Penelope’s dream of taking to the skies is realised

Many young people are reluctant to pursue their dreams using their background as a hindrance to be where they want to be in life.

But for Penelope Setlaleleng financial constraints would not stop her from soaring to the skies.

Setlaleleng’s love for the aviation industry started at a very young age when she was in Grade 6.

This Tembisa-born pilot from Emkhathini Section said as a child walking home from school, used to wonder how aeroplanes fly, and what makes them take off and how they are able to land safely on the ground.

“I was not raised in a financially privileged home and the priorities of life, like providing food for my family, had to precede fulfilling my dreams of becoming a pilot.

“I grew up in a single parent home so I had to get a weekend job to pay for school fees. It felt at the time that I would never reach my goals, but then I came across an advert in the newspaper, and the airline was looking for cabin crew.

“I applied and was successful. On August 9, 2003, that is when my journey began,” said Setlaleleng.

She said she served as a cabin crew member for six years, She then applied for a staff bursary and studied toward a diploma in public relations.

“I took this route since studying for a pilot’s licence was still out of my reach as the courses were very expensive.

“Whilst continuing with my studies my love of becoming a pilot never faded and I still held on to my dream.

“My dream was soon realised. I am eternally grateful to my dear mom, who used her retirement funds to support my studies at the Africa Aviation Academy. The journey was indeed a difficult one as I had to study part-time and work full time,” Setlaleleng reminisced.

Setlaleleng, as a mother of two beautiful boys, had to make certain that she sets an example, both by being a role model to her children, and to prove to herself that with perseverance she can do anything she sets her mind to.

“Waking up at 3am every day to study finally paid off. I now have my Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and it is the most amazing feeling I ever felt.

Pilot training was hard. It involved a lot of studying and the pass mark is high and involves rigorous training in safety, navigation, understanding aircraft mechanics, meteorology, etc.

“The milestones in my training were getting my student pilot’s licence, which allowed me to wear single stripes on my shirt,” explained the 36-years-old mother of two.

She said other milestones include, her very first aircraft take-off, landing and flying solo.

She said that was a major achievement as she proved to herself that she could fly alone and find her way back to the airport without getting lost in the air. “Obtaining my Pilot’s Licence has been a wonderful feeling.

“I now wear two stripes and wings on my uniform.

“I would certainly encourage anyone who wants to start flying to never be discouraged easily.

“Stay focused on your dreams.

“Find a good school to train with, as this is a costly affair.

“Talk to other pilots. I found a lot of encouragement and support within the industry from other pilots,” advised the Tembisa pilot.

Setlaleleng said she still has a long way to go in achieving her ultimate dream.

Her dream is to open a black-owned aviation school that will help other people of colour and those that are above the required age.

“That will show everyone that it is possible to still reach your dream.

“It’s never too late. Most people have started the course but ultimately drop out because they end up using all the money they have and still get told that they are not ready to move on to the next level. That can be disappointing,” Setlaleleng said.

“The main reason for such a school Setlaleleng saidwas for her to be able to help other youth out there who are trying to break into the aviation industry.

“If you don’t go through cadet programmes as a person of colour it is not easy to take on this course. It is very expensive and most people end up giving up.”