January 9, 2025 is now indelibly recorded in Neil’s mind as the day of his first solo flight, 6 months after commencing ab initio flight training with a Cape Town, South Africa-based school. Neil is in the Group’s Global Services practice.

Aside from having to deal with the inevitable nervous tension on the day, weather conditions were challenging, albeit within legal limits for visual flight. The decision made by Neil’s instructor for the solo flight to proceed, Neil gingerly guided the 2-seater Diamond trainer to the runway, mentally rehearsing his actions once the aircraft would become airborne.

He lined the aircraft up on the runway and smoothly advanced the throttle, scarcely able to believe that he was on his own for the first time, his reassuring instructor now watching from the ground, probably more nervous than was our Neil, who glanced furtively at the now empty seat beside him as the Diamond leapt into the air with unusual sprightliness. The circuit was flown neatly, followed by a smooth landing. Momentary incredulity gave way to unbridled jubilation, followed by the customary dousing with water.

Planning to complete the balance of the training required for the basic Private Pilot License during the next few months, Neil’s already a vocal exponent of the program and its benefits in developing and improving leaders, especially in managing risk, being more decisive, and better understanding the difference between responsibility and accountability.