CityPages Kuwait June 2016 Issue June 2016 | Page 73

although I do wish that I had actually stopped
and said hello.
Are people surprised when they learn
of your achievement?
Definitely! It always comes as a surprise that
a middle-aged woman has her private pilot’s
licence.
What advice would you give to
someone wanting a career in air travel?
Learn to fly in a sunshine state with good
weather otherwise you will have plenty of
wasted time waiting for the clouds to clear.
Also, be prepared to put plenty of hours in.
To become a commercial pilot takes more
time and certifications than I have obtained
and even then you are still expected to have
hundreds, if not thousands of hours flying
before you may get the lucrative flying job.
If you could choose one destination or
landmark to see from the air, where or
what would it be?
That’s a tough one but I would say the Grand
Canyon or Niagara Falls.
Any hair-raising experiences whilst
up in the air?
A flock of birds came flying at us once, which
required evasive action.
Have you ever considered taking
it further and progressing to larger
aircraft?
I have. I continued and obtained my seaplane
licence 2 years later. I would have liked to
have gone on to fly a helicopter, but family,
the time required, and also the location
(Kuwait) have prevented this at this stage.

whilst I flew, as my husband could not spend
the entire 3 months with us. He came back
and forth to spend time with us as and when
he could.
What did it feel like the first time you
flew solo?
Terrifying, especially on the first landing.
Are you able to take passengers up
with you?
Yes, I am licenced to fly a single-engine
aircraft with as many seats as they hold.
If you could take any person on a flight
with you, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Elvis Presley – no need
for a radio!

You are obviously not able to fly here
in Kuwait – do you miss it?
Yes I do. If I were able to fly on a regular
basis it would be so enjoyable and would
ensure that the bi-annual recertification was
not quite so stressful. Flying is not the same
as riding a bike; there are so many different
considerations, multi-tasking, procedures to
follow and extended periods of concentration.
Do you need to fly a certain number of
hours in order to retain your licence?
I have to fly at least once every 2 years and
complete ground school to ensure that I have
maintained my knowledge.
What has been the highlight so far of
your piloting experience?
I would refer back to my John Travolta story –

Do you think your children will follow
in your footsteps?
Neither of the kids has shown any inclination
to learn to fly. There is plenty of time for this
to change, although a driving licence is first
on the list.
Do you feel nervous when taking off
on a solo flight?
Every time – nervous but excited.
Do you enjoy conventional air travel
as a passenger?
I do now, but only in Business Class! This
is because I understand the aero-dynamics
behind it.
Your message for the team at
CityPages?
Thank you CityPages for taking the time to
hear my story, hopefully the readers will find
it interesting.
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