African Aviation Advocates

African Aviation Advocates The voice of African and Black aviation professionals, championing diversity, connection, empowerment, and inspiring stories. ✈️💖

Hi, I’m Abraham Ikyav Yankyaa from Benue State, Nigeria, and I currently work at MMIA Lagos as a ramp agent. My journey ...
13/06/2026

Hi, I’m Abraham Ikyav Yankyaa from Benue State, Nigeria, and I currently work at MMIA Lagos as a ramp agent. My journey into aviation started with pure passion for aircraft operations. I was always fascinated by everything happening behind the scenes to make a flight successful. What started as interest gradually became a career, and today I’m proud to be part of the team that keeps ramp operations safe and efficient every single day.

Working on the ramp has taught me so much about teamwork, discipline, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure. It’s a job that demands focus, quick thinking, and commitment because every task on the ramp matters when it comes to flight safety and on-time departures.

Undoubtedly, the journey has been challenging, and there were moments in my first two years when the pressure almost got the better of me. Dealing with harsh weather, long working hours, and simultaneous multiple flight operations can be both physically and mentally taxing. Nonetheless, these experiences have significantly contributed to my ability to handle pressure with confidence. 

Beyond my role in ramp operations, I have a keen interest in aviation media and content creation, driven by a passion to reveal the authentic side of airport operations and educate others about the aviation industry, particularly the often-overlooked work on the ramp. My aspiration is to advance in the aviation sector while establishing a platform that acknowledges the invaluable contributions of ground operations professionals.

 One aspect of my job that I find particularly enjoyable is the use of aviation language and code communication, especially during operations when I'm on the headset.

10/06/2026

Not every flight ends at the gate; some lead to beautiful experiences.

Congratulations to the Future Captains! A huge congratulations to Daniel Priscilla Samuel and Iuha Blessing Obuchukwu (R...
08/06/2026

Congratulations to the Future Captains!

A huge congratulations to Daniel Priscilla Samuel and Iuha Blessing Obuchukwu (Rose) of Standard Pilot Course 36 (SP-36), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) on successfully completing their first solo flights on 3 June 2026.

May this achievement be the first of many as you both continue your journey toward the flight deck. Wishing you both safe skies and many successful landings ahead.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds | Ladies Fly Too ✈️🇳🇬

Meet Hamida  , first Commercial Pilot from Dagbon, Ghana 🇬🇭Wearing her wings and her heritage with equal pride, she beau...
07/06/2026

Meet Hamida , first Commercial Pilot from Dagbon, Ghana 🇬🇭
Wearing her wings and her heritage with equal pride, she beautifully represents the strength, excellence, and rich culture of Africa 🌍.

Congratulations to our own South Sudanese aviator, Riiny Giir Ngot  , on successfully completing her Commercial Pilot Li...
06/06/2026

Congratulations to our own South Sudanese aviator, Riiny Giir Ngot , on successfully completing her Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training!

In conversation with Riiny:

"I started my flight training in 2024. Since then, the journey has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, and many memorable moments. There were times when things were difficult, especially during exams and flight training, but I remained focused on my goal.

Finally completing my Commercial Pilot Licence makes me feel extremely proud and grateful. It’s a dream I’ve worked hard for, and reaching this milestone is very rewarding. I feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that all the effort, dedication, and sacrifices have paid off. I’m especially grateful to my family, particularly my mother, whose support and encouragement helped me get through the journey. Completing my commercials is not the end of the road, but the beginning of an exciting career in aviation."

All of us at African Aviation Advocates wish you safer skies and many more smooth landings

My name is Sidney Louis, and I am originally from Haiti, now living in Florida. My journey into aviation began during hi...
05/06/2026

My name is Sidney Louis, and I am originally from Haiti, now living in Florida. My journey into aviation began during high school when I enrolled in dual-enrollment aviation courses through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from 2019–2021. Those courses introduced me to aviation fundamentals and aerospace-related subjects, and they strengthened my passion for becoming a pilot.

Shortly after graduating high school, I attended the Aim High Flight Academy, a three-week aviation program that further confirmed my decision to pursue aviation professionally. Being surrounded by aviation, meeting mentors, and stepping deeper into the world of flying made me realize this was not just an interest, but the career path I truly wanted to dedicate myself to.

In December 2024, I earned my Private Pilot License after nearly a year of training. One of the biggest challenges I faced during that time was balancing work, college, and flight training all at once. There were moments where the process felt overwhelming, especially realizing how expensive and demanding aviation training can become the longer it takes. However, those experiences taught me discipline, consistency, sacrifice, and time management. Instead of discouraging me, they pushed me to become more focused and determined.

Today, I am attending both college and flight school full time. I recently earned my Instrument Rating and I am currently working toward my Commercial Pilot License. Every stage of training continues to teach me not only how to become a better pilot, but also how to grow personally through resilience, responsibility, and perseverance.

Aside from becoming an airline pilot, one of my biggest aspirations is to inspire and mentor young people who come from backgrounds where opportunities may feel limited. Moving from Haiti to the United States meant adapting to a completely new environment, culture. It was not always easy, but those experiences shaped my mindset and taught me the importance of persistence and believing in yourself even during uncertain times. I hope my journey can encourage others to pursue goals that may seem out of reach.

Within aviation, I hope to eventually become involved in mentorship, aviation advocacy, and increasing diversity and representation in the industry. I want to help create opportunities for future generations of pilots who may not always see people who look like them represented in aviation.

Outside of aviation, I am passionate about fitness and personal development. Going to the gym has become an important part of my lifestyle because it helps me stay disciplined, mentally focused, and motivated both in aviation and in everyday life.

One fun fact about me is that I genuinely enjoy learning and challenging myself in new environments. Whether it is in the cockpit, school, or everyday life, I always try to push myself to grow and improve.

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my story. I truly appreciate the work African Aviation Advocates does in highlighting and supporting aspiring aviators around the world. I look forward to hopefully being featured and inspiring others through my journey.

My name is Obey Kondo  , and I am from Namibia🇳🇦. I am a wife and mother currently working for the Namibia Civil Aviatio...
03/06/2026

My name is Obey Kondo , and I am from Namibia🇳🇦. I am a wife and mother currently working for the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an Aerodrome Briefing Specialist in the Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) Section under the Air Navigation Services (ANS) Division. In this role, I am responsible for managing the AIM Aerodrome Briefing Office and overseeing its administration, workload, and daily operations.

My aviation journey began in 2019 when I was awarded a bursary by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to train as an Aeronautical Information Officer. This opportunity marked my entry into the aviation industry and allowed me to develop a strong appreciation for the importance of information quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in aviation operations.

Before joining the aviation sector, I completed a Bachelor of Business Management at Namibia University of Science and Technology, which provided me with a strong foundation in organisational management and strategic thinking. In 2022, I decided to pursue my long-standing interest in the legal field and enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws at STADIO, graduating in 2024.

Over the years, I have also completed several aviation-related courses and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Air Law with ITAèrea Aeronautical  Business School.

My interest in combining aviation and law stems from witnessing how highly regulated the aviation industry is and understanding how essential legal frameworks, standards, and compliance are in maintaining safety and operational efficiency. Over time, I became increasingly motivated to understand not only the operational side of aviation, but also the legal and regulatory structures that support and govern the industry.

“Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in your journey. The dedication you invest in yourself today will open doors you once only dreamed of.”

Hi, my name is Fatima, and I’m a 21-year-old student pilot based in the UK. I’m currently pursuing my Private Pilot Lice...
28/05/2026

Hi, my name is Fatima, and I’m a 21-year-old student pilot based in the UK. I’m currently pursuing my Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and am close to completing it. The journey so far has been exciting, rewarding, and, at times, definitely challenging, but every step has confirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

My passion for aviation began at a young age. I’ve always been fascinated by aeroplanes, but it was during sixth form that I truly realised this was something I wanted to pursue seriously. I went on to study Aeronautical Engineering, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but it was becoming a pilot that really captured my heart. After taking my first trial lesson, I never looked back.

As someone of Somali heritage, I feel both proud and empowered to represent my community in aviation. Representation matters, and I hope my journey can inspire others to believe that this path is possible for them too.

One of the most exciting milestones in my training so far has been completing my first solo land-away. It was an unforgettable experience, flying to a different city on my own, landing, grabbing a drink, and then flying back. It felt surreal and incredibly freeing, and it’s a moment I’ll always cherish.

Like any journey, there have been challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of flight training has been maintaining consistency, especially when faced with weather delays or tough lessons. Returning after gaps and pushing myself to improve hasn’t always been easy, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something I truly love. Every challenge has made me more resilient and determined.

Outside of training, I enjoy attending aviation events and connecting with like-minded people. Being around others who share the same passion is incredibly motivating and inspiring. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

My ultimate goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. Along the way, I’ve also started sharing my aviation journey online. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with people from all walks of life, and the encouragement I receive continues to motivate me.

Knowing that I might inspire even one person to pursue their passion makes it all worthwhile.

Beyond aviation, I have a strong love for travel. If I could, I would always be exploring somewhere new. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 18 countries so far, with Tanzania being my favourite. During my time there, I volunteered teaching English to young children, which was such a meaningful experience. On weekends, I would unwind in Zanzibar, enjoying its beautiful beaches, an experience I’ll never forget!

My journey is still just beginning, and I’m excited for everything that lies ahead. If my story can inspire even one person to chase their dreams. no matter how big or unconventional, then that means everything to me!✨

I am Amahle Phumelele Ndokweni 22 years of age. I hold a private pilot license and Night rating. Born and bred in Cato r...
22/05/2026

I am Amahle Phumelele Ndokweni 22 years of age. I hold a private pilot license and Night rating.

Born and bred in Cato ridge kwaXimba a rural area in the heart of Pietermaritzberg kwazulu natal.

What inspired me to become a pilot was seeing planes in the sky and I questioned my grade one teacher if it’s remotely controlled and she said “no someone is inside there and that person is called a pilot” so o held on tho the name “Pilot” and that’s when I told myself that I wanna become a pilot one day that would be me flying the plane that I saw that day!

Fell in love with planes at the age of 6 till today.

Some of the challenges I’ve experienced along the way was funding and I was so grateful to finally receive funding and I am still funded till today (I’d like not to disclose my sponsor due to agreement we had , thank you.)

In the year 2025 June I launched Amahle Aviation foundation who’s vision is to go around schools in rural areas and preach the word of aviation , as I myself grew up in a rural area I noticed that there’s lack of information about aviation hence why I took it upon myself to spread the word, empower and motivate young scholars that your background doesn’t define you!

Something else I’d like to share as you said I must feel free to share any else is that I really want to work on getting my instructors rating not just because of the fact that instruction “helps you reach Airline hours quickly” but because one day I want to look point at a black African child and be like yes, I taught someone how to take off and land . It would truly mean the world to me.
And I’d like to add that I would love to be an Airlink Pilot one day it’s something I’ve always wanted and always manifest they are the best (I’ll also attach a picture with me an an Airlink Captain , may I request that you add that photo when you share my story and please tag so they can also see your post, thanks)

I always like to say , “the sky is not the limit, infinity is” so I’d definitely like to think that has to be my fav quote.
Also after my talks with scholars I like to tell myself “I’m making a difference one talk at a time”

Live and direct. Windhoek international airport (FYWH) Aerodrome Specialist HP Stoicman 💪🏾🛩️Another Day to Tell Pilots W...
20/05/2026

Live and direct. Windhoek international airport (FYWH) Aerodrome Specialist HP Stoicman 💪🏾🛩️

Another Day to Tell Pilots What to Do

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