Students take to the sky as pilots and navigators

The development team, made up of six top matric students from Ulundi, were selected as part of an initiative to bring real aviation and flying experiences to the youth through simulating the role of either pilot or navigator.

The simulated pilot and navigator concept sought to do more than offer a first time flight experience to the selected students by giving them the opportunity to be part of the whole race over the long weekend. The students got to experience all facets of an air race, such as attending the mandatory pilots briefings, getting taught navigation of charts and routes through interaction with other experienced pilots and being shown how the technical elements of an aircraft work.

When the students landed back home in Ulundi, they were all very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity. One of the students, who plan to study Mechanical Engineering after matric, commented, "I was sure about following an engineering career but after this experience, I think a career in aviation is something I want to seriously consider."

Dr Clive Coetzee, general manager of Infrastructure Management and Economic Services at KZN Treasury, said, "The involvement of private enterprise, such as Federal Air, highlights what can be accomplished in partnership with the KZN Winter Air Tour to bring tangible experiences to the youth and to develop their interest in the industry."

Federal Air's on-going partnership with the KZN Winter Air Tour is part of their dedication and commitment to the communities they operate in by looking for new and innovative ways to engage the children and excite them about the world of flying.