Claudia takes to the skies
With a love for the outdoors, it is no surprise that Claudia has taken so well to flying.
Claudia Monin is not your typical teenager.
While most teens learn to drive cars, Claudia has decided to step it up and learn how to fly aeroplanes instead.
At the age of 17, she has completed her first solo flight as a trainee pilot, a remarkable milestone in an aviator’s life.
When she is not fulfilling her role as deputy head girl at Creston College, she is out on the airfield practicing circuits and landings.
As a young girl, Claudia dreamed of becoming a pilot.
In 2018, she attended an introductory flight at the World of Wings Flight School in Umkomaas, after which she was hooked.
In 2019, her dreams of becoming a pilot came to fruition when she began official flight training.
Claudia has been training as a pilot for her National Pilot’s License (NPL) in the category of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) on the Sling Aircraft.
She completed her first solo flight on December 3, 2020 at the Umkomaas Airfield with the World of Wings Flight School.
Claudia has since completed more solo flights where she flies with passion, pride and excellent skill.
She currently flies the Sling 2 Aircraft but is also able to fly a Bantam Microlight as well as a Foxbat.
“There is nothing more inspiring than the feeling you get once you touchdown on the runway. Knowing that I was the one to safely land that incredible machine gives me a sense of pride,” said Claudia.
When she first began flying, she was nervous because she did not know what to expect, but with further training she became more confident to fly in adverse conditions.
Claudia always looks forward to weekends at the airfield, where she meets other pilots who fly in from all around KZN.
“My favourite feeling of all, is to sit in the plane and feel completely free flying through the clouds,” explained Claudia.
Her other hobbies include exploring new places, gardening, hiking and mountain biking.
With a love for the outdoors, it is no surprise that Claudia has taken so well to flying.
Brad Isaacson, Claudia’s instructor said that “flying a first solo flight is a great achievement for any student pilot and to do this at the age of 17 is incredibly special and truly exemplary.”
Claudia is still considering plans for her flying career.
These include joining the New Zealand Airforce or joining the 43 Air School in Port Alfred.
Whatever the future holds, it is clear that the sky is not the limit for Claudia, the ground is.
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