Matthew James Barrett (25) from Sunninghill, is just 13 flying hours away from completing his Private Pilot’s Licence, the crucial milestone toward becoming a commercial pilot.

Barrett has already logged 31 hours, made significant sacrifices, and kept his dream alive through years of disciplined effort. But while determination has carried him this far, the cost of training now threatens to keep his wings on the ground.

His love for aviation began with his grandfather, who served in the Air Force and later trained at Grand Central Airport, the same Midrand airfield where Barrett now flies. “As a kid, I remember going to the library with my grandfather, looking at books about planes, and listening to his stories.

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The moment I truly knew I wanted to fly, being based at the same airfield he flew from is incredibly special to me. I can’t wait to take him up for a flight once I’m done.”

From the outset, Barrett knew this journey would demand more than talent. He has worked full-time while studying, squeezing in flight hours between shifts and cutting expenses to the bone.

He sold his car to reduce costs, lives on the bare minimum, and even uses gym reward points to help cover electricity at home.

Behind him stands his mother, Joanne, and sister Tiffany Barrett. “From the moment Matthew was a little boy, he was a force of nature. He was always kind, determined, and never gave up on what he wanted. I’ve seen him excel in sports, in CrossFit, and now in flying; he was born to fly.

This dream is a family one. We’ve all made sacrifices to get him here, and I know he wants this not just for himself, but to give back to his family one day,” said Joanne.

But while passion fuels his progress, the price tag weighs heavily. Every hour in the training aircraft costs R3 500 plus a landing fee, and Barrett must still cover his remaining hours, exams, and final skills test. Beyond that, the cost of a Commercial Pilot’s Licence looms at close to R850 000, a daunting number for a young man already stretched to his limits.

“I applied for bursaries, reached out to companies, and tried every option. When nothing worked, I realised I couldn’t continue this journey alone. The support I’ve received so far has been truly inspiring and given me the hope and strength to carry on.”

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Twelve days after launching his crowdfunding campaign, 31 donors have contributed more than R49 000 toward his R500 000 target. “Every contribution literally translates into minutes in the air, covering outstanding flight hours, exam and licence fees, ground briefings, aircraft hire for the skills test, and transport to and from training.”

For Matthew, crossing this finish line is about more than a licence. It honours his family’s sacrifices, carries his grandfather’s story forward, and opens the door to mentoring new pilots who don’t know where to begin. And he has a message for every child who looks up at a passing plane and dreams of one day flying it:

“There is no feeling more surreal than defying gravity and seeing the world from a different perspective. Feed that passion and never stop working and learning. You will have to make sacrifices, but in the end, it will all be worth it.”

To support Matthew, visit his BackaBuddy campaign: here

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