Pilot: Simon Neveling
“My role as the general manager of flight operations hinges on strategic business analysis, ensuring operational excellence and fostering industry connections.” This is how Simon Neveling, a pilot for FlyNamibia, describes his role.As a pilot, he has the responsibility of flying an aircraft, transporting passengers or cargo across various distances. A pilot's day begins with thorough preparation, which involves checking weather conditions, reviewing flight plans and performing pre-flight inspections.
Neveling started his career in 2007 at Westair, flying Cessna aircraft. In 2023, he was promoted to the general manager of flight operations at FlyNamibia.
He describes his career as follows: “The journey from training captain at Westair Aviation to senior leadership at FlyNamibia has been fuelled by a passion for aviation and a commitment to continuous learning”.
Once in the cockpit, he works closely with his co-pilot and crew to ensure a smooth operation. “At FlyNamibia, we've embraced the complexities of aviation management, leveraging my extensive training in ERJ-135/145, A320, A330, (types of planes) and a specialised IATA certification in aircraft finance acquisition and leasing.”
Communication and teamwork are key aspects of Neveling's job. He has to collaborate with flight attendants, ground crew and air traffic controllers to manage every phase of the flight. Crew members communicate with air traffic control to receive instructions and updates.
Flying requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics, meteorology and navigation, he noted. Logical reasoning in aviation isn't just about making decisions; it's about making the right decisions quickly and effectively, Neveling said.
On the value of logical sense as an aviator, he said: “Logical sense and its application is and always will be one of the most valuable assets in any person's arsenal as an aviator whether in the air, on the ground or in the office". He then added: “Logic is built on the foundation of basic principles and sound reasoning".
Being a pilot combines technical expertise with the joy of exploration. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a safe, efficient and enjoyable flight experience for all passengers.