Passing your Private Pilot License (PPL) in 20 months is impressive, but earning it with an internationally-recognised honour that allows you to fly anywhere in the world is nothing less than excellent.
Passing your Private Pilot License (PPL) in 20 months is impressive, but earning it with an internationally-recognised honour that allows you to fly anywhere in the world is nothing less than excellent.
19-year-old Oyama Matomela recently graduated from the 43 Air School in Port Alfred, after receiving the annual Department of Roads and Transport bursary in 2009, offered to aspiring young pilots.
The Collegiate Girls School’s past pupil is the fourth student to be awarded this bursary from the provincial department, but the first female. Matomela's aunt and mother used to regularly take her to the Port Elizabeth Airport to watch planes land and take-off, which is where her dream of becoming a pilot was born, she told Grocott's Mail.
"The year and 8 months I spent training was probably one of the most difficult yet rewarding things I have ever done," she said. The training was challenging and 110% effort was required – "which is what I was willing to give to reach my goals at this age," said Matomela.
She passed her PPL with an instrument rating, which means she has the skills required to fly in all airspaces across the world.
She has already been offered a job by the South African Police Service to fly with the SAPS Air Wing. "Miss Matomela could be an inspiration to other young girls" said Ncedo Kumbaca, in a press release from the Department of Roads and Transport.
“We as the Department are so proud of her and we truly believe that her achievement could serve as an inspiration to other young girls in the province,” added MEC for transport, Thandiswa Marawu.
The 43 Air School is located in Port Alfred
