Page 85 - World Airnews Magazine April 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

PROFESSIONAL PILOT STUDENT

By Tamu Smith-Kohls

Choosing a career as a professional pilot was something that
Sydney Kibuuka has dreamed of since the age of seven. He
was born in the United States and grew up in Uganda.
He came back to the United States after high school to specif-
ically attend CAU as a professional pilot student in the Bache-
lor of Science in Aeronautics programme

California
Aeronautical
University’s (CAU)
professional
pilot students
come from all
over the world
and have diverse
backgrounds.
Some are just
out of high school,
some are transfer
students from
other collegiate
programme, and
some simply have
a dream that they
refuse to give up
on. successful CEO to pursue an education as a Sydney holds a private pilot certificate
Choosing a career as a professional professional pilot? and is currently accomplishing his
pilot was something Sydney Kibuuka has “When I was very young, I saw pilots in instrument rating. Earning his Bachelor
dreamed of since he was seven years old. the airport and thought to myself, ‘What of Science in Aeronautics at CAU will also
He was born in the United States and grew would it be like to take off and land on come with his commercial single-engine,
up in Uganda. He came back to the United those runways like them?’” Sydney added commercial multiengine, CFI, and CFII
States after high school to specifically that in Uganda, the aviation industry is not ratings and certificates.
attend CAU as a professional pilot student well established. “My first solo flight was one the most
in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics thrilling and fulfilling moments in my
“There is a scarcity of aircraft and
programme. aviation professionals. I want to be part life because it meant that I was getting
When we sat down with Sydney to of the solution. After a lot of research, closer to my goals. Getting my private pilot
discuss his initial passion for aviation, it was I decided that CAU offered the best certificate was even more exciting and
apparent that this was not just a dream, it supportive environment to accomplish my increased my confidence. There are not
was a mission. training efficiently. My ultimate goal is to a lot of people who get this opportunity
At the age of 19 he is the founder and own my own airline.” where I am from, and I look at this as one
CEO of Velocity Holdings., a technology Sydney’s family was very supportive of step closer to owning my own airline.”
company that has created websites like his decision to become a professional pilot Sydney is excited about becoming a
jumboflights.com, which helps customers and in January 2020, his family accepted well-rounded professional pilot and has
book the cheapest air tickets online; a 256 Teens Choice Award in Uganda on some advice for anyone wanting to pursue
plot256.com, an online events listing and his behalf because he was attending CAU a degree-focused flight training program
E-ticketing platform for Uganda; netcy- fulltime in California. like the one at CAU:
bertechs.com, a tech support website; and “Come with dedication and refrain from
velocitycrypto.com, a website that enables The Teens Choice was awarded to Sydney any activities that will distract you from
users to buy, sell, and exchange bitcoin and under the “Dream Chaser” category and your training. Distractions can be a big
other crypto currencies. is a distinction that is given only to the deterrence from your studies. Study hard
highest achievers nominated in Uganda.
What would encourage a young, and stay focused on your goal.” Q

World Airnews | April Extra 2020
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