Central African Republic: Bush Pilot

Jun 28, 2016 | Chinko Project
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The Chinko Project sustainably manages a nature reserve in the heart of Africa – one of the last pristine mosaics of wooded savannah and tropical lowland rainforest deep within the Central African Republic. This project goes beyond conservation, it represents hope for stability and governance in one of the poorest regions on earth with an endless history of corruption, depletion of natural resources and military conflicts.

We are passionate about Central Africa – for both its wildlife and people – and believe there is a way for both to coexist. The Chinko Project, as a governing body, supports local communities, protects the ecosystem, and maintains economic value through tourism – providing the key to a sustainable future for this thriving ecosystem. More information on: www.chinkoproject.com

Chinko Project is a proud member of African Parks

The Chinko Project is recruiting an experienced bush pilot, preferably with maintenance knowledge for a 3 months paid probationary period. Starting within a month and with good opportunities for a long-term contract. The department is under the purview of the pilot who is responsible for flights, upkeep, maintenance, and inventory. Serious applicants with a flexible schedule requested as we need someone by mid-July.

We normally have both a Cessna 206H (lycoming) & an ultralight ULM Savannah S. However, with the recent loss of our ULM (which did the majority of the daily flights), most of the flying needed will be in the 206. With only this aircraft currently in operation, the flight schedule will not be as rigorous and other skills that may be of use are a plus. It is not clear how long it will take to recover the ULM, but we expect it to arrive within the next 3 to 4 months.

Job Description:

  • The ULM flying usually involves 1 - 2 flights a day totaling 4 - 5 hours. These flights are for surveillance/searching for poachers and wildlife movements. The ULM also includes resupply missions to drop rations to the ranger teams. But the ULM is not flying at the moment as we are awaiting a new plane. 
  • The Cessna 206H is mainly for trips between the Chinko reserve and the closest towns of Bakouma and Bangassou as well as trips to the capital, Bangui. You could be flying passengers, or many pounds of fruits and vegetables strewn around the cabin.
  • The Chinko airstrip, as well as the majority of the other airstrips are quite large and flat. Generally around 1.3km with various inclines and dog-legs.
  • The terrain is flat with the occasional hillside. It's mainly rivers and thick triple canopy bush as well as savannah. The largest concern with flying is going to be with storms, large birds, and proper fuel reserve planning. The Cessna does have its own Radar.
  • Maintenance/Inventory: While an A&P is not necessary, experience and comfort with airplane maintenance is desired and sometimes in the bush, very important. It's also useful to be able to design and implement your own personal maintenance, inventory, and safety requirements. It is your department. There is a limited stock of replacement parts for major jobs as well as routine maintenance. Designing and implementing a maintenance program with a proper inventory of parts may be a project for you to tackle. The airplane is taken to the Capital for regular 50/100hr servicing, but when it comes to the safety and maintenance of the plane, the pilot should go above and beyond in according to his/her judgment.

Qualifications:

  • A current, commercial rating with a 2nd class medical certificate.
  • If no previous experience with a center-stick Ultralight, training will be provided when the new ULM arrives.
  • Adept and flexible with ever changing schedules, strict fuel planning, hard-working, and willing to help in all other areas of camp life/needs.
  • Can get your hands dirty and not simply give orders to someone else.
  • During non-flight hours, be able to help with general logistics, operations, admin technical installations, &/or planning of missions, etc.
  • Able to live in close quarters, in an isolated camp for long periods.

We offer

  • 3 months’ probation period with possible long-term contract.
  • Evacuation and medical insurance.
  • All expenses paid, including housing, meals, drinks, visa, transport, etc.
  • Competitive salary.

How to apply

Send your CV and cover letter to jobs@chinkoproject.com Recruitment on rolling basis and the position will be filled once we have the right candidate.