I've heard from friends and visited the website of Virgin Nigeria, who announced that they are hiring F/o positions for B-737's, EMB 190, EMB 175's. The website also say the minimum qualifications are 350TT with a commerical rating?? I figure because its in Africa they have lower mini's, but 350 is pretty extreme. I'm a new instructor with almost 500 hrs and looking to enter the jet world asap, does anybody think that this would be a good idea to trek across the world to fly EMB's?
If anybody has experience with flying in africa I would be happy to hear anything?
Thanks
VK sounds pretty good, on paper, but I did a contract over there for them recently, and I would think long and hard about accepting any job in Nigeria. I have flown in lots of crazy places all over the world, and I found Nigeria one of the most difficult situations that I have ever encountered. Of course there was no radar, planes everywhere, bad weather, etc. I used every bit of experience that I obtained in many ratholes, and it still was sketchy. Then the ride to the Sheraton, with two trucks of armed security, through the chaos of Lagos. I had fun, but I kinda of enjoy that type of life. Never think of bringing a wife or family, I am not kidding. On the other hand, if you had a soldier of fortune view of life, I absolutely encourage you to try it, I have found the crews working for VK to be awesome and most fun to be with. If you can put a couple of years in Lagos, you will be one darn good pilot.
There is an old saying, and a lot of truth in it ....'happiness is V1 at Lagos'.
The whole country is full of corruption, and people looking to exploit you - as an example, even at the Sheraton they will sting you USD20+ for a crappy pizza. The Sheraton is the only game in town, it's better now than ot used to be, but I believe even the airlines pay over USD260 per night per room - which won't usually be available on check-in. Expect multiple short power cuts per 24 hours - keep a torch (flashlight to you I guess) handy. Don't venture from the hotel compound without great care, etc etc. You get the picture. Would I live there? Not a chance in hell.
Think long and hard before signing up, oh, and Branson is reputed to be desperately trying to get out.
VK sounds pretty good, on paper, but I did a contract over there for them recently, and I would think long and hard about accepting any job in Nigeria. I have flown in lots of crazy places all over the world, and I found Nigeria one of the most difficult situations that I have ever encountered. Of course there was no radar, planes everywhere, bad weather, etc. I used every bit of experience that I obtained in many ratholes, and it still was sketchy. Then the ride to the Sheraton, with two trucks of armed security, through the chaos of Lagos. I had fun, but I kinda of enjoy that type of life. Never think of bringing a wife or family, I am not kidding. On the other hand, if you had a soldier of fortune view of life, I absolutely encourage you to try it, I have found the crews working for VK to be awesome and most fun to be with. If you can put a couple of years in Lagos, you will be one darn good pilot.
Were you able to carry a gun on you? I would definitely want one..But that sounds like quite an experience. Sounds like james bond haha.
I would say no as well. Not now... Not Ever. All previous posts are accurate, except the one that says do not venture too far away from your compound aka Sheraton. It should read "NEVER leave your hotel in Nigeria". Life is of minimal value and killing, or if lucky enough, kidnapping is a way of life. Weapons are a currency and I do not see it ever improving in a failed nation such as Nigeria.
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My friend got hire into there, but I haven't heard from him since (yeah, some friend), but after I applied, I received a reply saying that they were looking for B737 type-rated pilots...
That awhile back though, 09/2007, so take what you will from that.
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