An ICAO based CPL, IR, Class 1 Medical Certificate and 500 hours flying time (of which 300 hours must be PIC) are the minimum requirements for Pilots applying to MAF
UK for Basic Entry Pilot roles.
Experienced Entry Pilot roles require 1000+ hours flying time (of which 500+ hours must be PIC).
Candidates meeting the minimum requirements will undertake a capacity assessment called the GPSS, and a practical flight assessment over 1-2 days, as well as the formal interview, medical and psychological process. These assessments consider the skills specifically required to be an effective MAF Pilot. A negative result does not mean other Pilot roles could not be gained, just that the MAF environment is not a suitable match for the Pilot concerned.
A Pilot's training, experience, and ability will be taken into account. Pilot candidates need to demonstrate commercial experience and aptitude for operating in varied, harsh and sometimes inhospitable environments, with minimum support.
MAF UK Pilots are not able to continue flying operationally once they reach the age of 60 in most programmes, this is because of local ICAO regulations.
Pilots are expected to complete a full assignment (4 years) due to the time and money invested in gaining an MAF Pilot role.
Candidates who are approximately 35 or above who do not currently hold any, or very little, flying experience are not recommended to begin the training process to specifically apply to MAF. From our experience MAF UK has found that those in this position have not been successful when they have eventually applied for MAF service. However, all cases will be judged on a case by case basis. This is no comment on a Pilot's ability to work in other aviation environments.
The MAF flying environment is varied, with different weather and terrain. The operating environment can be challenging. The terrain could be mountainous, with unconventional airstrips e.g. 400 metres, 5+degree slope, dirt, 10-20 metres wide. Rain, snow, heat, dust, ice, storms and a lack of navagational aids are also the norm. Extensive cross country flying and experience flying in varied terrain, along with experience of working in a commercial environment and working with customers is a definite advantage. Pilots fly to ICAO standards and have to undergo profficiency checks every 6 months. Duty time is 40 hours per week with 85 hours per month spent on flying. Pilots will be expected to overnight occasionally where services require. Pilots are also responsible for passengers and for loading an unloading in some situations, there is some support with this at MAF bases.
Flights cover frieght delivery or passenger flights, emergency medevacs or services following a natural disaster.
Pilots considering flying with MAF will find their flying with MAF challenging and rewarding, but not necessarily a good stepping stone into commercial flying and role progression in the UK. Pilots wishing to retain the ability to work in the UK will need to consider how to manage this if they join MAF.