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African Aviation Advocates, Lintveld Road, Wonderboom, Pretoria (2026)

07/10/2026

A3 SPOTLIGHT | AFRICAN AVIATION ADVOCATES (A3)

Hello, my name is Ivy Cheruiyot an Aerospace student engineer at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪, an aviation education advocate and sustainability enthusiast.

My story in aviation started with the sky, quite literally. After watching the 2018 lunar eclipse, I became fascinated by space and decided I wanted to be an astronaut. I couldn’t stop asking: What’s up there? How do we get there? And who builds the machines that take us there?

That curiosity led me to aerospace engineering. But as I learned more, my focus came back down to Earth to aviation, its potential to connect people and economies and its environmental impact. Aviation contributes around 2% of global CO₂ emissions and I wanted to be part of building a more sustainable future for the industry.
That journey led me to co-develop Ethanova and SAF AI.

Ethanova is a bio-electrocatalytic process that converts waste oils into sustainable aviation fuel. It won the Kenya National Finals of the Global Innovators’ Challenge and gave my team the opportunity to present at the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2026 in Farnborough. SAF AI uses satellite data to model biomass feedstock yield and carbon intensity scores. It was recognised as the one of the Best Innovative Solution at the IEEE Aviation Challenge Masterclass 2025. Both innovations are currently in development.

I’ve also been awarded the Women in Aviation International (WAI)2026 Scholarship in the Maintenance category, sponsored by Amazon. I’m working towards my Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence because I want my engineering journey to be grounded in practical, hands-on experience. I’ve been building this experience through engineering and maintenance practice with companies in Kenya, as well as through an international work placement.
But beyond the technical side, what drives me most is closing the knowledge and accessibility gap in aviation, particularly in Africa. Through aviation mentorship programmes in underserved communities across Kenya, I’ve reached hundreds of students, including many young girls who had never been told that aviation could be a future for them.

I envision an aviation industry where education is accessible to everyone, where young innovators are given the opportunity to lead and where the next generation is trusted to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
If a girl in a village can look up at the sky and see a future for herself in aviation, then we’ll be doing it right. 🌍✈️

And away from aviation, I’m a soprano vocalist in a music band which I love deeply.

27/09/2026

A3 SPOTLIGHT | AFRICAN AVIATION ADVOCATES (A3)

My name is Aniekanabasi Eyo Aniekanabasi Eyo , and I’m a Nigerian commercial pilot and aviation content creator, I’m from Akwaibom state; currently based in Lagos. I’m also a drone pilot, working in the commercial UAV space, where I’m involved in aerial inspections, surveillance, and data collection for industrial operations.

My passion for aviation actually started when I was a child. My mum would buy me toy aircraft, and I became fascinated with them. At the time, I didn’t fully understand where that fascination would lead, but those little toys planted the seed for what would eventually become a career.

As I grew older, that curiosity developed into a genuine interest in aviation. I became fascinated not just by flying, but by the technology, engineering, people, and systems behind the industry.

I eventually began my professional journey at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), where I trained from 2017 to 2020. I obtained my ICAO Diploma and went on to earn my Commercial Pilot Licence. During my training, I flew aircraft including the Diamond DA42 and Tampico, which further strengthened my passion for flying.

Since completing flight school, I’ve continued building experience within the aviation industry. While pursuing my airline career, I also moved into commercial drone operations, where I currently work on aerial inspections, surveillance, and data collection for industrial operations.

Today, my goal is to continue developing as a professional pilot, contribute meaningfully to the aviation industry, and eventually build beyond just flying. I’m particularly interested in aviation entrepreneurship and creating opportunities that can make aviation more accessible and sustainable in Nigeria.

CHALLENGES

One major challenge was the long waiting period after completing flight school in 2020. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed persistent, continued learning, and took up work as a UAV pilot while pursuing my goal of becoming an airline pilot. I’m shooting my shot to caliphate airline, they look promising, I hope to fly with them as a pilot.

24/09/2026

A3 SPOTLIGHT | AFRICAN AVIATION ADVOCATES (A3)

Hi! My name is Jeuel Calhoun. I am a 24-year-old Caribbean American, originally from New York, now living in Houston, TX. At the moment, I am a senior at Texas Southern University and also serve as the Executive Coordinator for our Women in Aviation chapter.

My love for aviation started at a very young age. A second-grade field trip to LaGuardia Airport and getting the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a plane was all it took. I remember getting the chance to move the control services, press buttons, and sit in the Captain’s seat. From that moment, I never missed an opportunity to tell people I wanted to be a pilot. Sixteen years later, here I am as an instrument-rated private pilot, currently working on my Commercial and CFI.
My first time meeting a pilot who looked like me was only 2 years ago. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to ensure that every young girl knows that it is possible to be a pilot, and that no dream is ever too big.

One of my biggest challenges was definitely the financial aspect. I was raised by my single father, who couldn’t fund the costly tuition. After touring three aviation schools and not hearing back from many scholarships, I believed my dream was crushed. It wasn’t until I met my recruiter during a college fair that my dream actually became a possibility. Three years spent in the United States Army were incredibly challenging, but it all became worth it when I was able to fund my college and flight education.

A fun fact about me is that I love animals. While I have my own orange cat at home, I still enjoy spending my spare time volunteering at animal shelters.

Very Respectfully,
Jeuel Calhoun

22/09/2026

A3 PILOT NETWORK | MILESTONE

Congratulations to Ouaidou! 🧑🏾‍✈️✈️

We are proud to celebrate one of our A3 Pilot Network members on reaching an incredible milestone of 202 flight hours.

Here’s what Président Ouaidou had to say about reaching 202 flight hours: 👇🏾

Hoonestly, reaching 202 flight hours feels amazing and it’s a milestone I’m really proud of. ✈️ It hasn’t always been an easy journey. In between, especially during my landing lessons, I struggled a lot and there were many moments when I doubted myself.

But I learned that struggling is also part of becoming a better pilot. Every difficult flight, every mistake and every lesson taught me something and helped me improve.

I'm grateful to my instructors, my family and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. 202 hours is just another milestone — I still have a long way to go, but I’m enjoying the journey and continuing to chase the dream. 🧑🏾‍✈️✈️

This is only the beginning.

Congratulations once again, Ouaidou! Keep flying, keep learning, and keep chasing the dream.

A3 Pilot Network — Pilots Helping Pilots.

20/09/2026

A3 SPOTLIGHT 🇿🇦

My name is Ziyanda Ngqunge, I’m 32 years old, and I’m proudly South African. I’m originally from Alice, from a rural area called Roxeni Location, and I grew up in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). I completed my high school education in Zwide at Ndzondelelo High School and later pursued my studies in Tourism.

My journey into aviation actually began in Grade 11 in 2011. At the time, I was told that Physical Science was not my strongest subject, and I was advised to take Tourism instead. What started as an alternative subject soon became a pathway that introduced me to my passion for travel and aviation.

I was also inspired by my cousin, Funeka Ngqunge, who worked for South African Airways (SAA) at Port Elizabeth Airport. Whenever I saw her and her friend in their SAA uniforms, I was fascinated by the aviation industry and could imagine myself being part of that world one day.

In 2018, Zoleka Ngcebetsha introduced me to EPT Aviation Academy and told me about their cabin crew training. Although I did not enrol immediately, that introduction stayed with me and eventually became part of my journey into aviation.

In 2022, while working as a Customer Service Agent for Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), I completed my cabin crew training and licensing at EPT Aviation Academy. Today, I’m proud to be the first Flight Attendant in my family, working as a Flight Attendant for FlySafair. ✈️

I completed my FlySafair training on the 1 November 2025 and officially started flying commercially on the 11 November 2025. So, I’ve now been flying commercially for almost 10 months. What makes this journey even more special is that I was often told that I was too short to be a Flight Attendant but God bought me here.

My journey has been one of faith, resilience and perseverance. Coming from a rural background and growing up in Port Elizabeth, I’ve learned that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. The dream that started with admiring those SAA uniforms has now become my reality.

I’m passionate about inspiring young Africans who aspire to build careers in aviation and showing them that their dreams are valid, regardless of where they come from.

17/09/2026

A3 SPOTLIGHT | Meet Peculiar David

My name is Peculiar David Peculiar David , and I’m an aviation enthusiast and aspiring aviation professional with a growing passion for aircraft engineering and the aviation industry. I’m currently developing my practical experience through my internship, where I’ve had the opportunity to spend time around aircraft, learn from experienced professionals, and gain firsthand exposure to the technical side of aviation.

I’m a student of Airforce Institute of Technology, and My journey into aviation has been driven by curiosity, determination, and a genuine desire to understand how aircraft work and contribute to an industry that connects people and places across the world. Every task and experience has been an opportunity to learn something new, improve my skills, and become better prepared for a career in aviation. I’m particularly passionate about aircraft maintenance and engineering, and I hope to continue growing professionally while inspiring other young Africans who dream of building careers in aviation. I believe there is so much potential within Africa’s aviation industry, and I’m excited to play my own part in its growth.

I’m looking forward to answering your questions and sharing more about my journey with the A3 community.

09/09/2026

Hi! I’m Loliana “Lo” Lo 🌺 Sorrells, originally from Hawai‘i and currently based in the Cincinnati area. My aviation journey began as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, where I spent 11 years before being selected for the Delta Propel Pilot Career Path Program. That opportunity inspired me to make the leap from working in the cabin to pursuing a career on the flight deck.

I went on to earn my commercial pilot certificates along with my CFI and CFII ratings, and I’m now building the next chapter of my aviation career as a professional pilot. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and excited to continue learning, growing, and hopefully encouraging others who may be considering a nontraditional path into aviation ✈️

One of the biggest challenges I faced during flight training was weather in the Midwest. There were times when weather caused significant delays, and in an accelerated training environment, even a few days can completely change your timeline. It taught me patience, adaptability, and how to stay focused on the things I could control. Aviation has definitely taught me that the journey doesn’t always go according to plan, but you keep showing up, stay prepared, and keep moving forward.

A fun fact about me is I grew up in a military family & I have moved over 50 times! Needless to say, I got pretty good at adapting to new places 😂

04/09/2026

Huge congratulations to our A3 member Kristian Kristian W. ✈️ on earning her Commercial Multi-Engine rating!

When asked how it feels and what’s next, Kris shared:
“It’s a marathon! Up next is CFI, the marathon continues.”

We’re so proud of you, Kristian. This is another strong step forward, and we’re cheering you on every mile of the journey. The cockpit is calling, and you’re answering.

Keep going the sky has no limits.

26/08/2026

My name is Precious Boluwatife Adeleye Precious B. Adeleye the.leye.precious, and I’m from Nigeria. I’m currently studying Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering at Afe Babalola University.

My journey into aviation began with a fascination I had as a six-year-old girl. I was curious about how aircraft worked, and over time, that curiosity grew into a deeper interest in aircraft design and aerospace engineering. Eventually, I chose to study Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, turning a childhood fascination into a career path.

Beyond the classroom, I have actively sought opportunities to gain practical experience. I’ve had internship experience at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, and I’m currently undertaking an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering internship at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). At NCAT, I’ve been able to gain hands-on exposure to areas including aircraft structures, avionics, and aircraft maintenance practices.

These experiences have helped me understand aviation from different perspectives and appreciate how the different disciplines within the industry come together to keep aircraft safe and operational.

My goal is to become an aircraft design engineer and researcher. I want to contribute to the development of better and more efficient aircraft while continuing to learn and grow within the industry.

I’m also passionate about aviation education and STEM advocacy. I believe there are so many opportunities within aviation that young Africans are yet to discover, and I want to use my voice and experiences to make the industry more accessible and inspire more young people to see aviation and aerospace as fields where they can build meaningful careers.

African Aviation Advocates

07/10/2026

27/09/2026

24/09/2026

22/09/2026

20/09/2026

17/09/2026

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26/08/2026

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