It was a very proud moment for Mrs Tersia Strydom of Johannesburg when her son Andre emerged from ZS-SVB seconds after having heard from the CAA designated examiner that he had passed his Commercial Pilots Licence and Instrument Rating Flight Tests. What made it very special indeed was that a few hours before, Mrs Strydom's daughter, Riette, had exactly the same good news for her mother!
Though we have had siblings graduate from the school, this never before has happened on the same day!
The following are their replies to a few questions we put to the newly qualified duo:
What made you decide to become a Pilot?
Riette: Through my mother's company, I got to meet several pilots from different backgrounds and was fascinated by the lifestyle. We lived close to Johannesburg International Airport all our lives and I remember watching the planes approaching to land in awe of their size and being able to stay in the air. I am very proud to be one of the few women in a male dominated industry, to qualify as a Commercial Pilot.
Andre: It has been my dream to fly since I was a little boy. I have been in love with the thought of flying as long as I can remember, but I lost the dream somewhere along the way, until my sister decided to start flying and I could not let her have all the fun, now could I?
What were the highlights during your stay at the school?
Riette: Not only qualifying as a Commercial Pilot, but the friendships I've made that will last a lifetime. The day I passed my CPL test, I realised that my dream of having an office with a view has finally become a reality.
Andre: Passing my Comm. test and the thought that I had to utilise all the skills I had acquired over the past year and a half in one day; but I think the main highlight was waking up every morning knowing that I will be doing what I love, every day.
What is next for you?
Riette: Getting all my ATPL subjects while everything is still fresh in my memory - sorry, what was the question?
Andre: Well, you never know where life is going to take you but for now, getting my ATPL subjects and doing an Instructor's Rating.
Describe your ideal job?
Riette: To fly some rich person around in a private jet.
Andre: Having command of an Airbus A380 for an airline.
How do you two get along?
Riette: We get along very well. I am still here, aren't I?
Andre: For a brother and sister, I think we get along great. As the younger brother, I don't think of Riette as my sister, but as my best friend.
What was the low in your training?
Riette: The past year and a half has definately not been easy. Some days I really thought it could not get any worse and that I would give up. My parents made it a lot easier and motivated us to keep our chins up.
Andre: Besides the fact that in flying you have your good and bad days, there weren't many bad days. Being a perfectionist made those bad days worse as you always strive to do everything perfectly. Our parents telling us how they were enjoying their breakfast runs with their bikes while we were hard at work studying, did not help matters either.
Why 43 Air School?
Riette: 43 Air School has a reputation for being one of the best schools in the world. Naturally, to be one of the best, you have to learn from the best!
Andre: I agree with Riette, and will have to add that I would recommend 43 to anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a pilot.
It was great having the two Strydom's here at 43 Air School and we wish them all the best in their respective careers.