As a pilot for South African Airways and a lifelong aviator, Samantha Gie takes us through her entry into the industry, offers up some advice to aspiring pilots, and gives insight into life in the skies
Aviation is a passion that many identify early in life. For Sam, this moment came at the age of 12 when she arrived home from school and told her parents she wanted to be a pilot. In a world where girls were not allowed to play cricket or take woodworking subjects, a career in aviation seemed off limits to young women.
With a supportive family around her however, Sam was encouraged to pursue her dreams and grab every opportunity available to her. From taking part in a job shadow program at the Air Force to working a holiday job at Court Helicopters, she was driven to immerse herself in the industry wherever possible.
“Doors open, even if it’s not always 100% what you want to do. Take those opportunities and run with them. If you don’t, someone else will.”
Regarding those who helped her along the way, she notes, “Captain Dick Hilland from Court Helicopters and Mr. Paine from the CT Traffic department were instrumental in my flying career. They arranged several trips for me on the Radio Good Hope traffic patrol helicopter. They literally fuelled my fire to fly!”
Though initially exposed primarily to helicopters, it was an expensive path to take in her aviation career. Rather than become despondent, Sam kept her dream alive and persevered. “That’s the beauty of aviation,” she says, “You keep knocking on doors and one will open. As long as you’re flying, it’s fantastic.”
Beyond aviation
Outside of flying, Sam dedicates a lot of her time to charity. “I strongly believe that when you’ve been given so many opportunities in life, it’s your duty to give back.” But as a pilot free time is often hard to come by and work tends to come first. From missing birthdays and special occasions to not being able to make it to Christmas family lunches, aviation is a career that tends to take over. “Luckily, my family and friends know it’s not just work for me, flying is my life.”
She also has three useful pieces of advice for aspiring pilots. As someone who has pursued aviation from a young age and spent many successful years traversing the skies, the advice she gives is not only invaluable but applies well beyond the wings and blades of an airfield:
- Always be thankful for your family. Aviation is a tough road and their support makes that road a lot less challenging.
- Doors open, even if it’s not always 100% what you want to do. Take those opportunities and run with them. If you don’t, someone else will.
- Give back. You are fortunate to be in aviation so when you’ve achieved success and you’re able to, give back to those starting out.
In such strange and uncertain times for aviation and the world at large, Sam has found herself learning new skills and appreciating family life. “I’ve been grounded since March and have no idea what my future in aviation holds. However, I’ve been very busy helping my family on their farm, having some new adventures in the Eastern Cape, and I just started a wood working course this week.”
“I strongly believe that when you’ve been given so many opportunities in life, it’s your duty to give back.”
A lot can be learned not only from Sam’s path into aviation but also her approach to the life that surrounds it. Gratitude is an ever-valuable resource that everyone would do well to tap into and keep close. Doors will always open but in times where so many are closing, it takes an open mind and a dynamic approach to see the opening doors and step over the threshold.