STUDENT STORIES:
Delta… Charlie… Foxtrot…
Armien Abrahams & Shaheer Van Duyn
“Foxtrot Sierra Lemur.” Aviation jargon… ever wondered how air traffic controllers communicate on the radio? The airline’s call sign is always used along with the flight number. This helps ensure their communications are clear.
Aviation jargon is all too familiar with two of our aviation cadet learners, Shaheer and Armien who are studying at Cape Academy of MST and at the Morning Star Flight Academy. What is a cadet program? It is a flight school that trains the cadet pilots to ensure that there is a supply of qualified pilots for airlines. To become a cadet, you will have to undergo a rigid assessment process to ensure that you qualify and are competent for the intense flight programme. Some of the criteria include: writing an essay, an intense interview, a medical test and writing a psychometric test. The psychometric test consists of questions based on situational awareness and safety, self-confidence, stress management and work ethics.
I asked our two cadets what had inspired them to study aviation.
Shaheer replied: “My passion for aviation started at the Ysterplaat Air show. At this time I was nine years old and this was the first time I saw the Silver Falcons. I went for a flight in a Douglas DC9 and a C130 Hercules at Ysterplaat air force base. The pilot skilfully did some aerobatic manoeuvres which was amazing and guess what … I was allowed to sit in the cockpit. I was truly intrigued and I knew from that moment that I was meant to study aviation. It was at this point that my passion was kindled.
Armien shared a similar story where his passion for flying started at a tender young age. My brother and I spent a lot of time building model aeroplanes. Armien visited the Ysterplaat Air show and fondly remembers the first time he saw the Silver Falcons fly and commence radical aeronautical manoeuvres. He said, “ It was at this moment when my never ending fascination propelled me to take a keen interest in aviation. Currently I attend the Cape Academy where I am involved in the Aviation Program – studying the theory aspect of my PPL (Private Pilot’s License). At Morningstar Flight Academy I am busy with the more ‘fun’ part of my studies – the practical aspect (flying)! As of date I have acquired nine hours (total flight time).
This is a once in a life time opportunity for me and I see myself not only flying domestic but also international flights in future.
“Ladies and Gentlemen this is your pilot speaking, thank you for choosing our airline and enjoying your stay with us. We look forward to making your acquaintance on your next flight with us.”
Aviation jargon is all too familiar with two of our aviation cadet learners, Shaheer and Armien who are studying at Cape Academy of MST and at the Morning Star Flight Academy. What is a cadet program? It is a flight school that trains the cadet pilots to ensure that there is a supply of qualified pilots for airlines. To become a cadet, you will have to undergo a rigid assessment process to ensure that you qualify and are competent for the intense flight programme. Some of the criteria include: writing an essay, an intense interview, a medical test and writing a psychometric test. The psychometric test consists of questions based on situational awareness and safety, self-confidence, stress management and work ethics.
I asked our two cadets what had inspired them to study aviation.
Shaheer replied: “My passion for aviation started at the Ysterplaat Air show. At this time I was nine years old and this was the first time I saw the Silver Falcons. I went for a flight in a Douglas DC9 and a C130 Hercules at Ysterplaat air force base. The pilot skilfully did some aerobatic manoeuvres which was amazing and guess what … I was allowed to sit in the cockpit. I was truly intrigued and I knew from that moment that I was meant to study aviation. It was at this point that my passion was kindled.
Armien shared a similar story where his passion for flying started at a tender young age. My brother and I spent a lot of time building model aeroplanes. Armien visited the Ysterplaat Air show and fondly remembers the first time he saw the Silver Falcons fly and commence radical aeronautical manoeuvres. He said, “ It was at this moment when my never ending fascination propelled me to take a keen interest in aviation. Currently I attend the Cape Academy where I am involved in the Aviation Program – studying the theory aspect of my PPL (Private Pilot’s License). At Morningstar Flight Academy I am busy with the more ‘fun’ part of my studies – the practical aspect (flying)! As of date I have acquired nine hours (total flight time).
This is a once in a life time opportunity for me and I see myself not only flying domestic but also international flights in future.
“Ladies and Gentlemen this is your pilot speaking, thank you for choosing our airline and enjoying your stay with us. We look forward to making your acquaintance on your next flight with us.”
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