A local aspiring aviator, Phamela Baloyi, 24, who hails from Giyani is among the nine female pilots who were granted an opportunity to undergo training at Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) in Nelspruit recently.
The nine young ladies were selected by the South African Police Service (Saps) to become pilots for the service’s air wing. Carel van der Merwe, head of Kishugu ATO was quoted in a statement to have described Baloyi as a very determined and hardworking student who passed all her Private Pilot License (PPL) exams first time around and passed her commercial subjects in just six months.
The subjects range from Mathematics to Navigation and Routine Aircraft Maintenance and are extremely tough. Baloyi focused all her attention on studying and refused to allow anything to distract her from this goal, he explained.
“If she could, I am sure she would do victory rolls high in the sky over the Nelspruit Airfield. But Baloyi is far too professional a pilot to risk anything – especially in the air. She passed her PPL with flying colours and she is adamant to do the same with her Commercial Pilot License (CPL). I am very proud of these ladies’ hard work. They are all enthusiastic, focused and a pleasure to teach,” he said.
Van der Merwe further outlined that it was not easy obtaining CPL and there is still a lot of work to be done before they qualify, but he is confident that their work ethic and passion will pull them through. He added that Baloyi is overjoyed to have earned her PPL and is well on her way to becoming a certified commercial pilot as well.
Baloyi was quoted in a statement saying she loves every minute of the course and further said this was an experience of a lifetime and she can’t wait to begin a career as a pilot. She added that she had been extremely anxious when the course began over a year ago but managed to brush off the anxiety.
She explained that as a child growing up in a township – where they hardly ever saw aircraft, never mind met any pilots – she had dreamed of flying. Now that her dream is coming true, her advice to other youngsters is to read as much as possible and chase after their dreams until they become a reality.
“It is only through reading that you gain knowledge and learn of the opportunities that are out there for you. Be prepared to work hard. It is only through hard work that you succeed,” said Baloyi. She said her family and friends are very happy about her achievements so far.
The nine aspiring pilots were selected as part of a SAPS’ initiative. SAPS Section Commander Fred Blaauw said the programme was aimed at skills development and creating jobs. He said Kishugu ATO won the contract to train the pilots after an extremely tough tender vetting process.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
