Roedolf De Lange looks back fondly on his time in the aviation industry and remains excited for what the future holds. From working offshore contracts throughout Africa to starting his own business, Roedolf aims to always keep a good work-life balance and remain focussed on personal wellbeing.
After 14 years in the aviation industry, Roedolf De Lange says that he never truly planned to become a pilot. His first foray into aviation came in 2005. A short flight in a Robinson R22 immediately became one of his most memorable life exeperiences and it was from this moment he knew he wanted it to be his career. “14 years later and I would not trade my job for the world,” he notes.
His career has taken him to several locations, involved various contract operations, and offshore flying throughout Africa. It was during his time flying offshore from Durban that he says he realised what procedural flying was all about. Speaking about his start there he says, “I found it very intimidating at first but I loved it! We flew the marine pilot service, conducted search and rescue flights, medivacs and crew changes.”
”I believe that one’s personal wellbeing is just as important as one’s career”
The workload was of course, immense. The more time spent in these conditions however, increased Roedolf’s skill to the point where he felt increasingly capable of handling the pressure. “I have learnt from some of the best captains in South Africa for whom I have enormous amounts of respect,” he notes. “I am now a captain myself and I can pay it forward to those upcoming pilots flying with me.”
Roedolf’s time based in Durban served as preparation for his work on offshore contracts throughout Africa. This did however, come with the usual hardships of contract work. Months away from home, the strain on personal relationships, and the difficulty of ever feeling settled. “Contract flying definitely had an effect on my personal life. It effected my relationships, family life and personal growth,” says Roedolf. “I’m very fortunate to have settled in as a line pilot for Aerios Global Aviation in Cape Town, conducting maritime support operations.”
“I’ve had many times where I thought that I reached a dead end with regards to funding or gaining ground toward my licence. Hang in there, eventually you will find a way.”
His journey to this point was not always the simplest or smoothest. Such is the case for so many pilots chasing their dreams. “It’s a tough and demanding journey to reach your commercial licence and even thereafter. I’ve had many times where I thought that I reached a dead end with regards to funding or gaining ground toward my licence.” Roedolf’s advice to those facing similar struggles is to, “Hang in there, eventually you will find a way.”
Outside of aviation, Roedolf runs a company that produces horse feed and has recently built two houses which generate rental income. These businesses were partly as a result of the fragility of the airline industry and his desire to diversify his income streams. He is also an avid mountain bike enthusiast and compares it favourably to flying. “I enjoy being able to constantly explore new places and keep fit at the same time. It’s much like flying – constantly having to check your decision making process on where to ride, which line to take, or which jump to take. Getting injured is not an option in my career.”
“Take time and give time but be selfish in who you share it with because life is short and it flies by very quickly.”
This part of Roedolf’s life is essential to the balance he tries to keep throughout everything he does. He notes the importance of remaining active and taking care of oneself alongside any career ambitions. He advises that, “You cannot be truly happy successful in one without being happy and successful in the other. This takes effort and discipline. Take time and give time but be selfish in who you share it with because life is short and it flies by very quickly.”
Such an outlook on life is one that so many aspire to embody. As Roedolf notes, it takes effort and discipline. Aviation is a career full of ups and downs, both literal and figurative, and mental wellbeing is of paramount importance as it relates to career success. Focus on the hard work it takes to reach your goals but be sure not to neglect your own happiness and health. Roedolf serves as a prime example of this in his consistent efforts to maintain balance and his successes stand as testament.