“It’s Been Nothing Short of Magical”: Inspiring Woman Goes From Cabin Crew to Commercial Pilot

• Elizabeth Mapatle achieved her dream of becoming a commercial pilot after working as cabin crew for LIFT airline for five years
• The determined woman made significant sacrifices, including selling furniture and choosing between groceries and flying lessons to fund her aviation training
• Elizabeth overcame the devastating loss of both parents just one month apart during the most critical phase of her pilot training, showing remarkable resilience and determination

An inspiring South African woman has turned her childhood aviation dreams into reality by becoming a commercial pilot, proving that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle. Elizabeth Mapatle's journey from cabin crew member to certified pilot is a testament to perseverance in the face of both financial and personal challenges.

Elizabeth has been working as cabin crew for LIFT airline for five years, bringing her total airline industry experience to an impressive 15 years. Her love for aviation began during childhood visits to the then Jan Smuts Airport with her father, where she would watch planes take off and land.

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"That's where it all started. I was amazed at all these incredible machines taking to the skies," she explained.

Elizabeth's path to achieving her commercial pilot's licence was filled with significant sacrifices that show her unwavering commitment to her dream. She had to make difficult choices between basic necessities and her training, often choosing between buying groceries and paying for flying lessons. The dedicated woman even sold a bed from her second bedroom to cover flying expenses and skipped holidays to fund her aviation education.

The most challenging period came when Elizabeth lost both her parents just one month apart during the most intense phase of her pilot training. Despite this devastating personal tragedy, she managed to continue her studies through exercise, reading, and taking each day as it came, believing that a healthy body equals a strong mind.

How to become a commercial pilot

According to Zino Aviation, becoming a commercial pilot in South Africa involves several steps and requirements. Aspiring pilots must obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate, complete ground school covering aviation regulations and aircraft systems, and accumulate at least 200 hours of flight experience.

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The journey typically costs between R710,652 to R1,332,318 and takes 18 to 24 months to complete, though some accelerated programmes can reduce this to 12-13 months. Students must first obtain a Private Pilot License before progressing to a Commercial Pilot License, with additional ratings like instrument flying certification, enhancing their capabilities and job prospects.

Elizabeth's achievement is particularly significant as she joins less than 6% of female commercial pilots worldwide, according to the Air Line Pilots Association International. She acknowledges that women in aviation often face additional challenges, being questioned before they get the chance to prove themselves, which pushes them to work twice as hard to change perceptions.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth Mapatle already has her sights set on her next goal: writing her Airline Transport Pilot License exams and possibly pursuing a law degree. Her advice to young women aspiring to become pilots is simple but powerful:

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"You're going to hear more 'no's than 'yes's.' But if you know your why, you stick to it, no matter how tough it gets."

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Source: Briefly News