In 2023, FlyNamibia, in partnership with Westair Aviation, launched an ambitious pilot bursary programme aimed at developing homegrown aviation talent. Selected from over 1,400 applicants, the chosen bursars embarked on an intensive three-year journey designed to shape them into well-rounded aviation professionals. Their training extended far beyond the cockpit, immersing them in flight operations, engineering, finance, and management, ensuring they gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Now, as they celebrate receiving their commercial pilots lisences, we take a closer look at the personal journeys of these three bursars – Leonardo De Oliveira, Luther Louw, and Jaspis Ndjago. Each faced unique challenges, yet they have soared beyond expectations through perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to their dreams. Their stories highlight not only their passion for flying but also the depth of their training, proving that the FlyNamibia bursary programme is more than just a scholarship – it is a launchpad for the future of Namibian aviation.
For as long as he can remember, Leonardo De Oliveira has been captivated by the sky. Growing up in Windhoek near Eros Airport, his childhood was punctuated by the sound of aircraft engines roaring overhead, igniting a fascination that never faded. Unlike many children who cycle through dream professions – astronaut, cowboy, soccer star – Leonardo’s goal was unwavering; he was destined to fly.
His first real experience in a cockpit came during an airshow in Windhoek, where he was mesmerised by the intricate controls and instruments. But it was not until he sat in the pilot’s seat for the first time at Signa Aviation in 2019 that he truly felt at home. “It just felt right,” he recalls.
The path to becoming a pilot is as much about opportunity as it is about passion. For Leonardo, the FlyNamibia Bursar Programme was a chance he could not pass up. A simple scroll through Facebook introduced him to the opportunity, and he took the leap, applying despite the uncertainty of being selected. Unlike traditional aviation training, the programme offered a comprehensive introduction to the world of aviation, extending beyond flight training to include finance, operations and quality assurance.
“The biggest surprise for me was just how much work goes into aviation beyond flying,” Leonardo says. “From quality control to finance, there are so many moving parts.” One of the most eye-opening experiences was understanding the sheer cost of the industry; something as simple as a lightbulb can skyrocket in price once aviation-grade certifications are applied. “It is expensive, but it makes sense when you see the safety measures behind every single component.”
Learning about aviation operations firsthand changed his perspective as a pilot. Working in quality assurance and check- in gave him an appreciation for the team effort required to make flights possible. “Most pilots do not realise how much is going on behind the scenes,” he notes. “Now, when I see check-in agents under pressure, I completely understand why.”
Despite his natural passion for aviation, training was not without its struggles. The hardest part? The exams. “It is tough when all you want to do is fly, but you have to sit down and study,” he admits. Fortunately, the camaraderie among bursars and the support of his instructors helped him push through. Study sessions became a collaborative effort, and rewards, like getting back into the cockpit, kept him motivated.
His first solo flight was both exhilarating and terrifying. “The moment my instructor stepped out, I realised, ‘This is it. I am in control now.’” The flight was nerve-wracking, but the confidence gained from that experience remains with him today.
With 220 flight hours under his belt, Leonardo is ready to take on the next phase of his career. In the next five years, he hopes to be flying for FlyNamibia, transporting passengers or cargo across the region. His experience in multiple departments gives him an edge; should he ever be unable to fly, he is confident in his ability to transition into aviation operations.
For future bursary applicants, his advice is simple: “Take the chance. The worst someone can say is no. Build your network, stay persistent and never stop learning.”
Leonardo De Oliveira
Age: 26
Grew up in: Windhoek
Qualified to fly: Commercial with IF rating
Aircraft rating: Cessna 210, Sling 4
Flight hours: 220
Airports landed at: 32 across two countries
Personal challenge:
Leonardo and his cousin Adrian De Casto gave themselves the challenge to fly all of FlyNamibia’s routes and land at all the airline’s operational airports during their training so they would be ready when the day came for them to step into the FlyNamibia cockpit.
For Luther Louw, aviation was never just an interest; it was an obsession from the moment he saw “metal birds” soaring through the sky as a child. Growing up in Windhoek, his fascination with flight started at the age of seven or eight, watching planes take off and land, wondering how something so massive could defy gravity. The dream solidified when he took his first flight at the age of ten from Namibia to Germany. The night before, excitement kept him awake, and by the time the aircraft lifted off, he knew without a doubt that this was his future.
Luther’s path to becoming a pilot was not straightforward. In 2019, he started his private pilot’s licence training in South Africa and completed it in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Forced to return to Namibia, he found himself stuck, his dreams temporarily grounded by financial constraints. Then, in a newspaper advert, he saw that FlyNamibia was offering bursaries to train pilots. Initially, he hesitated, thinking the competition would be too fierce, but with time, he researched FlyNamibia and Westair and realised it was exactly where he wanted to be. The selection process took a year, and there were moments of doubt, but his patience paid off when he was chosen.
Like many aspiring pilots, Luther initially thought aviation was all about flying. That perception changed quickly once he entered the programme. “I thought aviation was simple,” he says, “but once I saw what went on behind the scenes, I realised how diverse it actually is.” From flight planning and fuel management to financial assessments and regulatory compliance, Luther gained a much deeper appreciation for what it takes to run an airline.
The biggest surprise? The cost. “I was shocked at how much money it takes to keep a company operational and aircraft airworthy. Every single detail matters, and every expense adds up.” Understanding this financial side has shaped how he approaches his role as a pilot. “It makes you appreciate the investment that goes into training and operations. You learn to be cost-conscious and efficient.”
While flying was the highlight of the programme, the toughest part for Luther was the exams. Completing ten commercial pilot licence exams under strict deadlines was a daunting task. “It was a challenge to absorb so much information in a short time, but I pushed through,” he recalls. Having a structured schedule, working during the day, studying in between, and flying when possible helped him stay disciplined.
His first solo flight was an unforgettable moment. “I remember my instructor being unusually quiet during the evaluation flight, and I was not sure if I had done well or not. Then, when we landed, he simply said, ‘I am sorry to say this, but… congratulations, you are ready.'” The nerves of taking control alone soon turned into confidence as he completed his first solo circuit.
Now, with experience across multiple aspects of aviation, Luther feels prepared for a long-term career in the industry. “I see myself staying with FlyNamibia and Westair, growing within the company, and continuing to refine my skills.” If flying were no longer an option, he would move into flight operations, where he spent ten months during his apprenticeship.
For future bursary applicants, his advice is clear: “Do not give up. The selection process is tough, but persistence is key. Do your research, stay disciplined, and be ready for anything.” Luther’s journey from dreaming of metal birds as a child to piloting real ones is a testament to perseverance, passion and the transformative power of opportunity.
Luther Louw
Age: 26
Grew up in: Windhoek
Qualified to fly: Commercial with IF rating
Aircraft rating: Cessna 210, Sling 4
Flight hours: 230
Airports landed at: 14
Personal challenge:
As Luther approached the final phase of his training, he faced a significant hurdle – transitioning to a completely different aircraft with a complex engine and a retractable gear system, both of which were unfamiliar to him. Determined to master the new aircraft, he devised an innovative solution. Using his study desk and everyday objects from around the house, he constructed a mock cockpit. This homemade simulator allowed him to memorise the checklist, rehearse operating procedures, and visualise every step of flying the aircraft.
For Jaspis Ndjago, the journey to becoming a pilot began in the small town of Karibib, where aviation was more of a mystery than a familiar sight. His fascination with flight started as a child, watching “pieces of metal” glide through the sky and wondering why his paper planes could barely stay airborne for ten seconds while these giant machines defied gravity. Determined to understand the science of flight, he sought out books and encyclopaedias in the small school library, learning about the Wright brothers and the principles of lift. That moment of curiosity set him on the path to where he is today.
Jaspis’s path to the cockpit was not a straightforward one. While driving on a tractor in the north of Namibia, ploughing family fields, his sister sent him an email about the FlyNamibia Bursar Programme. At the time, he was struggling to finance his flight training and had no idea such an opportunity even existed in Namibia. When he finally checked his email that evening, he knew this was a life-changing moment. “I grabbed the opportunity without hesitation,” he recalls. The appeal was not just about becoming a pilot but about joining an established airline with a strong reputation and high standards.
Before entering the programme, Jaspis had a limited understanding of aviation beyond the role of pilots. Through his training, he discovered the vast network of operations that make air travel possible. “Aviation is so much more than just flying,” he says. “There’s flight operations, maintenance, logistics – so many moving parts that need to work together.” What surprised him most was how aviation leaves no room for shortcuts. “You can’t cut costs in ways that compromise safety. Lives are at stake, and every expense is critical.” His exposure to the business side of aviation changed the way he sees his role as a pilot. “It made me more conscious of how I operate an aircraft. Simple choices can make your flight more sustainable and preserve the aircraft’s longevity.”
Like his fellow bursars, Jaspis found the exams to be the most demanding part of his training. The commercial pilot licence exams have high pass requirements, with no room for mediocrity. “It wasn’t just about knowing the material; you had to integrate it into practical applications while juggling other responsibilities,” he explains. Balancing work in flight operations with intense study schedules tested his endurance, but he attributes the excellent work environment and the strong support system among colleagues as what helped him push through. His first solo flight was a moment he will never forget. “I was nervous, but once I lined up on the runway and applied full power, all that worry disappeared.”
Now a commercial pilot with an IF rating, Jaspis is also a Grade Three instructor at Westair’s flight school – Signa Aviation. His dual qualification is something he never anticipated when he started the programme, but teaching has become a passion. “Seeing my students progress and go solo is incredibly rewarding,” he says. Working alongside highly experienced pilots has given him a glimpse of where he wants to be in the future. “I see myself growing within the company, gaining more experience, and eventually becoming a senior pilot.”
For aspiring bursary applicants, his advice is simple: “Be persistent. The Wright brothers didn’t succeed on their first attempt, and neither will you. Keep trying, keep learning, and never let setbacks stop you from achieving your goals.”
Jaspis Ndjago
Age: 25
Grew up in: Karibib & Tsumeb
Qualified to fly: Commercial with IF rating & Grade
3 Flying Instructor
Aircraft rating: Cessna 210, Cessna 172, Piper
Cherokee, Sling 4
Flight hours: 260
Airports landed at: 25 across two countries
Personal challenge:
Determined o master every aspect of aviation, Jaspis set himself the goal of not only earning his commercial pilot’s licence but also becoming an instructor during the bursary programme. He dedicated himself to absorbing as much knowledge as possible, taking on extra responsibilities in operations and training, and refining his skills to be both a competent pilot and a mentor to others.
As Namibia transitions into a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude to outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba for his dedicated service during this time of change. Serving as Namibia’s president following the passing of the late Dr. Hage Geingob, President Mbumba has been a steady hand guiding the nation through a period of transition.
In a significant step toward improving airport security and awareness, SIGNA Aviation Training ATO, in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector General of the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), hosted an important training event focused on Human Trafficking Awareness and Illegal Wildlife Trade.
In a significant step towards enhancing border efficiency and streamlining immigration processes, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) has officially launched the online application for visa on arrival.
As the first light of dawn stretched over the Lüderitz Waterfront, we gathered at the jetty, greeted by the crisp morning air and the promise of adventure. The crew of Penguin Catamaran Tours welcomed us aboard with warm smiles, their enthusiasm setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey.
