Gone are the days when you could automatically assume that the person flying the plane you were travelling on was male. In fact, there are increasingly more women employed as airline pilots every year, with a fair share of these ladies of the air to be found at SA Express, which has also prided itself on encouraging gender equality on the flight deck. We chatted to a handful of these SAX pilots to find out more about what it’s like to take to the skies every day.
Romy Dippenaar
What inspired you to become a pilot?
I started off my career in aviation as an air hostess with SAA. I then became an instructor and trained cabin attendants. It was during that time that I decided to move on and obtained all the required pilot’s licences to become a professional pilot.
Is it still very much a male dominated profession, or are things changing in your opinion?
In my opinion, there will always be more male than female pilots, and not because of any male domination. Flying an aeroplane and taking responsibility for its passengers is just not everybody’s cup of tea. That can be said for most women and for many men as well.
How long have you been working for SA Express?
I joined SAX in February 1994 and was one of the first six pilots who were trained, more than 20 years ago.
Do you have a favourite memory or experience of your time with the airline?
I have many. Through the years we have had many “firsts”, including the first flight to many of our destinations that we fly to regularly today. I was lucky to have been able to do a lot of those flights!
What do you love most about your job?
I love all aspects of “on time, uneventful, safe flights”, as that translates into happy passengers, which is our main aim.
What advice would you give to girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Firstly, make sure that is what you really want to do, as the perceived “glamour” is just that: perceived. Work hard, and you will reach your goals!
Amanda Kandawire
What inspired you to become a pilot?
I fell in love with being a pilot from my very first flying experience. It was a trip down to the Eastern Cape to see my grandparents. From then on I was hooked.
Is it still very much a male dominated profession, or are things changing in your opinion?
The female demographics in the industry are growing. The growth is very slow in my opinion, but the more exposure younger girls get to the industry and the concept of “female pilots”, the more likely they are to choose this career path, and only then will the stigma of a male dominated industry start changing.
What is the most challenging part of your day?
The days can be long. Weather and airline pressures can be stressful. But the most challenging part is keeping all these aspects in check and remembering that, above all else, safety comes first.
Do you think being a female pilot gives you an edge in any respect over your male counterparts?
I think because we are a minority in the industry, we always feel that we have a point to prove just so that we can be treated as equals. So I don’t necessarily think it gives us any edge over male pilots, but we tend to want to be on our A game all the time, whereas they may not feel that they need to prove anything based on their gender.
Do you have a favourite memory or experience of your time with the airline?
Yes, a flight I did to Kruger (National Park) with my father on board. He spent the flight in the cockpit on the jump seat. Having had the privilege to fly my dad is by far my proudest moment.
What do you love most about your job?
Sipping tea at FL250 while watching the sun set – it’s the most spectacular view ever, and I never get tired of it.
What advice would you give to girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard! And believe in your dreams. Absolutely nothing is impossible to a willing heart and a fighting spirit.
Ericha Harding
What inspired you to become a pilot?
My parents were both involved in aviation and the aviation industry. Presently, both my sister and I fly for commercial airlines. I have always had a passion for flying.
Is it still very much a male dominated profession, or are things changing in your opinion?
Flying is definitely an ever-changing profession, and there are definitely more female pilots these days than there were when I did my training.
Do you have a favourite memory or experience of your time with the airline?
Each and every flight leaves me with its own special memory and experience, some entertaining, while others are an opportunity to learn a great deal from.
What do you love most about your job?
Having an office with such an amazing, ever-changing view, while loving the job I do.
What advice would you give to girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
If you love flying, DO IT!
Nandi Mbele
What inspired you to become a pilot?
The idea of operating heavy machinery and having a bird’s eye view of the world.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I would have to say those afternoon thunderstorms in summer. It can get a bit nerve-racking, as safety is our main concern.
Do you have a favourite memory or experience of your time with the airline?
The pleasure of having my mother as a passenger on one of my flights.
What do you love most about your job?
Every sunrise and sunset is unique, and it’s breathtaking and absolutely priceless to see it from the air.
What advice would you give to girls who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
That no-one should discourage you from following you dreams and that, for every setback, a greater comeback awaits.
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