As a former South African biathlete and Air Force pilot, Tanya Livingstone tell us about her path through aviation and what keeps her motivated.
Tanya’s aviation career began as part of the first intake of women into the South African Air Force. Alongside her room mate, Kerryn Macbeth, she was one of only 5 women to earn their wings on 11 December 1997. Thus began her successful and varied journey into the skies. A journey that would take her from military service to offshore helicopter flying, with contract work in Nigeria adding to her wealth of experience.
Military life was not always plain sailing however. Having risen in rank and experience during her time, Tanya sometimes felt the old guard may be somewhat intimidated. Ever persistent though, after her 10 years of service with the Air Force, her contract experience in Africa began. For many pilots, this often serves as a proving ground where skills are honed and nerves are tested. By most accounts it also happens to bring about some of the most wonderful aviation memories.
The contract flying took place while working for Bristow Helicopters between 2006 and 2014. Of her time there she says, “I managed to do a lot of travelling in my time off and it was a great opportunity to work for the biggest offshore helicopter company at the time.”
“Choose a career you love!”
Now working for Titan Helicopter Group, Tanya has also found time to recapture some of her hobbies from earlier in life. During school, she achieved Junior Springbok colours for biathlon. After leaving, she completed a Sports Management Diploma and worked as a professional life guard at Amanzimtoti. She’s back in the water once again and has been competing in the masters group for the past five years.
Tanya has continued to work throughout the lockdown, servicing a PetroSA contract as an essential worker. Despite that work, her hours have been diminished since the beginning of the pandemic. Not one to rest on her laurels however, she has kept herself busy by sewing over 1000 masks and buffs for the community.
With the end of 2020 fast approaching, we can only hope life returns to some degree of normal in the very near future. Tanya’s determination to keep busy throughout lockdown and her desire to continue competing in the ocean are wonderful examples of her resolve. Such examples will follow us into the new year and should remain at the forefront of our minds.