Commercial pilot student, Farron Eland’s determination to break barriers in the male-dominated aviation industry serves as a beacon of hope for young women chasing their ambitions.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 August 2024) – Farron Eland never envisioned herself as a pilot. Her initial career path was medicine.
However, a spark ignited at age 12 when her father introduced her to the world of aviation. From that moment, the dream of soaring through the skies began to take flight.
“When I was not accepted to study medicine, I decided to visit flight schools and do more research regarding aviation and the journey towards becoming a pilot. I decided to take an introductory flight.
“I know now that I was never meant to study medicine, everything worked out exactly the way it was supposed to, and I believe that becoming a pilot is my calling. I decided to study in Cape Town because I have always loved the city,” the Morningstar Flight Academy student shared.
Farron has completed her Private Pilot License and night rating and is currently building her hours toward obtaining her Commercial Pilot License.
As cool as being a pilot may seem, Farron acknowledges that mastering the art of landing presented the greatest challenge.
“I did struggle a lot, but after many training flights with my instructor and solo flights I was able to get it and now it has become one of my favourite parts about flying.”
Asked how she balances flight training with other commitments, Farron shared that she has always been a busy person and learned how to manage her time well from a young age.
After completing her Commercial Pilot License, Farron hopes to do an instructor’s rating to become an instructor for a year or two while completing her airline transport pilot license and degree so that she can get a job at a local airline and then see what doors open thereafter.
As a promising trailblazer in the male-dominated aviation industry, Farron encourages young women to believe in themselves and reach for the skies.
“Aviation is still a male-dominated industry, and I believe that now is the time for women to take up space and follow their dreams. The advice that I would give young women is to do research first, know what you are getting yourself into, and find a mentor which you can draw inspiration from.
“This journey is not always sunshine and rainbows. It requires hard work and perseverance therefore, on the days, when you feel like giving up having someone who you look up to, who went through the same journey as you and was able to reach their dreams, can motivate you to keep going.”
The determined aviator encourages young women to be confident in themselves and their capabilities and not be afraid to ask questions.
Farron is also a firm believer that patience is a virtue and that you need to fall in love with the journey so that you can appreciate the moment when you reach your goal.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu / Farron Eland
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