SAWIA September 2012 | Smooth Landing eNewsletter

Smooth LandingSEPTEMBER 2012 | ISSUE 1 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | SMOOTH LANDING eNEWSLETTER

P01. SL LAUNCH PARTY ROCKS IN JOZIP02. LETTER FROM THE EDITORLATEST SAWIA NEWS:P03. US TRADE & DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AVIATION INITIATIVE: A NEW DAWN FOR SAWIAFEATURE Q&A: P04. SILVER FALCON: MAJOR HEYBRECH VAN NIEKERKQ&A WITH:P05. HIGH FLYER: LUMKA MSIBIP06. ATC: SIPHOKAZI MBATHAP07. ATC: MOKGADI LESHALABEINSPIRATION & MOTIVATION:P08. IDENTIFYING TALENTS & PURPOSE. MAX MOYO CEO OF IGNITE YOUR POTENTIALINFORMED OPINION:P09. SAFETY CORNER. ERIN GROMLEY, AEROSPACE ENGINEER (WASHINGTON DC USA) P10. WHEN NIGHTMARES BECOME REALITY! RENISHA NAIDOOP11. CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE P6. P6. CONFERENCE FEEDBACK 2012. P6. WENDY SANTILHANO2012 AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS: P12. THE CEO GROUP’s AEROSPACE P6. CATEGORY FOR SA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT & THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT P6. AGENCY SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP P6. AWARDS: REFILWE LEDWABA P12. WORLD ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM P6. AMBASSADOR: SIBONGILE SAMBOEDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIPS: P13. SAWIA/KEEP FLYING SCHOLARSHIP SA P6. 2013 & PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

IN THIS ISSUE

Celebrating Women in Aviation & Aerospace

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CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | WWW.SAWIA.ORG | PAGE 01 |

THE SAWIA FAMILY has done it again! After several months of hard work and sleepless nights, on the 31ST of August 2012, we launched our eNewsletter: SMOOTH LANDING at the Buddha Ta Tapas Bistro & Cocktail Lounge in Fourways, Johannesburg with style and class! What a memorable and spectacu-lar evening! All the more exciting as it was SAWIA’s first fundraising/networking event. The evening had the dual purpose of being the launch of our eNewsletter and a fundraising drive for our Girl Fly Programme in Africa (GFPA) - all proceeds of the ticket sales went to the GFPA coffers.

Over 80 SAWIA members, fans and friends turned out in their finest threads to support us, including members of the SADC region represented by Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Malawi. Distinguished guests included: Sibongile Sambo (a member of SAWIA’s Board of Advisors and MD of SRS Aviation, the only 100% black-female-owned aviation company in South Africa) who gave the opening presentation; Felie Mkandawire (Customer Relationship Manager at Eurocopter Southern Africa and an ex-pilot at Air Malawi); Major Buti Tsebe (a South African Air Force Silver Falcon legend); Captain Aloma Stevens (SA Express pilots Aloma Stevens and Karen Croucamp were the first female pilots to fly both turbo-prop and jet passenger aircraft with an all-female crew in June 1995); Lara Boardman (Specialist of International Remuneration & Benefits at South African Airways); Florentina Dumbu (a pioneering pilot with the Namibian Police Force Air Wing); Major Annabel Vundla/Macauley (the South African Air Force’s first black female pilot and flight instructor); Dr Kgomotso Mogapi (a major SAWIA sponsor and sup-porter; medical doctor; Senior Medical Officer for the Gauteng Department of Health from February 2008 – September 2009; Team Doctor for Banyana Banyana football team; Sessional Medical Officer at Jubilee Hospital; and the CEO/Founder/Women’s Health Practitioner at A’Dare Women Wellness Centre) and Max Moyo (CEO of Ignite Your Potential) to name a few. There were loads of prize giveaways awarded to individuals throughout the evening by Fundi Sithebe (SAWIA’s Business Development Executive) which added to the generous spirit and festivities: Eurocopter donated baseball caps; Annique Skincare (represented by Jane O’Brien, Senior Consultant) sponsored a hamper worth R1500 and free facials; the 2012 Soweto Wine Festival donated 10 complimentary tickets; wine.co.za donated six bottles of wine made by women winemakers as part of their Sisters doing it for themselves August Women’s Month campaign; Stellakaya and their award-winning winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela (the first black woman winemaker in South Africa), donated six bottles of wine and Buddha Ta donated complimentary tickets to their funky club. We thank all our sponsors for their generosity and support. It was inspirational to see aviators from all walks of life, men and women, having fun, networking and sharing a few cocktails, laughs, talking shop and nibbling on fine snacks until late into the night. The SAWIA team would like to thank everyone who bought a ticket and journeyed from near-and-far to celebrate and honour women in aviation and aerospace with us. By Laurian Miles & Nyasha Manyika

Smooth Landing Launch Party rocks in Jozi

BUDDHA TA TAPAS BISTRO & COCKTAIL LOUNGEPHOTOGRAPH: Amanda Kandawire

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ERIN GROMLEY | MAX MOYO |

LUMKA MSIBI | SIPHOKAZI MBATHA |

MOKGADI LESHALABE | MAPHUTI NDALA | DREW MANN | WENDY SANTILHANO | MAJOR HEYBRECH VAN NIEKERK

CONTRIBUTORS

| EDITOR: NYASHA MANYIKA | DEPUTY EDITOR: RENISHA NAIDOO | PHOTOGRAPHER: AMANDA KANDAWIRE | CONTENT, EDITING/PROOF-READING, DESIGN & LAYOUT: LAURIAN MILES | MANTARAY [email protected] Email [email protected] for information, potential stories or for the rate card if you would like to advertise in SL.

EDITORIAL TEAM

LETTER FROM THE EDITORIN LINE WITH SAWIA’s strategy to: inform, motivate, connect and inspire; the editorial team have developed the Smooth Landing (SL) eNewslet-ter, a quarterly publication with the aim of serving as an information, motivational and networking platform for aviators and aspiring aviators. Our SL objectives are:

| To provide aviation and aerospace information to those not working in the aviation and aerospace sectors but would like to. Statics reveal that many people are unaware of how to join these industries, SL aims to inform non-aviators of the career options available to them and how to join. | To debunk myths: there are many myths about the aviation andn aerospace industries, SL aims to address these myths in our quest to show that aviation and aerospace is accessible to all.| To connect women in aviation and aerospace: celebrating their achievements, rewards and hard work. These women serve as mentors and role models for other women and young girls who intend to or are interested in pursuing careers in these industries. | To be a source of the latest information, industry news, trends, views and regulations: SL aims to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments, current affairs, news, regulations, NASA images and research, inventions or upgrades. | To motivate and inspire aspirant aviators: advertising available scholarships, bursaries and grants to facilitate access to funding for pilot training, degree programmes and education. SAWIA’s SL has launched and landed smoothly - on behalf of the SL editorial team we welcome you all!

Pink Skies!

The Beautiful People @ Buddha Ta!

| PAGE 02 | WWW.SAWIA.ORG | CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE

PHOTOGRAPH: Amanda Kandawire

SEPTEMBER 2012 | ISSUE 1 SOUTHERN AFRICAN WOMEN IN AVIATION & AEROSPACE | SMOOTH LANDING eNEWSLETTER

LATEST SAWIA NEWS

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THE US TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (USTDA) has confirmed that it will host three delegations of senior officials from South Africa’s aviation sector to the US in the coming months, under the newly launched ‘Aviation Initiative for South Africa’ unveiled earlier this week.

The initiative is additional to the other USTDA-led programmes that have been undertaken in the energy, telecommunications, transport and water sectors. The agency, which seeks to promote the use of US products and services in infrastructure projects around the world, is also supporting a range of project feasibility studies in South Africa. In addition, it has hosted a series of workshops, technical visits and reverse trade missions across various sectors over the last few years.

Director Leocadia Zak, who visited South Africa as part of the recent mission led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, reports that two of the visits will focus on introducing leaders from South African Airways (SAA) to US technologies, services and policies.

The third reverse trade mission will focus on safety and security within South Africa’s aviation sector through airport modernisations and state-of-the-art air traffic management technologies.

The aviation initiative has been launched in conjunction with General Electric Transportation, The Boeing Company, Airports Company of South Africa, South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services, SAA, Southern African Women in Aviation and Aerospace, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

In addition to the three upcoming reverse trade missions, USTDA is also supporting an assessment of the Cape Town, King Shaka, and OR Tambo airports, which will recommend upgrades and improvements to airside capacity.

By Terence Creamer | 10th August 2012 SOURCE: www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/us-agency-to-host-trade-missions-for-sa-aviation-execs-2012-08-10

US Trade & Development Agency Aviation

Intiative: A new dawn for SAWIA



HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN AVIATION WORKING IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I have been interested in aviation from a very young age. I finally got excepted into the South African Air Force (SAAF) in October 2002. I have been stationed at Central Flying School Langebaanweg since July 2007 and is currently staffed in the Testing and Assessing Department. I am still a current Instructor and Testing Officer at the school. I have been involved with the Silver Falcon Aerobatic Display Team since March 2010.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS CAREER? I conducted a set of mini tests for myself to see whether or not I’ll be able to cope in the environment that I love so much. I went for an aerobatic flip in a Harvard in Stellenbosch to see if my body will cope with g-loading. I enrolled and completed the restricted radio license course at ATNS Cape Town International Airport and I went for an introductory flight at Cape Town Flying Club to see whether I would be able to combine flying, RT and general understanding of aircraft operations.

WHAT TRAINING/EDUCATION/DEGREE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CAREER? In the Military you perform the following training:| Basic Military Training| Officer Formative Course| A first year degree at SAS Saldanha Military Academy as well as your ground school work for flying training (this is normally your CPL subjects including aerodynamic {twin, chopper and high speed} and EW).| Initial flying training on a lighter aircraft and then on the PC7 Mk II. For selection you require English, Mathematics and Science (Grade 12).

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR PRESENT JOB? Through hard work, dedication to perfection and precision, and striving to achieve the life goals I set myself.

WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS DOES SOMEONE NEED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CAREER PATH? Dedication to consistently enrich yourself with knowledge to operate in your ever-changing environment. Striving for perfection and to achieve high standards with every task at hand. Responsibility, leadership and consistant drive to improve and enrich others with knowledge, and, above all, passion for what you do. Loving what you are doing and enjoying it to the fullest.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? To sit in my office and see how the world changes around me ;-) HEHEHE! Yes, to fly everyday and perform formation aerobatics :) nothing like the sight of Table Mountain on a beautiful day inverted! :)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? When I can’t fly.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST THINK YOU WANTED TO ENTER THIS INDUSTRY? Since the day I was born! ;)

IS THIS INDUSTRY GROWING AS A CAREER PATH FOR WOMEN? This is a challenging career path for which only some woman have been brave enough to enter but any career path has the potential to grow into something more than what we will ever expect it to be. It’s in the hands of the person who takes on the career not only in terms of one’s mindset but in one’s attitude as well.

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR WOMEN? Yes, for any person of any gender or colour.

ARE THERE ANY RELATED CAREERS THAT WOMEN SHOULD CONSIDER? A woman can pursue any career she wishes to undertake. In aviation there are a multitude of careers to consider and select.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY? Competitive with the norm, seeing that we start training a young person from Grade 12.

WITH THE BENEFIT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AND IN HINDSIGHT, WOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER PATH AGAIN? Definitely, yes! The type of training and flying you perform in the military will only be taught in a military environment. It has improved my understanding, skills and awareness to the dangers involved and how to safely execute any flight or operation.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THIS FIELD? I believe that if you want to follow a career that requires hard labour you must be able to perform all the duties required of you in that career i.e. if you want to be a tank driver then you must be able to change the tire. We are woman but we are also seen as a worker. You can either stay a porcelain woman and demand to be treated like one, but do nothing in return, or you can follow your heart, do the work you want to do even if it challenges you at every turn in terms of being a woman. The choice is yours to always be true to yourself and do what you love but never use your gender to try and make work or life easier for yourself. You choose your career path and life is all about choices.

FAVOURITE QUOTES?“Don’t stop dreaming until you are ready to wake up and make it happen!” MAJOR BUTI TSEBE“The only person who will ever hold you back from achieving anything you want to accomplish in life is yourself. Believe in yourself. Chase your dream and make it a reality. But be forewarned, it takes hard work, dedication and a will to succeed!” MAJOR HEYBRECH VAN NIEKERK“Excellence through endurance!” SAAF OFFICERS FORMATIVE COLLEGE COURSE BADGE LOGO

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SAAF SILVER FALCONS VISIT THE WEBSITE: WWW.SILVERFALCONS.CO.ZA

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ABOVE: Lumka Mtsibi (second from the right) at the Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SHS-SP) - an annual program offering, provided in partnership by ISU and the University of South Australia. The program is designed with a particular eye to the southern hemisphere environment and is built around the themes of space applications, space policy and space services, while giving a well rounded exposure to the principles and concepts involved in space science, space systems engineering and technology, space business and leadership and space legal and regulatory issues. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE WEBSITE:www.isunet.edu/programs/southern-hemisphere-program

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? My name is Lumka Msibi, I was born at Baragwaneth (Chris Hani) Hospital in Soweto, I was raised by my loving parents, Nkosini Samuel and Nomsa. I have two older broth-ers, Lwazilwenkosi and Mfundo and a twin sister Nonhlakanipho.

WHICH HIGH SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I was privileged to attend Parktown High School for Girls in Johannesburg. It is indeed a school

with a rich history, traditions and an excellent all-round education based on strong values. It promoted academic excellence and active participation in extramural programmes.

WHICH SUBJECTS DID YOU ENJOY & EXCEL IN? Academically, I always strove to do well, enjoying Physical Science, Mathematics and English and participated in the English Olympiad, the latter necessi-tated personal commitment, learning and much preparation.

WERE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES? Comp-lementing my academic studies was an active participation in school extramural activities. Of particular importance to me were leadership positions, culminating in me being elected as a prefect and house cap-tain in Grade 12. Other valuable activities included being involved in sports and cultural events. These contributed to my personal growth and development and further enriched my schooling experience.

ANY PASSIONS? Yes, I have a passion for helping others, this was spurred by many of my engagements with those less fortunate, mainly through the Claremont Charity Committee.

YOU SEEM TO HAVE ENJOYED YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS? I thor-oughly enjoyed my schooling at Parktown Girls, received a good all-round education and made a number of lasting friendships. Parktown gave me a solid foundation. I matriculated with a full house (8 distinc-tions) in all my subjects.

WOW! WELL DONE, LUMKA! WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER YOU MATRICULATED? I applied to study aeronautical engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. I am currently in my fourth and final year. I have managed to stay in the top 15% of academic achievers at the School of Mechanical, Industrial & Aeronautical Engineering.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES? Yes, I am a member of the Wits Student Aeronautical Society, Golden Key and the Royal Aeronautical Society. I participate in various activities at Wits such as the Wits Solar Car and Wits Mini Baja which requires personal commitment and responsibility.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? I am very eager to graduate and explore the world and undertake further studies abroad. I would like to pursue material analysis, satellite control systems design and structures.

HAVE YOU UNDERTAKEN ANY RESEARCH PROJECTS? I undertook research and design projects in cube satellites with Denel Dynamics and material analysis with Wits as part of my vacation work. My first international venture and first experience of the Space industry was through the 2011 International Astronautical Congress (IAC2011)

held in Cape Town. Fortunately, I was a recipient of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Youth Grant which enabled me to attend the Congress. The IAC2011 gave me the opportunity to discuss current Space issues with individuals and organisations from different countries.

RUMOUR HAS IT YOU WERE IN SPACE RECENTLY? *GIGGLES* I attended the 2012 Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SH-SSP) in Adelaide, Australia in February this year - made pos-sible through scholarships I received from the International Space University, the University of South Australia, the South African National Space Agency, Southern African Women in Aviation & Aerospace and the Aeronautical Society of South Africa. The oppor-tunity to attend the SH-SSP program has further enriched my studies and interaction with the Space sector. I was truly blessed.

IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER WOMEN? Nothing beats education, you will make a lot of sac-rifices, but in the long run they pay off. Keep your head up and focus. Work hard but have balance - don’t forget your social life.

FAVOURITE QUOTE? “HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN’T WORK HARD.” ANONYMOUS

High Flyer: Lumka Msibi


Q&A


HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN AVIATION WORKING IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I have been in Aviation for seven years and have been in my current position for three years.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS CAREER? I was looking for in-service training, I studied Computer Systems at the Universitiy of Johannesburg previously known as WITS Tech, when I joined ATNS I had little knowledge about aviation, but the training I received from the company helped me see the perfect picture.

WHAT TRAINING/EDUCATION/DEGREE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CAREER? Minimum Requirements: passed Grade 12 with Maths (pure-Maths) and English, Level 4 and upwards or STD Grade C/Higher Grade D.

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR PRESENT JOB? I sent my CV and was called to attend a series of assessments: psychometric, personality and medical test; this was follwed by an interview...and I was accepted.

WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS DOES SOMEONE NEED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CAREER PATH? Be open-minded, you must have or develop a passion for aviation, as it not a job, but a lifestyle. You are responsible for the lives of people, having to make split second decisions all the time. One must be motivated; have a grasp of the bigger picture; see in 3D; possess excellent people-skills (as you deal with people all day) and great communication skills with no speech impediments.

Air Traffic Controller: Siphokazi Mbatha

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? The responsibility given to me, how the job has moulded me to be more assertive in all areas of my life and the shift work, which makes you very flexible and able to adapt to change.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? The immense stress of the zero-error-margin - you only have one chance to get it right. WHEN DID YOU FIRST THINK YOU WANTED TO ENTER THIS INDUSTRY? After I completed my entry-level tests and interview, I became very curious and the exposure I had received about this industry clarified my thoughts and that this is what I wanted to do and where the fun is.

IS THIS INDUSTRY GROWING AS A CAREER PATH FOR WOMEN? YES, YES AND YES, IT IS! The industry does recognise that women are just as good as a pilot/ATC-man, and I know for a fact that at ATNS, women are seriously considered, recognised and encouraged - there are programmes designed to help women develop further in aviation.

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR WOMEN? Aviation is a broad industry and opportunities are definately out there, at ATNS, we currently have the Women Development Programme (WDP), with the express purpose of ecouraging more female ATC’s to enter the field.

ARE THERE ANY RELATED CAREERS THAT WOMEN SHOULD CONSIDER? OH YES! ATC Instructors, Pilot, Air Craft Technician, Specialists that plan our airspace, CAA (Inspectors, Instructors), the list goes on...

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY? Considering the fact that you are recruited straight out of Matric with no tertiary training or experience, once you qualify as an ATC Assistant and an ATC, you receive an above average market-related salary.

WITH THE BENEFIT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AND IN HINDSIGHT, WOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER PATH AGAIN? Absolutely, I wish I knew about this industry whilst growing up, I would have joined the Aviation-family much earlier.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THIS FIELD? Pursue the Career! Don’t feel intimidated, it is a rewarding career! DARE TO DREAM, NOT EVEN THE SKY IS THE LIMIT, IT IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS!

Q&A



Air Traffic Controller: Mokgadi Leshalabe

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN AVIATION WORKING IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? I have been an air traffic controller for three years.

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS CAREER? I started preparing in high school, by selecting subjects for this career such as Maths, Science, English and Geography and ensuring I met the required standards to join ATNS.

WHAT TRAINING/EDUCATION/DEGREE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CAREER? We go through intense training at the Aviation Training Academy (ATA) in Bonaero Park, were we are taught both theoretically and practically in the simulators.

HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR PRESENT JOB? I joined ATNS and trained in an ATC Trainee Learnership Programme. I initially validated as an Air Traffic Service Assistant and worked at OR Thambo International airport. I was then sent on course to train and become an Aerodrome Controller, thereafter I had to validate my rating at Durban International airport and worked there for a year. I was then sent on course to further my career by training to become a Radar Controller, the position I’m currently holding at King Shaka International airport.

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WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS DOES SOMEONE NEED IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CAREER PATH? One needs to be a hard worker and dedicated to the job, because we sometimes work on weekends and public holidays. You need to work well in a team. You also need to be a good problem-solver and have good listening skills.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? I love sitting on position and controlling traffic, pre-planning and seeing my plan come alive as I vector aircraft. I love the flexibility of the shifts I work. I love working in a team with my colleagues, and also the environment, ATC’s have the best office view! :)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER? There is nothing I don’t like about my job. WHEN DID YOU FIRST THINK YOU WANTED TO ENTER THIS INDUSTRY? I learned about Air Traffic Control when I was in high school (Grade 10).

IS THIS INDUSTRY GROWING AS A CAREER PATH FOR WOMEN? Yes, more people are learning about Air Traffic Controlling and joining ATNS to train to become Air Traffic Controllers.

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR WOMEN? Yes, there is always room for growth within ATNS and in the aviation industry.

ARE THERE ANY RELATED CAREERS THAT WOMEN SHOULD CONSIDER? There are numerous related careers such as being a Pilot, Aircraft Engineer and an Aircraft Crash Investigator to name a few.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY? Average starting salary is between R 8000 - R10 000.

WITH THE BENEFIT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AND IN HINDSIGHT, WOULD YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER PATH AGAIN? Yes, I would do it over again.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THIS FIELD? A lot of hard work, discipline and dedication is required to become an Air Traffic Controller. Improve on your matric results, and learn more about the job and what it entails. Visit one of the control towers and ask questions to gain more knowledge.




WHAT DOES A Boeing 747, a F16 fighter jet and a helicopter have in common? To the common man like me they are aircraft. In other words they are vehicles that move in the sky. Now on the other hand a pilot would be able to tell me what the commonalities if any are present. They would also be able to tell me what the differences are.

The Boeing 747 is a wide-body commercial airliner and cargo transport aircraft, often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. A Boeing 747 is traditionally used to transport passenger. Some might be used for ferrying cargo across the continents. You need a reasonably long runway to take off and land. The four-engine 747 uses a double deck configuration for part of its length. It is available in passenger, freighter and other versions.

The 747-400, the most common passenger version in service, is among the fastest airliners in service with a high-subsonic cruise speed of 920 km/h. It has an intercontinental range of 13,450 km. The 747-400 passenger version can accommodate 416 passengers in a typical three-class layout, 524 passengers in a typical two-class layout, or 660 passengers in a high density one-class configuration

A helicopter on the other hand can be used to ferry passenger albeit for shorter flights and fewer passengers. It can also be used in combat. Fitted with guns and missiles and rockets. It is quite noisy and annoying and slower compared to a 747. However it does not need a runway. It can land and take off from almost anywhere. It can hover in one sport, fly sideways and do some interesting moves that a Boeing 747 can only dream of.

The F16 fighter jet or the Fighting Falcon is a fighter jet with numerous innovations including a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while manoeuvring, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system that makes it a highly nimble aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and has 11 hard points for mounting weapons and other mission equipment.[1] The F-16’s official name is “Fighting Falcon”, but “Viper” is commonly used by its pilots, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake.

Now before you get the idea that I’m trying to impress you with how much I know about aircraft, let me get to the point of this article. These three aircraft do not compare at all with each other. Each is built for a specific purpose and has specific capabilities and unique identity.

So when you try to compare the 747 with an F16 depending on what your needs are one of them would useless. If you need a nimble fighter plane that is fast, accurate and dangerous in combat you choose the F16. The 747 is and would be hopeless in the circumstances. But it does not make the F16 a better plane. If we turn the tables around and we need a long haul aircraft to ferry combat units to a war zone, the 747 becomes ideal. In the same breath the helicopter would be more ideal in dropping troops and picking them up in a combat area. It does not need a landing strip and it can manoeuvre is the most awkward of places. You can’t compare it with the F16. They were all built for different purposes.

This is the story of us as human beings. We are each created with a unique identity, a unique set of talent and gifts to fulfil a unique purpose. When you compare yourself with another you are likely to fall short. And so you can only be compared to yourself and your unique capabilities. You function best when doing that which you were created to do. So when you compete with another you will fall short in capabilities in the area the other is gifted and you are not. The opposite is also true that when another tries to compete with you in your area of talent and capabilities they too will come short. Just like you would use the aircraft above for their respective purposes, you too should find your unique purpose and function in it.

When you do that which you were born to do you become number one in the world. When you imitate another you become a failure in life. My challenge to you in this first article of a series of articles. I challenge you to dare to find your unique Identity then figure out what your talents and gifts are and as you engage your talents you will move into your unique purpose.

When you move into your unique purpose it there where you will find you brilliance. For brilliance is nothing more than a man or woman who has walked into their purpose. Just like no one would buy a helicopter to transport people across the Indian ocean, make sure that what you are engaged in suits your unique talents and gifts. When your life is driven by your purpose only then is true success available to you.

Who are you? And what are your unique Talents. Have you discovered your purpose? Or are you a helicopter trying to be an F16? Are you 747 trying to be a helicopter? If so you will soon discover that you have just run out of runway before take off. Play to your uniqueness. Therein lies your success, peace of mind and ultimate best. Fly high F16. Load up 747 and hover on helicopter. Be yourself no matter what they say.

Identifying Talents & Purpose BY MAX MOYO, FOUNDER & CEO OF IGNITE YOUR POTENTIAL

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

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Play to your uniqueness. Therein lies your success, peace of mind and ultimate best!


Safety Corner BY ERIN GROMLEY, AEROSPACE ENGINEER (WASHINGTON D.C, USA)

FOR THOSE OF us involved in aviation, there is perhaps nothing more dreadful than catching a clip on the news “…and there has been an aircraft accident with fatalities involved...” It stops you in your tracks and with apprehension; you head immediately to the internet to find out the details. What happened? Was it someone I know? Was it an aircraft I dispatched? Did they get caught in that nasty weather system we just barely vectored around?

The aviation community is a small one. Those of us who catch the aviation bug share a common passion and our paths tend to crisscross throughout a lifetime building friendships that extend globally. Therefore, when someone perishes in a tragic accident, we experience a sense of loss, like we have lost one of our own. In understanding how the events leading up to the accident occurred and experience a sense of loss, like we have lost one of our own. In understanding how the events leading up to the accident occurred and why, it can provide

INFORMED OPINION

H E A L T H A N D B E A U T Y

fundamental knowledge that may one day help you to avoid a similar occurrence.

Aviation is a complex field where ideally the performance of properly maintained aircraft and well-trained personnel is synchronized with the unpredictable challenges such as weather, air traffic, corporate pressure and tightening purse strings. It does not take more than a couple of missteps in any one of these areas for disaster to strike.

In the aviation safety world, James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model (1990)1 is often used to demonstrate this concept. An airline, for instance, may have proactive measures in place for risk management such as training, procedures, regulations, reporting systems, each of these represented by slices of cheese which are successively stacked and make up the organisation as a whole. Each slice has holes of varying size and placement representing weaknesses in the system. Accidents occur when these “holes” align,

creating an avenue for catastrophe. Thus, the more prepared and complete those protective layers are in the system, the better defense against an opportunity for failure to occur.

As an aviation professional, it is within your power to continually build up those protections and help prevent the next mishap. Regardless of the role or position you hold in an organisation, there is always opportunity to learn, to educate, and to act. The tragic consequences of major aviation disasters ensure great effort is directed into determining the factors that contributed to the cause and the actions that could have prevented them. This work is fruitless unless the preventative measures are effectively implemented and that is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals in the aviation community must examine their own circumstances, identify if similar weaknesses exist in their own organisations, and prompt change if necessary.

The decrease in the number of aircraft accidents worldwide is positive proof there has been progress in aviation safety. While the statistics are hopeful, it is not an indication we can stop being vigilant. While major catastrophes garner media attention, they are fortunately rare but there is a rich environment close to home that can serve as perhaps the more relevant educational tool. The most poignant lessons to be learned are usually from the accidents that did not happen in operations similar to what you conduct – the close calls, the personal experiences, the hazardous situations that, when examined in hindsight, were one step away from potential calamity. An open, honest evaluation of these events can aid in bolstering procedures and lessening the risk factors. Safety education, prevention, and awareness are continual processes that never end. Fortunately, in this electronic age, there are a myriad of easily accessible resources2 that offer safety tools and an online community that is more than willing to provide advice and assistance towards a safer operation.

The lessons learned may not be applicable today but perhaps on the next mission or in the next company, they could be crucial to recognizing a hazard. An aircraft accident is a harsh reminder that we thrive in an exciting, yet dangerous profession. We have a responsibility to become safety advocates, even more importantly at the local level, to ensure those that perish in accidents were not lost in vain. Your individual commitment to constantly learn, evaluate risk and encourage improvement could be the driving force that prevents that next terrible headline and saves one of our own. REFERENCES & RESOURCES:1Reason, James (1990-10-26). Human Error. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 05213141942www.flightsafety.org FLIGHT SAFETY FOUNDATION (FSF)www.ihst.org International HELICOPTER SAFETY TEAM (IHST)www.icao.int INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO)www.linkedin.com LINKEDIN FORUMS IN AVIATION SAFETY


have helped me maintain my composure in tricky situations.

I left Foster after a year to take up a full time instruction position at another flight school and it was here that I would be tested to my personal flying limits. My first three months started with an accident that left many experts baffled. My student and I returned from the General Flying Area (GFA) and had decided to complete some circuit training. After three consecutive satisfactory landings we opted to make the next one a full stop. We had a stable approach and after a three second touchdown our left main undercarriage collapsed, the aircraft veered out of control and I assumed control bringing the aircraft to a safe stop. What seemed like minutes was over in a few seconds and being a new instructor with very few hours of instruction, you immediately question yourself and start to replay the scenario in your head trying to find a sensible conclusion. We were unfortunately the unlucky occupants of an aircraft that had previously experienced a bad landing. During this time, I was lucky to have the support of my family and friends and was flying again soon after. Most of the trauma for me was psychological, I had a few sleepless nights and became a more hands-on-the-controls instructor, and unfortunately the psychological trauma takes a while to work through and subside.

A few months after this challenging incident, I was subjected to minor incidents such as communication failure, brake failure, tyre puncture on landing etc. I slowly became depressed and was concerned if I had made the correct decision to leave my previous flight school which had a good maintenance and

I STARTED MY aviation career in 2009, I had just received my Commercial Pilot License and I was still pondering on the next step to take in my career.

I always fancied myself as the adventurer and when a job prospect in Zambia materialised I jumped at the opportunity. I packed only the essentials in my backpack and ventured into an unfamiliar territory at the tender age of 20. I got the opportunity to fly a Cessna 210 along the Zambezi River whilst learning the art of game tracking from a very experienced Zambian instructor who was killed four months later in a training flight. At the time the Zambian DCA had changed their validation requirements to 2000hrs total time an unfortunately I was 1800hrs short of that requirement.

I packed my bags and bid farewell to a place that had given me a chance to put my career into perspective. I returned to South Africa and was determined to complete my instructors rating and share my experiences with students, promising myself that I would always instruct because I wanted to teach my love for aviation to anyone who would listen. I sometimes think that it is this love alone that keeps me going when life challenges threaten to overwhelm me.

After a six month unemployment spell I was offered a job at Foster Aero Training as an English Language Proficiency teacher and later as the Flight School Manager where I would instruct after hours. Shaun Laver, the previous Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) - now a close friend - taught me valuable skills that

INFORMED OPINION When nightmares become a reality! BY RENISHA NAIDOO, GRADE 2 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

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safety record. For many of you the answer is simple: find another job, unfortunately in aviation you only become employable if you have the correct experience and know the right people.

On my 23rd birthday I was faced with another emergency: loss of my main flight control, my elevator. Thankfully, with all those long hours at the flight school listening to old war stories, I remembered that my trimmer was still useful and after politely requesting emergency services to be on standby we landed safely. It was after that incident that I became more determined to upgrade my instructors rating and move on to another organisation.

After many early mornings at the airport and late nights drawing complex aircraft systems on my fridge, I successfully upgraded my rating in April 2012. Having my Grade 2 rating made it easier to seek employment elsewhere in a highly competitive market. I resigned from my job and went back to Foster Aero where I presently freelance. I have a new job prospect on the horizon and I am completing my Airline Transport licence (ATP) theoretical examinations.

When I first embarked on my aviation journey, I was very ambitious, constantly chasing the next goal but after my experiences, I learned that sometimes slowing down and taking in that beautiful sunset is what I actually signed up for. I am still ambitious, but I think I am more careful about my choices and enjoy the simple pleasures of life more.

My role at SAWIA is to mentor young women starting in aviation and to remind them that no matter how difficult the journey may get you always plan to arrive at your destination. I am still on my journey and the destination is still a long distance away.


Critical Incident Response Conference Feedback 2012 BY WENDY SANTILHANO

THE FOCUS OF PILOT ASSISTANCE is to provide peer support (i.e. pilots supporting pilots). Typically, these programmes support crew confronted with life crises, aeromedical issues, substance abuse problems, and the trauma of critical incidents and accidents.

WHAT IS A CRITICAL INCIDENT?

Aviation law contains specific definitions of critical incidents and accidents. In the context of Pilot Assistance, the term “Critical Incident” holds a different meaning. It describes an experience which is potentially so traumatic that the individual’s normal capacity to cope is ineffective. The ensuing stress reactions are normal responses of a normal individual to an abnormal event which has triggered the fight/ flight response in the brain.

From the perspective of Pilot Assistance, a critical incident is any incident or accident which is perceived or felt to be life-threatening to yourself or someone close to you. Critical incident response programmes, or CIRP, are designed to help pilots cope with processing such an abnormal event which usually triggers the fight/flight response in the brain.

INFORMED OPINION

POINTS TO PONDER

PILOTS TRUST ‘THE STRIPES’A kinship-attitude tends to prevail amongst pilots. Pilots talk with pilots because we tend to trust each other, we understand concerns about implications/ramifications of potential threats to licenses and medicals. Talking with a trained and skilled colleague when in difficult circumstances is proven to be particularly effective.

THE ADRENALINE CYCLE Hormones race through our system at time of an incident kicking our brains and bodies into high gear for a short period of time. However, pilots are generally unaware that there is a ‘hidden’ or unexpected danger when these survival hormone levels subside. Consequently it can be very hazardous to assume we are fit to ‘complete the mission.’

BE AWARE: SOCIAL MEDIA SITESSocial media sites are not private or secure. In the event you are involved in a severe incident, the press may dig around for information which may perhaps be used against you.


IMAGE SOURCE: http://tommy92c.deviantart.com/art/Emergency-Landing-279388049


THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NYDA) hosted the inaugural South African Youth Awards (SA Youth Awards) on Saturday, 28 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand following months of planning and intense preparation. The awards, solely dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements of young South Africans were both inspiring and spectacular. With the theme ‘Against All Odds’, the primary objective of the SA Youth Awards is to provide a platform to showcase the exceptional work and contribution that young people are making in their communities and the world and to tell inspiring stories of youth who have achieved extra ordinary merits, despite odds and the challenges. The awards also seek to recognise individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to youth development.Refilwe Ledwaba, who established the South African Women in Aviation and Aerospace Industry (SAWIA) won the Social Entrepreneurship category.SOURCE: www.nyda.gov.za


CEO Group’s Aerospace Category for SA’s most Influential Women in Business & Government & the National Youth Development Agency, Social Entrepreneurship Awards: Refilwe Ledwaba

2012 AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS


FOUNDED IN 2008 by EMLYON Business School, KPMG France, joined in 2011 by Singaporean institutions Action Committee for Entrepreneurship, Nanyang Technological University, and the French City of Lyon and Lyon Chamber of Commerce, the World Entrepreneurship Forum is the first global think-tank dedicated to entrepreneurs, creators of wealth and social justice. Selected members from more than 60 countries meet annually to tackle pressing issues with entrepreneurial solutions. The World Entrepreneurship Forum 5th edition will take place in the city of Lyon, France on 24–27 October 2012. This year topic is “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: cultivating communities to drive wealth creation and social justice”SOURCE: www.wikipedia.org

Sibongile Sambo, founder and Managing Director of SRS Aviation and a member of SAWIA’s Board of Advisors has been has been appointed as one of the Ambassadors at the 2012 World Entrepreneurship Forum.

SRS Aviation is the first 100% black female-owned aviation company that

2012 World Entrepreneurship Forum Ambassador: Sibongile Sambo

offers clients professional and personalised flight options to destinations around the world.

Prior to establishing her own company, Sibongile worked for organisations such as City Power and De Beers to name a few.

Sibongile’s impressive achievements include: the 2006 winner of the BWA’s Regional Business Women of the Year award in the Start-up category; a winner at the Black Woman in Business Awards 2006 in London; the 2006 winner of the Impumelelo Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award; a finalist in the 2007 Cosmopolitan Movers of the Year award; a recipient of the 2008 Black

Management Forum Presidential Award in the Category of Youth Business Leadership.

Sibongile is a member of the National Small Business Advisory Council that advises the South African Minister of Trade and Industry on small business and where she advocates for the interests of small business. In 2007 she was named a Leader of Tomorrow by Fortune Magazine.By Laurian MilesSOURCE: http://www.world-entrepreneurship-forum.com

CEO GROUP’S AEROSPACE CATEGORY FOR SA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT. The 11th annual South Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government (MiW) Awards, presented by CEO Communications, took place at a dazzling gala event

on 26 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The awards once again recognised the inspirational women achievers

in business and government who are working for the benefit of South Africa and its future generations.

No fewer than 81 finalists in 28 industry sectors, ranging from Aerospace and Defence, to Welfare and Related Community Services, were selected from hundreds of nominees and judged by an independent judging panel consisting of various high-profile industry leaders to ensure a fair and unbiased selection of winners.Refilwe was awarded the CEO Group’s Aviation, Aerospace

& Defence Category for South Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business & Government.

SOURCE: www.ceomag.co.za


IN LINE WITH SAWIA’s objectives to facilitate access to funding for skills development, SAWIA partners as a collective with various players to offer scholarships and further education opportunities in flight training, type ratings, instructor ratings, cabin crew scholarships and sponsorship for aviation academic pursuits.

Past Scholarship Winners

MICHAELA MEISWINKEL 2010/2011 KFS INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

MICHAELA MEISWINKEL. On 9 May 2011, Michaela Meiswinkel, an aspiring pilot from Port Elizabeth was awarded to very first keep Flying International Scholarship. Michaela hails from Port Elizabeth, is the youngest of three children and she is currently a cadet at Aptrac Flying School working towards her Commercial Pilot license. In addition to the night rating, Michaela will also receive CX2 pathfinder, mentorship from SAWIA and will feature in one of the major Airline magazines:www.flyafrica.info/forums/showthread.php?38554-SAWIA-Announces-the-Keep-Flying-scholarship-International-Winner

MAPHUTI NDALA 2011/2012 KFS INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

MAPHUTI NDALA’s scholarship provided her with funding to complete her night rating and CPL Ground School exams. She hails from Tshwane (Pretoria) and is currently the holder of a Private Pilot License. She hopes to one day fly for an airline. Maphuti has a keen intereted in all issues affecting the South African youth and is a volunteer with SAWIA’s Girl Fly Programme in Africa. www.wai.org/education/scholarship_winners_2012.cfm & www.afwdigital.org/afw/20120506?pg=36#pg36

LUMKA MSIBI 2012 SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE SUMMER SPACE PROGRAM

LUMKA MSIBI attended the 2012 Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program (SH-SSP) in Adelaide, Australia in February this year - made possible through scholarships she received from the International Space University, the University of South Australia, the South African National Space Agency, Southern African Women in Aviation & Aerospace and the Aeronautical Society of South Africa. (See Lumka’s Q&A on Page 5)Read Limka’s blog contribution on SAWIA’s blog: http://southernafricanwomeninaviation.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-southern-hemisphere-summer-space.html

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIPS

SAWIA/Keep Flying Scholarship SA 2013

CLOSING DATE : NOVEMBER 12, 2012 VALUE US$3000Keep Flying Scholarship and SAWIA (sawia.org) are offering one $3,000 (approx. R20000) scholarship to an individual working on an instrument or multiengine, commercial or flight instructor certificate. Candidates must be citizens of a SADC country, hold a PPL, have 100 hours flight time and have passed all written exams for the license sought. Follow Women in Aviation guidelines. In your essay tell how the funds will be used, your goals and any relevant information. One LOR must be from a pilot who has flown with you. Scholarship will only be paid out to a South African flight school.

Interviews will be in Johannesburg/SA in February 2013. Application must be a single PDF file, 1.5 MB max. Submit to [email protected] with “KFS – Southern Africa” in the subject.

Please be sure to read guidelines: www.wai.org/education/guidelines.cfm

Other organisations offering scholarships

Women in Aviation; Women in Corporate Aviation and The Ninety-Nines Inc and Whirly Girls.

Maphuthi Ndala chats to us...I MATRICULATED AT Tswane North Collage in South Africa in 2007. I obtained my Private Pilot Licence at SAFTA in 2010. I first heard about SAWIA when my friends who I had started flying with at SAFTA informed me about SAWIA’s trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands to attend the Women in Europe Aviation conference. They also told me about the bursaries that SAWIA was offering to aspiring female pilots. I applied for the bursary and by the grace of God, I obtained it. I was working in the Netherlands as an Au Pair when I obtained the bursary. I went to the Netherlands to raise money so that I could come back

and finance my commercial pilot training since my mother had retired and could not afford to further my studies I immediately came back home to South Africa. The bursary was going to fund my Night Rating and Commercial Pilot Theoretical exams. I am very grateful and honoured to be awarded a bursary by SAWIA. I must also state that I would like to specifically thankful to Refilwe Ledwaba and the SAWIA board for playing a major role in my career. Refilwe is a coach and a mentor. I would also like to state that the same must be done to all the disadvantaged girls out there whose dreams to pursue career’s in Aviation could not be fulfilled due to financial reasons. May Refilwe continue to walk me through my dream of becoming a pilot and may her ubuntu be fulfilled with my success and all the girls that she is mentoring.

2012 World Entrepreneurship Forum Ambassador: Sibongile Sambo


SAWIA September 2012 | Smooth Landing eNewsletter

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