26 Fighter Pilots Graduate

By Tumelo Setshogo
Correspondent | Monday May 26, 2008 00:00

The 26 graduates, four of them from the South African Defence Force (SADF), undertook a basic flying course (BFC) which started on November 5, 2006 and ended on May 16.

According to  Lieutenant Colonel Dikeledi of the Air Arm Unit, the course had both theoretical and practical parts. He said the fighter pilots had acquired the knowledge and skills, and met the highest military standards set by air forces throughout the world. 'But this does not mean they will all end up as fighter pilots as some will join other streams in the transport and helicopter stream,' he noted.

Officiating at the same ceremony, Justice, Defence and Security minister Ramadeluka Seretse said the graduating officers were beginning a new chapter in their professional lives. He said they would be exposed to even greater challenges in their career as military pilots.

'Let me caution that the career path you have chosen is full of personal sacrifices and demands absolute dedication to duty,' said Seretse, adding that soldiering is a calling and a commitment to serve the nation.

He said the foundation of any good aviator lay in his knowledge base and professional approach to the task at hand and 'from time to time you will be expected to demonstrate the professional skills and leadership qualities you have attained so far'.

Seretse stated that as soldiers, they should not be reminded about the importance of discipline because it was the cornerstone of their profession. 'If you do not exhibit the good discipline in your profession, you will never attain profound skill in your flying.

'The way you conduct yourselves must display the profession you come from,' the minister said.