The Flying Fish

Achieving the status of ‘Private Pilot’ is no walk in the park. I was lucky enough to have my dad teach me the basics, so when I started official training I skipped a few steps. Judging from fellow students, you first get assigned an instructor, and attend a series of briefings. I imagine that one would also apply for a SPL (Student Pilot’s License) during this time. Basically the SPL means that you fill out loads of forms, part with some money, and fight with the CAA. In return for your efforts, you get a license number that you need for all the forms you’re going to be filling out, and it also allows you to write the online exams, and you’re also permitted to fly solo for the purpose of training. But you can read up on all of this in a handy little book called South African Air Law for Private Pilots. After a number of briefings, I imagine you start with the practical aspects of flying, such as straight and level. Most of the time I had a briefing, then we’d fly, then we’d debrief. I...

So, the bright idea of doing my PPL popped into my head sometime near the end of 2008. Why I suddenly decided to do this is beyond me, but I'm glad that I made that decision. My dad is a pilot, so I've been exposed to aviation since I was born, and I often got to fly in the jumpseat of a 737. However I think I only ever really became fascinated with flying in 2007 when I fell in love with the Buccaneer. That jet got me thinking, and before I knew it I was researching all sorts of jets and helicopters, and finding out about the air force and all sorts of other aviation-related things. My dad had also purchased a MicroWings Cubby, which I'm truly in love with. Clever me attended flying lectures at the end of 2008, and I started writing the exams in 2009, which was also my grade 11 year. What possessed me to do this is beyond me (a lot of things are beyond me), but somehow I managed to juggle school, A-levels, flying, and all the ups-and-downs that come with being 17. The prac...

This is a place for me to share my flying adventures with whoever is interested. I'd also like to give people an idea of what becoming a pilot involves, and how one can acheive the ultimate goal (which in my case is getting my CPL and flying in Botswana or Namibia). I am by no means an expert when it comes to flying matters (or anything really), and whatever is expressed here are purely my views and opinions. My facts might not always be correct, but I'll do my best to make sure that they're as accurate as possible. If something doesn't seem right, please feel free to let me know. When in doubt, ASK! In case you're wondering why this has been called "The Flying Fish", it's because I've become known as "Sardine", and I felt that, because of this nickname of mine, 'flying fish' would be a suitable name for a blog about my flying. Please note that all photographs posted here are my own, unless otherwise stated. Welcome and enjoy!