Letters

Dear Athol,

I am a loyal reader of your magazine, so much so that I cannot wait for the magazine to arrive in the post, so I purchase African Pilot as soon it is available at our local Pick ‘n Pay and I give the posted copy to my family. I was the fortunate winner of the November 2018 cover competition - a scenic helicopter flight for two over Johannesburg. My wife and I received this prize with great enthusiasm and I booked the flight with Henley Air for Friday 25 January at 11h00. We were welcomed with smiling faces and given a welcome cup of coffee in the spectacular departure lounge. We were introduced to our pilot Ingrid Wolfaardt, who gave us a quick run-down of the procedures and safety rules after which she walked us to the waiting Robinson R44 helicopter ZS-RVG.

What a spectacular scenic flight it was! I want to thank African Pilot for the opportunity and Henley Air for its hospitality and professionalism. To Ingrid Wolfaardt: you are amazing and a real asset to your company. I took many scenic pictures of Johannesburg and attach herewith one of my favourite pilot in the helicopter. Kind Regards, Frank van ZantenSolleveld

Dear Frank, There is a saying that it is ‘wonderful when a plan comes together.’ Having flown with Henley Air on several occasions myself, I am in agreement with you that the company based at Rand Airport is most professional, whilst always friendly towards its customers. It is very pleasing for African Pilot to receive your favourable report and to know that you and your wife thoroughly enjoyed your flight around Johannesburg. Thank you very much. Regards,Athol.

Good Morning Mr. Franz,

I bought the African Pilot magazine on Saturday 27th January 2019 with expectations on behalf of my son. I read various articles hoping to find the reason for buying the magazine, but unfortunately I didn’t find what I was hoping for. When reading the magazine for a second time, I realised that you were the Editor and writer of the article about the new Sling TSi.

Mr. Franz, I am searching for a company or airline which will be able to assist or sponsor my son Anton to complete his ATPL. This has been a lifelong dream of his. We have been supporting and financially assisting his flying career since the age of 16, but unfortunately due to financial constraints it is just not possible anymore. Anton has recently completed his CPL subjects of the CAA syllabus. However, he still needs to fly the required hours. Due to the limitations we are experiencing with regards to funding, he is forced to work. His working hours limit his time. This is unfortunately hindering him in reaching his goals and completing his CPL. He is currently working for a drone company where he completed an instructor’s course to be able to save money for his career in aviation.

I have spent countless hours researching, buying magazines and enquiring with overseas aviation companies. We cannot seem to locate anyone who will assist us in this matter. Would there perhaps be any chance you might know of a company/airline which will be willing to support a student pilot in this regard, or even point us in the right direction to help him gain a cadetship? Any help will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Regards, Sue Dreyer

Dear Mrs. Dreyer,

Thank you for your e-mail and I hope that you enjoyed the January 2019 edition of African Pilot featuring the Sling TSi. Your story about Anton is very similar to the very many requests that I receive every month, usually as a telephonic enquiry seeking financial aid to either start or complete a career in aviation. Sad to say there is nothing I can do to help any of these budding young pilots. One thing that is pleasing is that Anton is doing something within the drones’ business so that he can remain active within the aviation industry. I am very sorry to say that there is not any short cut in this aviation business. Aviation is very expensive, especially in becoming a professional pilot. All I can do is wish Anton lots of luck and hope that something happens to change his fortunes. Sincerely, Athol Franz