Eden Park pilot appeals for help to cover expenses
In 2015, his dream got wings with the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) giving him the privilege to start his career by funding his private pilot licence (PPL) training.
FROM humble beginnings to being in a profession of his choice, Mcuphi Nkombi (29) has almost reached his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
However, it was not plane sailing to finally do what he really loves.
It took patience, passion, hard work and self-discipline to make his dream, of being a licensed pilot, a reality.
Flying was always his dream, but nearly an impossible one.
He spent more than two years trying to find a way to fund his training.
According to Mcuphi, aviation is expensive, and so was his training and equipment.
In 2015, his dream got wings with the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) giving him the privilege to start his career by funding his private pilot licence (PPL) training.
After three years, he obtained his PPL in May last year at the Johannesburg School of Flying.
During those three years, he spent a year without flying, as he had run out of funds to keep flying to complete his training and testing flights.
Where it all started
His first time close to an airplane was during a school trip to SAA Technical at OR Tambo International Airport.
As learners they got a chance to see the inside of the airplanes.
Once inside the flight deck, they also took turns in the pilot’s seat, where they took photographs.
Having had that experience, Mcuphi made a promise to himself to one day sit in one of those seats as a licensed pilot.
He said during his first flight, his instructor gave him an opportunity to have the controls.
“I had my first flying experience during my first training flight. Since then, flying has been great and a privilege accompanied with responsibility.
“Flying an airplane is a test of character because it tests you personally and tests your limits. You learn more about yourself being a pilot than anything else,” he said.
Set your mind to it
Born and bred in Thokoza, he went to Mohlodi Primary School and further studied at Buhlebuzile Secondary School in Thokoza, where he aced his studies.
Mcuphi is a brother to four siblings and currently resides in Eden Park.
He believes working hard and setting your mind towards something reaps success.
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. Aviation is proof that, given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible,” he concluded.
He is currently training at U-Fly Training Academy at Rand Airport in Germiston. There he attends night-flying sessions.
He is yet to start with his Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training and theory exams.
Not only does he want to make a name for himself, but he has a vision to empower aspiring pilots.
He recently started mentoring a learner whose passion is to follow in his footsteps.
In the near future he hopes to raise aviation awareness and have an information centre focusing on careers.
Obstacles
“I do have funding from TETA, but it does not cover all my expenses. It covers the more expensive part, which is the actual flying. I have to hire and fly an airplane to build 90 hours of solo flying at R2 000 per hour.
“Then I will need to do a course in multi-engine and instrument, and pass the 10 SACAA theory exams to meet the requirements for CPL.
“With the PPL that I have, I can’t be paid for flying or get remunerated for acting as a pilot. I need a CPL to start looking for opportunities of employment,” he said.
Training expenses
A list of things needed for his training may cost about R18 000.
• Computer
• ASA CX3 flight computer
• Maps or charts and a kneeboard
• Online exams (Question Bank System) year subscription
• Textbooks
Should you be able to assist Mcuphi you can contact him on 078 876 3925.
