LIFE OF A NOMAD
LIFE OF A NOMAD
FLYING HIGH Hugo Silva, 23, pilot and flight instructor
“ The pleasure of being on an airplane showing people this island that I love so much, speaking and laughing with people, outweighs any desire to leave and travel to the other four corners of the world. Honestly, to make money this way, it’ s almost like stealing.”
This is how Portuguese pilot Hugo Silva describes his short airplane trips along Madeira island coastline. Born and raised on the island, which has no boat connections to the mainland, flying soon became a passion as well as a necessity.
Everything began with his desire to fly as much as possible, a trait that any young pilot should have if they intend to work at any of the commercial airlines.“ I started doing these flights to gain more practice, but after a couple, that intention just vanished,” he says.
One of his most memorable flights was when a young man wanted to surprise his girlfriend as an anniversary gift:“ It was very last minute and I perfectly remember being in the supermarket buying party hats and cake, just moments before boarding.”
And he adds:“ This is not a stable job, but it’ s probably the best one I’ ll ever have in my life.”
// Carlota Rebelo
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