| tincanII |
02-09-2009 09:14 AM |
Arik Airlines out of LAGOS Nigeria is a fairly well established airline by now. I was flying into/out of, Lagos on a regular basis from 2005-2008. The airline is staffed with Brit's, US expat's, Aussies and a few other western world trained pilots, they have grand intentions of expansion and growth, but I haven't been back there for over 6 months.
Living in Lagos is a whole different story. Here it is in a nutshell. Lagos Nigeria is the most dangerous city in the world (by far). You won't find crime rate numbers posted on the internet, because they don't know the exact numbers, and they far exceed the numbers of the number 2 hot spot in Johannesburg S. Africa. Although most Arik Pilots live in the most safe areas of Lagos, you still have to get to/from the airport and shopping areas. Poverty rates are astronomical, murders, muggings, rapes, pick pocketing, assault and extortion are all part of the normal living routine. I don't mean to paint a rosie picture for you here, but it can get very rough there. ATC in and out of Lagos is mostly non-exsistent, they have a radar, but it rarely works or they can't read it. Controllers are the worst you can ever imagine and can not multi task an approach with another aircraft in holding. Aircraft crash there on a regular basis, but you won't hear about it unless you are there. There is always (80% of the time) weather around that you have to avoid and you will get zero help from ATC. The good news is, if you fly in that environment long enough you will get the hang of it, but you always have to stay way ahead of the controllers in that little game. If you need to take an adventure in your life then this is the perfect situation. Good luck!!!!:)
Please research this adventure first, because there are several Arik pilots who love the airline and environment there in Lagos, but please beware of the whole picture.
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