by Captbist
-Who is Alice Runyutu?
I was born in 1995, in Bujumbura; I like the simple things of life like spending time with family and friends and Christianity has a large place in my life.
Alice being awarded by Major (rtd) Hussein Amin of 99s Flying School for being the best PPL student in her class
-How did you end up pursuing Piloting?
I ended up doing piloting because of the love that I have for adventure and traveling. But also aviation is a growing industry in Africa with very few women in it which is the main reason that pushed me to choose piloting over anything else.
-How do you find flying?
I find flying really exciting, fascinating, exhilarating but we cannot ignore the fact that it is challenging.
-Tell us about your instructor.
My instructor is a very good one. His name is Madey Adow. What he teaches me, I never forget it. He is calm and really patient. Though he is young, he is really mature. He is one of the person that can prove you that, age does not define who you are but the way you behave, is what defines you.
Alice with her schoolmates at a hanger at HKNW
-Being in a foreign country while there is Chaos in your nation, how does that make you feel?
I am really worried because my family and friends are there. I also don’t want to see Burundi’s past repeated all over again like the 10 year civil war. We are praying and hoping that everything goes well.
-Who is your mentor?
I would say my mentor is my dad. His work ethics are beyond everything else but he always finds time for his family nonetheless. He is a loving and caring Father.
-Where do you see yourself 20 years from today?
In 20 years I see myself in Burundi, married with a family; running a commercial airline and a flying school there.
-I know you wouldn’t want us to head in this direction, but do you have a boyfriend?
About the boyfriend; yes I have one and I will leave it to that.
-What’s your worst experience in flying?
I haven’t had a worst experience while flying so far. Or maybe I’ve had some but I may not consider it as ‘’worst experience’’ but I’d refer to it as a new experience.
Alice after getting her solo flight with the Cessna 152
-What’s your favorite aircraft?
My favorite aircraft is a ‘’BOMBARDIER’’. It is Fuel efficient, low cost and relatively comfortable which is good for our sub region.
-Is your school the best in pilot training? And why
Yes; 99’s is the best from the students, management and instructors. I am sure no other school is like ours. It feels like a family not only a place where you learn how to fly.
-What would you advice other young ladies in Kenya and your country?
I’d tell ladies from Kenya and Burundi and all over Africa, not be afraid of dreaming big even when the dream seems impossible. Have Faith. We are the future and that future is bright.
http://nairobiwilson.com/2015/05/22/asburundifights-meet-alice-runyutu-a-20yr-old-flying-in-kenya/
