Lahja Nashuuta
Breaking barriers and thriving in a male-dominated sector, Linea Naikete is dominating the skies with grace, poise and humility as one of the youngest female military pilot in the Land of the Brave.
Naikete (29) showed off her skills during the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Airforce flyover parade at this year’s Heroes Day celebration held in Omuthiya, Oshikoto region.
Her skills wowed the crowd that many of the spectators thought it was a man on the flight deck.
In a recent conversation with Youth Corner, Naikete reflected on her journey and her efforts to close the gender gap in her field. She emphasised that her career was not a mere afterthought or a fallback option. Rather, it was fuelled by a deep passion to reach new
heights.
From a young age, she was captivated by the concept of flight, and aspired to become an astronaut.
Like many children, Naikete would gaze skyward whenever an aeroplane flew over her grandparents’ home, unaware that she would eventually establish her residence 1 500 feet in the air.
“An aviation career wasn’t always my dream. Growing up, I dreamt of being a doctor. However, all that changed when I was in Grade 10 when I met a team of NDF officers exhibiting their roles during a career fair at Haimbili Haufiku Secondary School in 2010. Amongst them was a female Air Force Pilot who inspired me so much, and from that day on, I took it upon myself to find out more,” she recalled.
“In grade 12, while still contemplating on becoming a doctor and not having much information on how to become a pilot in Namibia, The Namibian Aviation Training Academy’s (NATA) Abner Hamukwaya was doing school visits, raising awareness on the Flying School, and disseminating general information and knowledge on aviation in the northern regions when he made a stopover at Ongha Secondary School. He was the final piece to my career selection puzzle, and I then applied to the NATA right away. I went through the aviation medical checkups and psychometric evaluation tests, and finally, I was eligible to start as a student pilot at NATA,” Naikete divulged.
The pilot enlisted in the military in 2016. As a recruit, she underwent basic military training at Osona Military Base, which is currently known as the Namibian Defence Force Training Centre. Following her training, she was inducted into the NDF.
“First I am a soldier, then a pilot. However, the days I take to the skies are always my favourites. Even when I don’t get the best flights some days, they are always the greatest of my days. I had great honour sharing the skies with some of the best in the organisation, and in the process learning from them,” maintained the spirited pilot.
In 2015, she obtained her Private Pilot Licence (PPL) from NATA, an accomplishment she regards as a significant milestone and a source of great pride. Since then, she has been flying at national events, and has also had the privilege of transporting esteemed dignitaries. She is truly realising her aspirations.
Humble beginnings
Naikete was raised in Etomba village, located in the Ohangwena region, under the care of her grandparents.
“I went to Hilya Nelulu Combined School, and did my matric at Ongha Secondary School. Growing up, I was the eldest child among the other kids in the house. My hobbies are reading, music, outdoor adventures as well as fitness and sport,” she said.
In the sky
When queried about her emotions upon entering the cockpit, she expressed that she experiences a profound sense of responsibility, and endeavours to maintain a calm and composed demeanour prior to commencing her duties. She revealed that during a flight, she is required to monitor the instruments closely, attentively listen to Air Traffic Control, and be prepared to make critical decisions as necessary to guarantee a safe outcome. This position undoubtedly entails significant responsibility.
“The days I take to the skies are always my favourites. Even when I don’t get the best of flights some days, they are always the greatest of my days,” she said.
Challenges
“The first and most prevailing challenge with most in aviation, especially as a student, is always funds. I was fortunate enough to have received financial assistance from the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, and that’s how I managed to study towards attaining my PPL in 2015,” bared Naikete.
She advised fellow women to consider a career in aviation.
“There is nothing easy out there, but with a strong will and faith, hard work sure pays off. Put God at the centre of everything you do, discipline yourself in the way you carry yourself, and He is sure to steer you in the right direction. Impossibilities can be made possible if one is determined to attain one’s goal,” she said.