Help local pilot keep his wings to fly
Flying was always his dream, but nearly an impossible one, however, Mcuphi Nkombi has his mind set on reaching his childhood dream.
Eden Park’s Mcuphi Nkombi, 33, is now closer to reaching his childhood dream of becoming a licensed commercial pilot.
He recently completed his commercial theory exams and is now only left with two operational subjects before completing his license. However, he needs financial assistance in maintaining shortfalls for his training.
Though partially funded by a Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) bursary, he needs about R150 000 to complete his training.
The first time he was ever close to an aeroplane was during a school trip at OR Tambo International Airport.
“Once inside the flight deck, we took turns in the pilot’s seat. Having had that experience, I made a promise to one day sit in one of those seats as a commercially licensed pilot. I had my first flying experience during my first training flight, as I couldn’t afford a flight ticket or even an intro-flight,” said Mcuphi.
Passion’s first take-off
After passing his matric, he took a gap year and looked for ways of funding his flight training.
In 2011, he registered with Wits University for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the same year, he participated in the university’s Common Purpose Frontrunner programme.
“I couldn’t finish his degree because of financial constraints. After two years at Wits, I went back home and continued where I left off, chasing my childhood dream of becoming a commercial pilot. It took me more than two years looking for funding, but at the end of 2015 eventually, my flying career took off with TETA funding my private pilot licence (PPL),” he explained.
Mcuphi obtained his PPL in May 2018 at Johannesburg School of Flying in Germiston and has now just started his training towards a commercial pilot licence (CPL) at U-FLY flight training academy.
Looking forward, he aspires to run his own NPO, assisting underprivileged youngsters with career guidance and mentoring.
For any monetary assistance, contact Mcuphi on 078 876 3925.
https://albertonrecord.co.za/223671/eden-park-pilot-appeals-for-help-to-cover-expenses/
