Tropic of Capricorn

It is a long time since I've posted here, but my excuse is that I was busy flying the routes from right seat (had more then 30 hours this month) and taking some instruction in the 210, and then taking the practical exam. 

Witwater apron, but the runway doesn't look much better

The training flights were with Ingrid, a new intructor at Bataleur's Flight school. She's pretty relaxed and will not put you under pressure. But then she has a pretty decent past flying everything from small to big. 
The exam was flown with Jacques, a local DCA examiner. Just some aerial work: turns left-right, stalls in different configuration, powerless landings and a couple of full load takoffs and landings. So I had my first passangers: the ramp guys at Swakopmund airfield.

Swakopmund

The funny thing in it is that I do this with a Namibian Student Pilot License.
And now the company training is still on. Till I do not get my validation papers I can only fly right hand seats. But am flying the routes and practice the radio work. I enjoy these with my training captain Somatiko. 
Coming from Europe I'm used to full radar coverage, so once given a squawk we just fly around like flies, and don't really report except if we're asked by the ATIS. Here it is different, there is no radar coverage, so you must continuously transmit your position and your intentions. Wich is not a bad thing considering you have twenty airplanes flying the same route, with some of them coming up ahead. Own separation. And it works very good.
Except maybe if you are a newbie and doing your practice patterns at Swakopmund airfield in the afternoon and suddenly you have ten airplanes coming back from a Sossusvlei scenic and every pilot has other intentions. I was doing some full load checkflights when this happened. I was on left pattern RWY 17. And then some guys coming home were starting to use RWY 35. It was an interesting experience that would never happen back home.

FNG's at Kücki's: Nik of the skydivers. Stephan and Kike for Scenic

Lot's of new guys arrived as well. Most importantly my job hunting friend with whom I arrived here in March, Kike, went online with Scenic.

Sunday sports

Things really picked up paperwork wise as well. In the meantime my work visa arrived. So at the moment the only thing I need is a License Verification sent to the Namibian DCA by the Hungarian DCA. Bush Bird is fully booked for the next month, so I hope I will be online by then.
Although Swakopmund is not even one degree away from the Tropic of Capricorn which marks the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon (here this is in December), it is pretty cold nowadays. Morning fogs, mist is very common. Mainly couple of miles inland and along the shore. This is due the cold Benguela Current. This creates the desert conditions at the shores of Namibia, and the persistent fogs that we now in Swakopmund at the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert. Which led to lots of ships running aground. Like the Eduard Bohlen close to Conception Bay, one of the biggest now on the shores of Namibia. The ship was a 2,272 gross ton cargo ship with a length of around 100 meters.
Some days it doesn't even clear up during the day. Meaning that when coming back from a flight sometimes we need to use the railway approach RWY 35. But will write you about this later.

The Eduard Bohlen ran aground off the coast of Namibia's Skeleton Coast in 1909, in a thick fog.

My next post will be very soon, as I've got a couple of messages with common questions, and instead of answering them separately will post the FAQ's with the answers here.

Walvis Bay salt pans

Had some flight school flying this week. And will have my Namibian commercial check ride on Monday. But will update you on the whole process next week. Until then enjoy some pictures taken near Walvis Bay over the salt plains.

Unusual weather over the desert

Last Saturday morning we had a pickup from Wolwedans with Captain Somatiko. Early morning fogs and low clouds are not unusual this time of year in Swakopmund. And we really got the soup for the departure. Visibility was not that bad, but the cloud base was settled somewhere around 1000 feet. Not your usual VFR day. But we did not have too much time to consider the possibilities. The passengers had to be in Walvis Bay at noon, so they can catch Air Namibia to Joburg. After takeoff we climbed on top and headed Wolvedans. There were clouds under us as far as we could see. But we were hoping that after a couple of miles the fog will end.
We flew all the way till the Dune Corridor until the we left the fog behind. To find fantastic crisp weather in the Wolwedans area. 
After picking up the passengers we climbed to FL065 and headed back. Just to realize that we cannot stay on top. If the cover stays closed we will not be able to land at Walvis Bay and not even in Swakopmund. So we went under. 
Well it was a ride. But we made it to Walvis Bay and the passengers even enjoyed the low flight above the dunes.
In the meantime paperwork is on it's way. As I mentioned I've had my radiotelephony and air law exams. And am waiting for the Student Pilot License (funny), required to be able to do my CPL checkout with an examiner.

The fogline at the Dune Corridor (Sossusvlei)

The fogline and the desert

Wolwedans apron
 

The bush pilots rest
 

Under the clouds, over the dunes 

VFR 

In medias res

Not even two weeks passed since I set my foot on Namibian terrain again and I was already assigned for the radiotelephony and Namibian Air Law exam.
On Wednesday night I embarked the TransNamib train and headed to Windhoek. Before you would think this is a train where you travel with goats and cows and everything else I need to stop your fantasizing. The train is pretty decent. Is in Swakopmund at around 2100 and arrives to Windhoek around 0900. Pretty long ride, but as it is an overnight train you can get a sleep (if it not too crowded I use to sleep up in the baggage compartment overhead). And it is probably the cheapest way to get to Windhoek or back. They are charging under 100 Namibian dollars for the ride, depending on the season. As you can see they have tv's on board, and they are showing movies as well.

The TransNamib Eco

So, got to Windhoek, jumped in a cab and headed to Eros Airport (pretty horny name for an airport) to meet the radiotelephony examiner. He gave me a quick test, that was mainly based on the Namibian aeronautical map. Had some questions on TMA's, CTR's. Then he briefed me on Namibian specialities in German and finally signed my papers. Then took me up into the new tower, had a nice chat. Drove me with the exam results to the Namibian Communication so I can get my ROC license. And then he took me to the DCA, where I was scheduled to have the Air Law exam. 20 questions 5 minutes, but will only know tomorrow if I passed or not. 
I met here with Michael a Swakopmund pilot for Pleasure Flights and he offered that next day he'll take me back with his car. So it is Rafters time soon!
All things done and back to Swakop there is a busy day today, first Germany is playing against Argentina, and later Spain will stand against Paraguay. 


Update: today, Monday got the call that I passed.

Going strong

I couldn't say that my past week was boring. On Tuesday I arrived to Swakopmund at seven in the morning. Captain Somatiko was waiting for me. and as I got off the plane he took a picture (he still comes with that one).
I came to Villa Wiese (which is 3 minutes walk from the train station). 

The new Bush Bird pilot with the gorgeous Centurion

And was fortunate enough to get the special price I previously had (85 Namibian dollars compared to 115 regular price).

Bush Bird fleet

Villa Wiese is a nice place to stay by the time you are sorting out the paperwork and things needed to go online. If you tell them you are a pilot,staying more then two weeks they will probably give the special price as well. They have breakfast and wireless included in the price (if you come here you will appreciate internet wherever you find it). With a nice bar, decent prices and no crowd.

The dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean south of Swakopmund

Dropped my stuff down and already felt at home. Swakopmund... my African gem. 

Dune 45 (the most famous dune in Namibia, see Wiki)

But to be honest I was pretty much tired after not sleeping in a bed since two days (one evening from München to Windhoek and an other Windhoek to Swakopmund by train), duty was calling. I had my appearance at Bush Bird headquarters. But they only open around 10 am. So went to have a coffee with Cpt. Somatiko. Had a walk in town and then went to the office. The owners, Andy and Daniela were pretty nice with me, welcomed me into the team and I had to find out that there is no time to rest. First day first flight. I was assigned for observation near my predecessor. And enjoyed every second. 

Kuiseb Canyon (more here)

Like really going back in time. Or outer space. The scenery is amazing. Not a really visual navigation friendly, but you can get used to it very quickly. Amazing how our mind and eyes adjusts to even the craziest places. Sometimes floating over the terrain in the 210 was like being an astronaut in a small capsule on a mission over an alien planet. Looking for a place to land...

Kuiseb river (more here and here)

And these feelings didn't change since then. Had two more flights (on Friday and on Saturday) with Cpt. Somatiko (see here and here). And just can't wait to get online.
In the meantime got my paper(home)work. I even need to apply for a Student Pilot License... 
And already signed in for the Air Law test on 1st of July. So am learning and learning and hopefully flying the "lines".

Gobabeb Research Center (read more here) and landing strip

Last but not least, enjoy the pictures.

Transit: Windhoek

Hello to everyone from Windhoek. The Air Berlin flight was nice and uneventful. Except that I will never be able to have a really comfortable sleep in a plane. But well, am not complaining as it took a mere 11 hours to get here from Wien. Compared to the more then 24 hours that I previously did to Maun with Egyptair.

Zoo Park, Windhoek

Was happy to meet Kike and a couple of other newly hired Scenic guys. And was even happier to hear that the last guy hanging out in Maun was also hired a week ago by Sefofane Botswana.

It seems that everyone who was hanging out enough (or in my case made the right contacts) was finally hired.
There's a very tough 6 to 8 weeks in front of me. Exams, test flights and stuff. Without having my babes near me. But finally I am on the right path. Bush Bird gave me the chances to become what I wanted. 
The adventure is only beginning...

Bush Bird, Swakopmund, Namibia is it then

Things did not go as easy as they should have. Two weeks ago my friend Mariano (you might know him from here and here), pilot for Bush Bird sent me a message that I should send my CV to his boss ASAP. One of their pilots is leaving soon and they need someone fast. That was quite shocking for me. I was unprepared to go back to Namibia so soon. So first I've kindda rejected his offer. Financially seemed impossible, and leaving the girls again seemed a bad choice. Even though this was something that would take me far from my dream. 
But then after talking with Agnes she reassured me that she is willing to join me, and that I need to go, as this was the moment I was preparing for the last couple of years. This was a great relief. I, immediately sent the CV's to Andy. And couple of hours later I was set up for The Interview.
As I mentioned previously the interviews with Andy, owner of Bush Bird went well. Fortunately for me he was patient enough, as he conducted them in German, which I haven't spoken for quite a long time. He was interested in my licenses, hours, types flown and I think he was specially satisfied that I have a couple of hours on the 210. Then for a couple of days it was silence. And last Wednesday in the afternoon he skyped me, we talked for a while again and I got the magic words: "ok, das hoert sich gut an. ich moechte dass du unserem team so bald als moeglich verstaerkst. consider: you're hired :)" (for you non German speakers: ok, this sounds good. I want you to join our team as soon as possible).  Swakopmund is it then and Bush Bird and Cessna 210. Lovely...
I couldn't be more then happy. After 6 months of searching, wandering things changed in a second.

With having everything already prepared the only thing to do was obtaining a tourist visa for Namibia. As you may remember (Press on: Namibia entry from 20th of February 2010) Eastern Europeans require a visa prior to entry in Namibia. The closest embassy to Hungary is in Vienna (Namibia Embassy). And be aware that they recently changed their address, but many of the sources on the internet still have their old one. Yes, I ran into that. Went to the old one and then had to drive through the whole city to find the embassy. And surely the GPS got lost... Funny place this Zuckerkandlgasse. There are two buildings numbered "2" and the street is split in two...

The lady at the embassy was nice enough to navigate me to the site. And very helpful. 
What you need: 2 color photos, 45 euros, ticket booking approval and an invitation letter from Namibia. If everything is there they will issue the visa in an hour. 
And here I am now. Ready for departure. Tickets from Air Berlin: Vienna-München-Windhoek and about 12 hours. (better then my previous Egyptair ones that took me on a 24 hour ride). Sunday the journey begins again. 

Until then I will spend my time with my fantastic girls.

Stand by

Yesterday, after a couple of skype interviews I finally got the magic words from the owner of Bush Bird Namibia: you're hired! I will have lots of things to do, but will shortly give you a detailed update on my progress.

FLY FOR FUN...

Again got lost in doing this and that until today, when things have finally changed. Until I put myself together enjoy this nice pic. Will update you in a couple of days. I can promise you that. And I will also reveal what this 210 is doing here...

Bush Bird Namibia C210 V5-FUN (sisters are -FLY and - FOR).

Back home

Sorry for not posting since a while. After an adventurous trip home I was happy to be with my family.

But soon I got a call from one of the Hungarian FTO's asking me if I'd work for them. As they offered me a quite nice package I accepted the job. And it is most important that I am free to leave the company anytime. So at the moment am working. And thanks to the decent package am doing the MEIR upgrade - with a DA42 - and the CFI training as well.

This should be a good option until the next hiring season starts in Botswana and Namibia or Tanzania. Great times, great times...

And now some flying with my buddy SAS in the fantastic little Zlin 226SM Trener taildragger.

Xakanaxa camp, Moremi Game Reserve

Elephant bull ahead. You don't wanna mess with these guys!

Being still unemployed in Maun, and with time running out I decided I need to go out on a 4x4 safari into the bush before I need to go home and wait for the next hiring season.

Curious giraffe with crossing zebra.

On 24th of April with 4 friends and two cars I was on my way to Moremi Game Reserve. The trip to Xakanaxa campsite was uneventful and I enjoyed the drive as much as the animals along the road (and even on the road).

Okavango Delta

The problems started later. After going to bed in our tents a heavy rain struck Moremi and it kept on the whole night. And my tent gave up. So it didn't take to long for me to float around.

Sunset painted puddle

Morning did not bring any change. The Toyota Hilux driven by me probably got so much water that it refused to start... After being towed and was able to start the engine in second gear we found out that our game drive was also washed away. The road was totally flooded and even our 4x4's could not cope with it.

On the road out from Moremi the Toyota just died on me one 2 more times. Once we were able to tow it in.

Towed through puddles

The second time it totally gave up. Also the other car a Land Rover got fed up with water and quit. Had to go through the whole engine and wipe everything dry. It took two hours of bush repairing to get the Hilux running again. Not with its own starter though. The light safari trip turned into a tough 4x4 bush adventure.

Probably my last one in Africa for now...

An other flight in the delta

Thanks to Delta Air I had the opportunity to hop on one more flight. This time in a GA8 Airvan to the Santawani strip.

Preflighting the Airvan

Nice instrumentation and spacious interiour

Boro river

Buffalo fence

Mack Air 206 departing Santawani strip

Dave's Botswana

I met this Canadian when I first was in Maun at the beginning of February at Audi camp. By that time he was already hired by Sefofane and was doing his training and paperwork. One morning I saw him talking to himself. Well seemingly, because he was starting the day with a video caption. Later I found out that he's got a couple of videos. So this is how Dave became a bush pilot... Well almost that by this time he is still doing his training. Click HERE to visit his site.

Rarely can people combine their two passions and make it their life. David Radford has done just that in Botswana Bound. You have the rare opportunity to follow David on his journey from New Brunswick to Botswana as he tries to land a job as a bush pilot on a five-star game reserve in Botswana, Africa. Visually stunning and entertaining.

Into the delta with the Delta

Not too much to comment here, except that it was very good to finally fly a bit. Delta Air had a spare seat and the pilot agreed to take me on a short hop to Stanley strip, where we picked up three American ladies and brought them back to Maun.

The flight took 15 minutes out and the same back.

Enjoy the view.

Gipsy life out here

The pic was taken at the train station in Windhoek on my hurried way back to Maun. I really look like some motley crew marine. Missing a Kalashnikov or an M16 though. And was hoping I will not have to carry this whole arsenal back to Namibia again. But well if you wanna make God laugh then make plans...

It was great being in Maun again. Lots of braais, new friends, the usual Fridays at Buck and Hunters. Even moved out from Audi camp to a house. Old donkeytown did not change at all.

So not even two weeks later I'm already packing my stuff to be headed back to Swakopmund. With very few time left to decide whether stay or go back to Hungary and wait until the next hiring season.

Wish me luck.