SAAF FLYERS EARN THEIR WINGS
Langebaanweg celebrates its newest group of aviators despite severe budget constraints
NEWLY-qualified pilots received their aviator badges and will continue to follow the mission of protecting the country with the SA Air Force.
The SA Air Force held its wings ceremony at Air Force Base Langebaanweg, where the aviation students proudly marched to the front to receive their well-deserved wings and trophies.
The SA Air Force has been experiencing budget constraints that have affected the supply of resources available to perform certain duties effectively. However, these constraints have resulted in more innovative ideas coming to the fore.
Chief of the SAAF Fabian Msimang said: “The consequences of the budget constraints have been well documented and we are hopeful for this to be better in the future. We aim to never succumb to these challenges and constraints that could prevent us from remaining innovative.”
Msimang said the new group of pilots had achieved high standards and the experience they had gained would enable them to achieve the constitutional mandate of the SAAF.
Commanding Officer Donavan Chetty of the SAAF Central Flying School said: “The air force crew train and prepare to be combat ready at any time. For this reason we emphasise in the training if there should be an emergency for us to assist with peacekeeping in our neighbouring countries.”
Chetty said that being underfunded and over-committed could cause under-performance due to the limited resources and therefore they trained hard against the possibilities of failure.
“The pilot staff of the SAAF are expected to be medically sound, have good motor skills, psychomotor skills and academic success. The course that the pilots have passed could be considered as one of the most difficult ones in the defence force,” he said.
Chetty said it was important to bring in the human factor when dealing with the air force students and staff in order for them to continue being motivated.
Deputy Chief of the SAAF Mzayifani Buthelezi said: “The more resources there are, the more qualified pilots we can produce. If there are not enough aircraft to fly, pilots may also end up leaving the air force.”
The wings insignia and rank commission parade ended with a four-ship aerobatics display by SAAF PC-7 MK II aircraft.