The annual FAPE (the
ICAO name for the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport) open day took
place on Saturday June 29, at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in
Gqeberha.
Hosted by the Algoa
Flying Club, the day was a fun-filled day for the entire family
and full of unforgettable moments. Highlights from the day included well-known Patrick
Davidson and Robert Bodley arriving with the Harvard’s, Dave Mandel arriving with
the L29 Jet and a small flight performance by the SAPS Airwing Chopper, to name
just a few. But the real highlight of the day was meeting the future pilots of
South Africa.
This year’s FAPE open day was aimed at providing valuable information
and insights to aspiring pilots of any age, or those wanting to work in the aviation
industry. Whether it is to be a commercial pilot, an Air Traffic Controller or
work for the SAPS, role players from the various sectors were available to
answer any questions and give correct information on the steps it will take to
achieve those dreams.
There are many branches that make up the aviation sector and the FAPE open
day was the perfect platform to highlight them all.
The open day included various flight schools and flying clubs in the
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, displaying their aircraft. The public were able
to climb into the aircrafts and see the view from the cockpit. Visitors were
able to meet and speak to pilots, instructors, members of the South African
Civil Aviation Authority, personnel from Airports Company South Africa, the
team from the South African Weather Service, Air Traffic Controllers, and the
SAPS and their Airwing department. The SAAF Museum and ACSA Security were also
present on the day.
While flying might be a stressful experience for some as they link
flying to commercial airlines, busy and chaotic airports, long lines, security
checks and crowded airplanes. Sharon-Rose Mugridge from the Algoa flying club, and main organiser of
the day, stated
that hosting a fun and inviting open day will change that perception and give
everyone the opportunity to enjoy general aviation. One way the open day ensured
that was giving the public a chance to take a spin on the Cessna flight simulator.
“When you are curious, nothing beats seeing
something for yourself, and that is the
simple
goal of having an open day at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.”
Sharon-Rose Mugridge said.
Mugridge shared some valuable information and busted some common
myths that often make the rounds for those considering aviation as a profession.
Although pilots must meet certain medical standards set by aviation
authorities, if you are in good health, mentally and physically, and meet the
medical certificate requirements, you can pursue a career as a pilot.
“While maths is important for certain aspects of
pilot training, such as navigation and understanding aircraft performance, you do
not need to be a gifted student in mathematical and physical sciences to
succeed. The maths and physics involved in flying are quite straightforward,
especially with the guidance of knowledgeable instructors.” Mugridge said. And
another important requirement, “English is King in the aviation industry. English
is the universal language for all pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft
dispatchers in the international space and that is why all must be well-versed
in English.”
Per the SACAA’s (South African Civil
Aviation Authority) guidelines for aviation medical examiners, first-class air
transport and second-class commercial pilots are required to have 6/6 distance
vision in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
“Among common myths about being a commercial pilot,
the big one concerns eyesight. While having perfect vision may seem like a requirement,
it is not necessarily the case. The aviation industry recognises that not
everyone has flawless eyesight, which is why reasonable vision standards are in
place.” Mugridge emphasised.
With
an estimated +- 2000 visitors attending the open day on Saturday Mugridge added,
“It was a fantastic day and everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and the
experience. We have only received positive feedback and excitement for next
year’s FAPE open day and fly in, which we hope to make an even more spectacular
day.”
