As a young girl, Nelri Duvenage would jump down slopes with a blanket,
dreaming she could fly. Today, at just 18, that dream is practically a reality.
She’s only a few flips away from earning her private pilot’s license.
While most teens were stressing over their matric farewell outfits, Nelri Duvenage was busy navigating the skies. Literally. Studying for her PPL exams.
But her journey to the cockpit didn’t come easy. Between balancing her matric year, battling the most challenging PPL subject (Navigation, which she tackled during prelims), and racing against tight deadlines (she had to complete seven out of eight exams within 18 months or risk rewriting them all), Nelri had her work cut out for her. Add in a training delay due to an aircraft conversion – switching from the Ibis GS700 Magic to the Cessna 152 – and you’ve got a recipe for resilience. Anyone in aviation will tell you that’s no small feat!
For Nelri, flying is pure freedom. That effortless feeling of gliding through the sky, fully in control, is what makes it all worthwhile. And right now, she’s building up her solo hours, proving to herself (and the world) that she’s got what it takes.
But as any pilot will tell you, the weather can be a real wild card. Especially at Krugersdorp’s Jack Taylor Airfield. ‘The elevation valley and downward slopes mean frequent crosswinds and gusty conditions, making takeoffs and landings extra challenging’.
And speaking of landings … Nelri entered the 2023 Spot Landing Competition just for fun (to sharpen her landing skills) but ended up winning the Student Class. Not one to back down from a challenge, she entered again last year. And won again. Proof that flying has basically become like second nature to her.
One of her fave moments so far has to be flying with a friend to Lanseria in a Cherokee 6 for the Young Eagles Event, where she and other pilots took aspiring aviators for short flights around the aerodrome. Not only was it her first time flying and landing at Lanseria Airport, but she also got to witness massive Boeings up close. Today, as a member of the Young Aviators of South Africa, she’s proud to be part of inspiring the next generation of pilots. Oh, and she also got to meet Scully Levin (one of South Africa’s top pilots).
Many assume she’s too young to be a pilot, when in fact, you can start flying at 16. And no, it’s not just about hopping into a plane. There are intense exams with high pass rates that most people don’t realise.
‘Bottom line … never let your wings be clipped. The road is long and hard, but it’s so worth it. And girls … don’t let your gender limit your dreams.’
Nelri once flew in a Harvard with a pilot who took her through barrel rolls. Not exactly your average Sunday drive.
While most 18-year-olds are figuring out their next steps, Nelri already has a big dream … becoming a captain at FlySafair and joining the small but growing number of female captains in the world. Her ultimate goal … flying the B737-800.
When she’s not flying, she might be showjumping with her horse, Bounty Hunter. The duo trains weekly and made it to the 2024 Gauteng West SANESA A-Team in the 80cm Working Hunter class. Her record jump … a solid 1.20m.
‘It’s incredible to team up with an animal to do something we both love. That feeling of freedom, whether it’s soaring over jumps or galloping with the wind in my ears, is just magic.’
At home, she’s the same calm, diligent, and down-to-earth pilot you’ll see in the airfield. What you see is what you get. She’s also creative, artistic, and a pretty good singer. But want to make her day? Surprise her with a sunrise or sunset flight.
Nelri’s journey is proof that dreams don’t just stay dreams if you’re willing to chase them. She’s tackled challenges head-on, pushed past every obstacle, and soared (literally) beyond expectations.
Details: @Nellsaviatrix on Insta, @Nelri Duvenage on Facebook and @agirlwithgod on Tiktok
