EXCLUSIVE : ONE ON ONE WITH NIGERIA'S YOUNGEST PILOT

We return to the subject "passion.". We can't seem to exhaust that weighty topic. Men and women passionate about a cause or endeavour will do anything to achieve their goals. We won't be dwelling on that topic but on a man who has found his passion and he is already taking steps to get to the peak.

The Nigerian aviation industry has been plagued with series of air-mishaps with the latest one still fresh in our memories. Despite this, a young man has found his 'love' within that industry and he is putting expression to it.

The name Kidaffa Umaru Maina might not ring a bell in your ears but it is already causing positive waves within the aviation cycle. At 19, Kidaffa is Nigeria's youngest pilot.An indigene of Borno state,Kidaffa is the first in a family of 3 children. He attended Carebears Nursery/Primary School Maiduguri, Borno state for his primary education and proceeded to King's College Lagos for high school. He graduated from King's College in 2011 and enrolled in Aptrac Aviation,Port Elizabeth,South Africa that same year.

He started his course in October and obtained his first solo on the 29th February 2012..He got his Private pilot licence on 2 May 2012 at the age of 17 and continued for his commercial licence. He finished all his commercial ground school exams in November 2012 and continued with the flying program. He passed his oral exam and flight test on 18 September 2013 making it 10days to his 19th birthday..

Talking about his choice of career,he said,"Flying has always been my dream since I was much younger in
primary school.". He acknowledges divine and parental supports." My parents have been my great source of encouragement and also God has been so faithful to me..".

However this is not to say he has had it rosy all through. He had to overcome financial challenges initially and the age factor reared its head. "One of my challenges was funding.My parents suffered a lot to raise the money for my fees.Secondly my age.........most of my coursemates were like 10years older than me and we had to face the same task."

He is currently licenced on a multi engine aircraft with instruments rating and hopes to be a Captain on a Boeing 787. He is currently in Nigeria processing his licence conversion after which he will be eligible to fly the Nigerian airspace.
One striking feature about Kidaffa is his humility. His calm disposition is also notable. He has a word for Nigerian youths. "My advice to young Nigerians out there is hold on to your dreams,pray hard and open your heart to God. With hard work and determination, the sky is just the starting point"....

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