From Microbiology to a rich and varied career in the skies, Vera Frahn demonstrates an enviable ability to adapt and grow within the industry.
Vera, unlike many in the aviation industry, was a nervous flier as a child. After some time and many trips as a passenger, she began to overcome her fear and was soon enthralled each time the aircraft took off.
After leaving her fears behind, she started to dream of one day becoming a pilot. Her parents however, were not all too pleased with this new fascination. Vera did not let up.
Upon entering the University of Cape Town to study Microbiology, she also joined the flying club. Her first introductory flight was to be the spark that set off a long career in aviation.
“It was a perfect day for my first flight. Smooth air and stunning scenery around Table Mountain. Needless to say, I was hooked.”
With no connections to the industry and parents who weren’t entirely on board with this new hobby, Vera worked as a waitress to pay her way. Saving wherever she could and eventually getting partial support through a government grant, she continued in her pursuit.
Vera completed her diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and, while working at the UCT medical school, obtained her PPL, CPL and instructors rating. Her hard graft earned her a well-deserved gap year and, upon her return, she took up instructing for two years.
Marriage and motherhood became the next chapter in Vera’s story but the aviation spark was still very much alive. With a strong support network by her side, Vera continued instructing part time. “My husband encouraged me to take on a couple of students at Good Hope Flying Club. I agreed, as long as the baby was my first priority.” Her young daughter became a frequent flier early on would spend many hours at the flying club.
Far from home
Her journey then took her from flying in the Red Cross Air Mercy Service to joining the South African Air Force 110 volunteer squadron. Piloting a Beechcraft in Kinshasa to a Learjet in Ulundi. These experiences were invaluable but took a toll on family life. Vera had by now given birth to another daughter and her career at the time meant long stints away from her children.
After a difficult period following the end of her Learjet contract in Ulundi, Vera finally landed a job with Airlink flying the Embraer ERJ135. She was based in Cape Town before getting captaincy and relocating to Johannesburg. “I loved the flying from Johannesburg,” says Vera. “I enjoyed the variety of routes with destinations such as Pemba, Nampula and Vilankulos in Mozambique as well as Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.”
The lockdown and a new chapter
Vera continued flying for Airlink until, to her surprise, her last flight took place on the 20th of March 2020. She was completing a post retirement contract that was due to end in June 2020 but this was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a shock to learn that my flying at Airlink had suddenly and unexpectedly been terminated,” says Vera. “Once I accepted that, I adapted to the situation. I appreciated the fact that my family was together through lockdown.”
With aviation in an uncertain place for so many pilots, Vera doesn’t know what the future holds. “I don’t feel ready to retire and stop flying yet. I would at least would like to keep my license current, and do some recreational flying,” she notes.
Outside of aviation Vera enjoying keeping busy by hiking, reading and spending time with her grandson. Her journey through the aviation industry has been rich and varied. Epitomised by a desire to gain experience, adapt and strive for new adventures. The final chapter in that journey has yet to be written and we’re excited to see what it holds.