, enjoy and good luck.

 

[b19]

One other suggestion would be to post your same questions in the cargo section and you will get a whole lot more useful responses from guys that have hauled cargo all over Africa, and can offer decades of experience, also ask the same questions in the cargo section of APC. Again good luck, almost forgot in NBO go check out the Stanley it's a beautiful old hotel with pictures of all the rich and famous who used to vacation and hunt there, it feels like something out of an old movie.

 

[lookin4better]

I miss the rains down in Africa...

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

'80s song...VERY popular...I liked it...band name...organic hard drive retreival failure.....
no known file found by that name...

cliff
KGRB

 

[kingsize]

I'd advise a second passport. Register with the embassy. A couple of thousand US cash stashed. Is he flying a Kenyan registered airplane? It took me a month to get an authorization to fly a King Air out of there.

What do you mean "cash stashed"?
Stash it under the hotel mattress? Have a separate emergency bank account? Hide it in your underwear in case you get kidnapped? Where do you stash it?

 

[chuckthepilot]

Hi!

'80s song...VERY popular...I liked it...band name...organic hard drive retreival failure.....
no known file found by that name...

cliff
KGRB

Africa, by Toto I think. Best of luck to ya, I don't think I've ever met a pilot who hasn't at least toyed with the idea of going to Africa. Keep us all posted!!

 

[DC10]

Don't worry about mosquitoes / malaria in Nairobi. There aren't any. It's very rare to see mozzies anywhere in the world above 4000'msl.

Africa is an adventure, the most incredible place in the world. Go with a very open mind, expect the unexpected and enjoy yourself.

I've spent time in 25 African countries and I've NEVER been threatened, mugged, robbed or felt in any danger. Having said that, don't walk around any major city at night. Nairobi can get really dodgy after dark so always take a taxi.

Africa is a lot safer than the US media will have you believe. Africans can be the warmest, friendliest and kindest people on earth. City people are city people all over the world but get out into the rural areas and you'll see what I mean.

Take the advice of other expats you meet and you'll do fine.

 

[AC560]

Where do you stash it?

Have you seen Pulp Fiction?