An International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) based Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR) and Class 1 medical are the minimum licensing requirements for all Pilot positions. There is also a requirement for Pilots to have 500 hours flying time with 300+ of those Pilot in Command (PIC).
Pilot applicants who meet the minimum standards will undertake a practical flight assessment and an aptitude assessment, this will give feedback on whether they are suitable for MAF flying. A formal application can not be made without positive results from these assessments.
The nature of a Pilot's training, experience, and ability will be taken into account. Preference will be given to those who have commercial experience. Aptitude for operating in varied and harsh and inhospitable environments with minimal technical support is also essential.
Pilots are no longer able to fly passenger transport aircraft once they have reached the age of 60 based on the normal civil aviation authority requirements in the countries MAF operates in. We normally expect staff to be able to complete a full assignment (4 years) prior to reaching this age. This is because of the investment in Pilot orientation and achieving full operational status within a programme after arrival. (This process can take up to 1 year).
MAF does not encourage anyone aged 35 plus with no or very little flying experience to begin the process of training specifically for MAF. From our experience we have found that those who are in this position do not have the capacity or the time to build the type of experience and qualificaiton level MAF asks for. All cases will be judged on a case by case basis however and this guidance is offered as an explanation of the experience MAF has had in recruiting Pilots who meet the role requirements flying within MAF. This is no comment on a Pilot's ability to successfully meet the requirements of another organisation. Those who are older than this age who have experience already and who have worked commercially are encouraged to still get in touch.
MAF Pilots fly in all types of weather and the operating environment can be challenging. Extensive cross-country flying and experience flying in mountainous terrain is a definite advantage. Pilots fly to the same standards as other aviation organisations and have to undergo proficiency checks every 6 months when working overseas. Duty time is 40 hours per week with 85 hours per month spent on flying.
Pilots join MAF at two entry levels:
Minimum entry requirements are an ICAO based CPL (Commercial Pilots Licence) and IR (Instrument Rating), a Class 1 Aviation Medical and 500 hours flying time (300 PIC – Pilot in command). Varied experience in small aircraft and in different flying environments is also required. Pilot candidates must achieve a good result in the ground based and practical flight assessments.
Experienced entry requirements are as above but 1000 flying hours are required (500+ PIC), 500 turbine or rating as necessary for the role. It is also an advantage to have an ATPL in some countries MAF operates in.
The working environment for a Pilot is varied. The terrain could be desert or mountainous; there will be unconventional airstrips e.g. 400 metres, 5+ degree slope, dirt, 10-20 metres wide. There can be varied weather too, rain, snow, heat, dust, ice, storms, and a lack of navigational aids.
MAF Pilots are responsible for passengers and loading and unloading, though there is some support at MAF bases with these activities.
The flying encompasses routine freight or passenger flights, as well as emergency flights for things like medevacs or natural disasters. Pilots are required to spend some time away from the MAF base to stop overnight in some locations.
Please see the vacancies page for current Pilot vacancies and read the critical requirements page.