Spreading his wings early
Former Laerskool Rynfield pupil Louis de Wet (15) completed his first solo flight on August 4, and hopes to have his private pilot’s licence at the age of 17 - the age he will legally be allowed to attain one.
He completed the flight at the Petit Airfield, under the guidance of the Pro-Wings Training Flying School.
De Wet’s mother, Susan de Wet, said her son’s first flight was marked with mixed emotions.
‘‘The moment the instructor got out he knew that was it,’’ said Susan.
‘‘As he taxied out he did not look at me, because he was afraid that it would make him turn back (I was pale and sick with anxiety).
‘‘He was nervous until he was airborne.
‘‘Once in the air he was concentrating so much to do everything right that his first solo flight was over much too soon.
‘‘He really enjoyed it and made a perfect landing.’’
Louis’s instructor, Raymond Homer, said it is not unheard of for someone Louis’s age to fly solo, but that it is not common.
‘‘Flying an air plane is a huge responsibility, especially for someone of his age,’’ said Homer.
‘‘It is clear Louis has a passion for aviation and will go far in this industry.’’
Louis’s family are no strangers to aviation, as both his father and grandfather have pilot’s licences.
He hopes to one day get his commercial pilot’s licence and fly for South African Airways.
