Five women in aviation share their journeys

On December 7, the world observed International Civil Aviation Day, which has been celebrated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation since 1994, and was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.

In reference to the day, Stabroek News is featuring five local women in aviation. Below, in their own words, they share their journeys in a profession that is male dominated.

Jessica Ramcharitar – Pilot

“I was born and raised in Region Four, along Guyana’s low coastal plain. Many mornings, I was awakened by the sounds of planes flying overhead. It didn’t dawn on me as yet but that might have been where my interest in aviation originated. Years later, I hadn’t decided whether I wanted to become a pilot or an aeronautical engineer. I wasn’t quite sure which I was more passionate about. So, I decided to first complete my secondary school education at Marian Academy and then, Queen’s College. Then I started to look into flight schools abroad, particularly in places with cultures similar to my Guyanese culture. I wanted a “familiarisation” flight that would allow me to sit in a plane with a certified flight instructor and experience what it was like to be at the controls be it the takeoffs, landings, and manoeuvring of the aircraft. I wanted this experience so I knew I was making the right decision to pursue an aviation career.

“Eventually, my parents and I decided the most feasible options were Aerial World Services and Briko Air Services, both located in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. And I managed to get my familiarisation flight too. Just after stepping out of the aircraft after that flight, I knew this was my passion. So I started my formal aviation studies. I got my Private Pilot’s License with an Instrument Rating Add-On at Aerial World Services in 2019 and further completed my Commercial Licence with a Multiengine Rating Add-On in 2020 at Briko Air Services. In February 2020, I returned to Guyana, eager to convert my Trinidad and Tobago Pilot Licence into a Guyana Civil Aviation Pilot Licence.

“As a patriotic Guyanese, I was just so excited to start my flying career at home. And I knew I wanted to be a ‘bush’ pilot. In 2020, I joined JAGS Aviation – a member of the BK Group of Companies – where I gained a tremendous amount of experience seeing many remote hinterland locations while also being typed on the Britten Norman Islander. It was my first official job and certainly, there were numerous challenges to grapple with. There were navigational deficits of the interior locations, the length and condition of some runways, the terrain and of course, the unpredictable weather patterns. Here, I understood the importance of having keen eyesight and making sound judgement calls. In a male-dominated field I was sometimes confronted by challenges as a woman in the field too.

“Then in September of 2022, I joined the Trans Guyana Airways team – a member of the Correia Group of Companies – where I am currently in the final stage of gaining my captaincy on a Cessna Caravan 208. My journey here so far has been an enjoyable one. Learning is prevalent and encouraged. In fact, everyone – both junior and senior captains – are so eager to instil skills needed to help us become better pilots and be safe in the skies, particularly in the hinterland conditions. As a young professional in the aviation sector, I would encourage everyone to continue working towards their dreams and never forget their humble beginnings and sacrifices. And of course, never forget those who paved the way for you.

For me, my parents Andrew and Sheryl Ramcharitar worked hard to make my dream a reality. My mother was awake early in the morning to help take care of us while my father took me to work, back and forth every day, while juggling his career.”

Lorraine Phillips – Licensed Air Traffic Controller

(Aerodrome and Approach)

“I became a licensed air traffic controller in the year 2020. As a dedicated professional, I am currently in the final phase of training for an upgrade to the highest level of air traffic control (Area surveillance rated), a milestone that represents a culmination of years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.