Former Fourways High student, Michael Maja (class of 2013) has soared high to achieve his dreams, and has become the first black commercial hot air balloon pilot in South Africa.
Obtaining a commercial hot air balloon pilot licence is no easy feat, with a series of aviation examinations and over 100 hours of practice flights. Michael has undergone rigorous training and successfully achieved his 100-hour flight mark on Sunday, 20 August 2023, qualifying him as a commercial hot air balloon pilot.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris CEO, Dale de Klerk, expressed his elation with the achievement stating, “We are so proud of Michael’s accomplishment, and we look forward to producing many more successful hot air balloon pilots with the support and resources of Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris”.
Chief Pilot and Director, Tracy Robb, also congratulated Michael on this momentous achievement: “Michael has proven to be a skilled and conscientious Pilot, fulfilling his training requirements and I am happy to share the skies with him as a fellow aeronaut. Well done Michael on your achievement.”
Michael is overjoyed, and shares this joyous occasion with his family, friends, and ballooning colleagues. He commented; “I still cannot believe it! I could not have done this without the support and dedication of the entire team at Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris. Thank you for making this dream come true. I look forward to sharing the skies with my mentors and friends.”