A born aviator, marathon runner, NSRI volunteer and published writer, Heather tells us all about her life in aviation and what the future holds.
As a child, Heather remembers the sights and sounds of aircraft passing overhead on their way to and from the formerly-known Jan Smuts International Airport. Her father is a professional pilot and her family lived on the approach path which provided Heather with a childhood of plane spotting.
While still young, the family moved to the Western Cape, and Heather began joining on several flights with her father at Stellenbosch Flying Club. Perhaps because she had been surrounded by aviation from such an early age, Heather found these flights boring rather than entertaining or inspiring.
“If you put in the time and effort, you will reap the rewards.”
Things changed however, when her father purchased a Cubby and she began to get more involved with each flight, sparking her desire to pursue aviation. “I joined on more and more flights, and each time I would do more. From learning the pre-flight and safe refuelling procedures, to handling the aircraft in flight.”
The following year she obtained her Private Pilot’s Licence. She was then given the choice of pursuing a university degree or her Commercial Pilot’s Licence. “I wasn’t very strong academically at school, so I naturally went for the CPL,” she explains. She immersed herself in the Flying Club, learning so much from simply listening to the “grey beards”.
Into Africa and beyond
Heather dreamed of flying Cessna Caravans over the Okavango Delta in Botswana. When she obtained her CPL, unfortunately the requirements had become stricter and this was no longer an option for her. However, her dream became a reality three years later after obtaining her Instructor’s Rating and spending some time building hours. “I spent over three glorious years winging my way over the Okavango Delta as a pilot for Mack Air! They weren’t kidding when they said it is some of the best flying you can do!” This experience did not come without challenges. Heather remembers working 12 hour days in 40 degree heat, 6 days a week and only taking leave once a year.
“Grab every opportunity to fly, meet people, and learn! Be a sponge and soak up knowledge.”
Growing up, Heather realised that being a pilot was not as glamorous as it seems. Her dad was away for months at a time and she herself missed many birthdays and other special occasions during her aviation career.
To aspiring aviators, she offers some insightful advice:
- Be disciplined. “It takes many hours of studying, and just when you think you are done, you find that there’s yet more to learn and more money to be paid! It never ends.”
- Have a Plan B. “When things go wrong, or the income is slow, just knowing there is a back-up plan will be a huge mental relief.”
- Enjoy it! “Grab every opportunity to go fly, and meet people, and learn! Be a sponge and soak up knowledge.”
Life is a marathon. Sometimes an ultra-marathon
When asked about how she is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather responds with optimism: “Covid forced me to take a break. I am trying to use my free time productively. I have completed a variety of online short courses, from leadership and time management, to nutrition and exercise. Who knows, maybe I find my calling in a completely different industry!”
Apart from flying, Heather also enjoys writing and has had articles published in Global Lifestyle Aviator Magazine. She has also recently joined the NSRI as a volunteer; something she has wanted to do for the past 7 years.
It appears that Heather loves to set herself new challenges and goals. In 2018 she discovered and fell in love with running. She has since taken part in two half-marathons and also set herself a “solo” marathon challenge. “Running, like most things, is primarily a mental game. I was curious to know if I could run 42.2km by myself. It turns out I do have what it takes to be alone with my thoughts for 42.2km!”
Her future goals? Complete an ultra-marathon and take part in multi-day mountain biking and running events. Despite her fear of heights, skydiving is on Heather’s bucket list. “I can’t stand on the first floor of a building and look down without my stomach churning and breaking out in a fearful sweat. But I will happily fly with doors or windows open (or removed), and hang my limbs out.”