Cousins reach new heights
Cousins Rynhardt Nel (17) and Theo Vos (14) believe that the sky is the limit and these two youngsters recently started their flight training on a light aircraft, with the ultimate goal of receiving their Private Pilot License (PPL).
The duo, who attend Hoërskool Die Anker, have already flown nine hours and have employees at Airborne Aviation, situated at Brakpan/Benoni airfield, dumbstruck at their natural talent.
“Although they’re young, they show great promise and a natural talent,” said Minette van Deventer, a full-time instructor at Airborne Aviation.
“When they first stepped onto the apron, you could hear in their nervous laughter that they both had a stomach full of butterflies,” said Raymond Buissinne, also a full-time instructor at Airborne Aviation.
“After a briefing and a thorough pre-flight inspection, the boys stepped into their individual aircraft.”
“For the duration of the flight, both boys had full-control of the aircraft under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor,” added Buissinne.
The inspiration behind the two cousins is Theo Vos Snr, who encouraged them both when he heard about their dream to fly.
Theo Snr asked his son if he wanted to start flight training and the immediate answer was yes.
Soon after, Rynhardt’s enthusiasm was triggered and together the two youngsters became hooked on their new hobby.
The first time they flew was on February 15 and both of them described it as a frightening yet exciting experience.
“I remember the first time I flew, my legs started to go numb, but it was very exciting,” said Rynhardt.
“Both of these children are flying nicely and are very close to flying solo, which is remarkable after flying only nine hours”, said Sam Berriman, the owner of Airborne Aviation.
To obtain the Private Pilot License, a total of 45 flying hours must be completed.
When asked if he thinks it’s strange that he can fly before he learns how to drive a car, Theo laughed and said that he is actually a better driver than Rynhardt.
“I also race at The Rock Raceway,” Theo added.
Theo Snr said the only thing that seems to be a little bit of an obstacle for Theo is his height.
“He barely sees over the aircraft’s panel, but that doesn’t stop him.”
Despite being only in their teens, the two have also qualified as advanced divers.
“I don’t think I would work as a pilot someday, but rather as a commercial diver,” said Rynhardt and Theo nodded his head in agreement.
“I would like to do my Commercial Pilot Licence, but flying will always just be a hobby,” said Rynhardt.
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