Pilot bursary programme launched
FlyNamibia earlier this month launched the official start of its pilot bursary programme by welcoming successful candidates to the FlyNamibia team.After the announcement of this programme in November 2021, FlyNamibia received over 1 400 applications. Extensive due diligence was undertaken to narrow down the field and ensure that only the very best candidates made the final selection. Extensive application and interview processes lead to the eventual selection of four candidates for the pilot programme.
These four candidates, along with their parents and family members, were invited to the Westair Aviation and FlyNamibia facilities to meet their instructors, the programme director as well as members of the FlyNamibia board, including Ambassador Tonata Itenge-Emvula.
The candidates are all Namibians between the ages of 23 to 24.
Speaking to the bursars, Westair Aviation chief executive Henri van Schalkwyk said that “Our goal for this programme is for there to be a 100% success rate. From our side, we will make sure that you have all the foundational support you need to succeed, but at the end of the day the hard work will come from you.”
Practical experience
The system which will train the candidates will include on-the-job instruction in all aspects of the aviation industry, including pilot training, cabin crew, aircraft engineering as well as finance and management. During their three-year apprenticeship, trainees will get experience in and exposure to all aspects of the industry.
Parallel with their primary training each individual will also learn how other aspects of aviation work and operates so that, upon completion of their training and studies, they are familiar with all aspects of the business and have a better-rounded understanding of the industry.
Van Schalkwyk noted that this style of training will enable the candidates to have first-hand knowledge and understanding of each department that forms the foundation of aviation operations and will make them better pilots.
Pilot training is a complex process that involves mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It can take several years and cost tens of thousands of dollars to complete. The bursary programme will cover all costs involved in the training of the candidates to reach the required qualification levels to one-day pilot FlyNamibia’s fleet.
Further assistance
Beyond this extensive financial contribution, the bursary will also include a monthly stipend for the candidates as they will be making a valuable contribution to the company while undergoing their on-the-job training.
Through projects such as these, FlyNamibia and Westair Aviation hope to advance their human capital and support the aviation industry in Namibia by enabling and producing a highly skilled workforce that can further help the industry prosper. This in turn becomes an export for the nation and supports FlyNamibia’s goals of being a positive economic driver and a beacon for change and prosperity for the country.