Fantasy becomes exhilarating reality to fly high up in the sky

Noni Radebe is one of the few first officers for British Airways (operated by Comair) and kulula.com keeping South Africans flying high and safe to destinations across the country. Below is a Q&A about her career choice of being a female commercial pilot

What got you into aviation?

I always had an interest in flying airplanes and they were really wonderful machines to me, but my curiosity grew when I listened to a pilot speaking on radio about his career and that is when I really started researching it and how I could become one. I started studying towards becoming a pilot straight after matric and I am still amazed.

What was your first flight like?

I was very nervous, but also excited. When you do your intro flight, an instructor takes you for a bit of a joy ride, shows you the different controls and what they do and lets you control the aircraft for a short amount of time.

There were so many things I didn’t know or heard about for the first time that day, but it was an exhilarating experience and after that my passion for flying became even greater.

When did you realise you wanted to be a commercial pilot?

When I started reading more about aviation and careers in the airline industry, there was just no other option. I already applied for studies in the financial/accounting field, but I realised soon after doing some job shadowing that it was not for me.

That is when I started entertaining the idea of my then-fantasy of being a pilot flying high in the sky. And with confidence I can say the fantasy is now reality.

Was there anybody in particular who was instrumental in helping you become a pilot?

I’d say without a doubt and with gratefulness, my parents. They went through a lot to afford my studies in aviation and they were there for me through all the hurdles and joyful times of being a student pilot.

What are some of your fondest memories on the job?

I remember once doing a Women’s Month interview for a television show and they asked me what my dream aircraft would be to fly.

I said it was a Boeing 777. At that time I was still very new in the airline business and it seemed that I would have to fly thousands of hours before I reached that dream.

Last year I started working for Comair which flies kulula and British Airways (operated by Comair). When Captain Sean Pepper called to say I’d got the job, I remember thinking back to that interview, smiling and saying: “The dream was not so far-fetched, because now I am flying Boeings.”

Are there any bad moments?

I wouldn’t say bad but sometimes challenging. Sometimes you have been flying all day, the weather gets crazy or you’re sitting with a massive delay and upset passengers. This is when you have to tap into all the training, in terms of managing such situations and meeting the needs of the clients and company as safely as possible, even when you’re being rushed.

What would you say to a young woman who is contemplating a career as a pilot?

There is no dream that is beyond your reach. Learning to be a professional pilot takes a lot of time and dedication, give it your best shot and remember to enjoy it always.

Have you ever worked on an all-female crew?

I recently did a flight where it was an all-female flight deck crew and one male crew mem- ber in the cabin, so it was pretty close.

Would you say gender bias is starting to become less in the 21st century?

I would say gender bias is discussed more now than it was before.

People used to just accept things as how it was meant to be, but now people are more aware of the capabilities of any gender in any field. So yes, there is more awareness and more acceptance now and it can only improve from here.

What has flying taught you that you can use in everyday life outside of the flight deck?

I know it will sound cheesy, but a steady attitude will help you maintain your altitude. In simple terms, if you approach things with a great attitude, you’re more likely to achieve great results.

Why do women make great pilots in your opinion?

Women are meticulous, efficient and detail oriented. This is what most pilots need to succeed, so women do well in the aviation industry.

Your message to encourage more females to get their wings?

There are so many things women are capable of, from coming up with the trajectory formulas to launch spaceships to running countries and businesses.

Flying is one of those fields we didn’t get a lot of access to in the past, but now we shouldn’t shy away from it. We’re capable of that too.