Fixed-wing flight instructor flying across the world
Originally from Durban, Stewart said they moved Germiston when he was five years old.
With flying across the continent of Africa as one of Stewart Willows’ (29) highlights, the fixed-wing flight instructor and pilot recently shared more about his journey in becoming a professional in the skies.
“I flew far and wide when I was transporting an aircraft to a customer two years ago,” said the pilot.
Employed by Safomar Aviation in the Rand Airport, Stewart said he spent most of his formative years witnessing his dad fix aircraft.
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“My dad was a big influence in choosing my career. He is an aircraft maintenance engineer, however, he does not like flying.
Originally from Durban, Stewart said they moved Germiston when he was five years old.
The St Catherine’s alumni said he loved music while growing up.
“I choose being a pilot because it looked like a good career, it was either that or music.”
Apart from being a pilot, Stewart is also a drummer in a band called Thesuck.
Pilot School
“I obtained my private licence in 2013 and long after that I got my commercial licence in 2017. It seemed impossible to achieve my licenses but I kept at it till I got them.”
Stewart explained that although he did pure mathematics, science and geography in school there were no subject requirements for admission into flying school.
“It does help to have done those subjects but it is not required,” said Stewart.
Affording aviation school is expensive.
“I would advise people who want to be a pilot and do not have the finances to take one flying lesson at a time.”
He explained that a one-hour session is about R6000.
“I have seen fantastic pilots who could not get their licences because they could not afford it.”
Life as an instructor
“As the next step instructing made the most sense; I aim to be the best instructor I can be.”
Stewart added he would love to fly the Stearman and P-51 Mustang in future.
“I love vintage aircrafts,” he said.
Covid-19
“The pandemic affected us, it slowed down everything as a lot of pilots were grounded. I was bored and when I got called, I appreciated the opportunity to still fly.
“I would like to carry on flying and eventually die doing what I love. Many people don’t enjoy what they do, I don’t feel like it’s work because I am doing something I love.”
Stewart shared four top things to succeed in being a pilot.
He said you need determination, money, a good attitude and the ability to keep cool.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
