What does it mean to be proud? We often have a negative connotation with the word, but we seldom stop to think about what it actually means when used in the appropriate context. To be proud means to feel pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honourable or creditable to oneself.

On Friday afternoon, 12 August, there was a great sense of pride as over 29 certificates of recognition where awarded to Westline Aviation students and pilots alike. The quarterly Westline Aviation Solo and wings party is designed to bring honour upon those students who have worked hard to achieve either solo, PPL, CPL or Instructor status. Family and friends gather to witness their loved ones receiving these awards, allowing them to get a small glimpse into the school which has assisted their children or friends, in becoming what they are today – a SAFE pilot!

CEO, Charlie Marais gave an inspirational, yet sobering, speech about the great responsibility which Westline maintains concerning producing only the best and the safest pilots around. “One must understand that we here at Westline would rather receive criticism for not sending a student solo at an earlier stage, than be labelled a murderer for doing so, and therefore placing your child in danger! It is irresponsible and that will NOT happen at our school. We understand the game and will not allow unsafe pilots to fly – for their sake, and for their family’s sake. This occupation is not for lazy people, if you think you can sit around and not work hard, you are in the wrong place. It is a great privilege to be able to fly and we are the minority. Let’s be the best pilots we can be, so that when we enter into the industry, we are considered as ‘excellent’.”

Two outstanding students, who were overwhelmed with pride and joy, were Kgothatso Khunou and Patricia Mogau. These remarkable young ladies joined Westline Aviation in 2010 from the Royal Bafokeng Tribe. Since then, they have both completed their Private Pilot Licence on Helicopters. They went solo on the same day and everyone at Westline was highly impressed with their poise and professionalism as they took off and came in for landing. Both Kgothatso and Patricia will be completing their Commercial Pilots Licence here at Westline Aviation. Well done ladies!

The following students went solo during the last 2 quarters:
Jan Scheepers, Christopher Maclachlan, Lukas Eksteen, Alec Salley, Ashmina Bheenick, Chrisford Msini, Henning Ellis, Johan van Zyl, Kaela Seoe, Kgothatso Khunou, Kosie Pretorious, Morena Sello, Patricia Mogau, Thabiso Mongalo, Dan Brand, Bridgette Ramobolana

The following students completed their PPL and received their wings:
Jan Scheepers, GR Rueban, Christopher Maclachlan, Dewan Pieterse, Lukas Eksteen, Johano Bothma, Kaela Seoe, Kgothatso Khunou, Kosie Pretorius, Patricia Mogau

The following students received their CPL:
Jan Scheepers, Francois Loedolff, Gerhard Lombard, Christo Wiese, Rikus Burger

The following CPL holders also completed their Instructor’s Rating:
Gerhard Lombard, Avinash Lotcher and Rikus Burger

Westline’s award for the best Fixed-wing student went to Christopher Maclachlan and the Best Helicopter student went to Johano Bothma

Well done everybody! Now, let us work harder to go to the next level! See you at the next Solo and Wings Function!