Women Pioneering the Path for Others in South African Aviation
Among the trailblazing women who helped reshape South African aviation, Jane Trembath and Petro van Wyk stand out as two pilots whose careers at South African Airways (SAA) overlapped in surprising ways. Jane joined the airline in 1988, at a time when female pilots were a rarity and often faced doubts about their abilities.
Petro entered SAA about a decade later, stepping into a flight deck culture already influenced by women like Jane, whose hard work had opened doors for others. Though they came from different backgrounds — Jane, inspired by an unforgettable holiday flight, and Petro, guided by a father who flew for SAA — they both overcame obstacles to pursue their shared passion for the sky. Their stories illustrate how one generation’s success can make it easier for the next, helping aviation become more inclusive and accessible.
Jane’s Early Obstacles
Jane’s first flying lesson took place while she was still in matric. She trained at the Cape Aero Club, where she was welcomed, but after completing her CPL and seeking her first job, she encountered numerous roadblocks. Many employers expressed distrust in women pilots or asked if she planned to settle down and have children. One person even remarked, “I can hire someone who is young or female, but not both.” Eventually, she secured a job at Namib Air, flying Cessna aircraft in challenging conditions due to regional tensions.
In 1988, after a long hiring pause, SAA opened its doors to new pilots. Jane applied again and was accepted, joining alongside two other women. She flew the Boeing 737-200 and later became the first female qualified to fly the 747-400. Despite her achievements, some older captains still believed women did not belong in the flight deck, and passengers were sometimes shocked to see her in uniform.
Jane recalled how even minor mistakes were magnified because she was a woman. Yet, she stood firm, developing assertive communication skills to command respect. In 2001, she led an all-female 737 crew on a domestic flight, which attracted media attention and demonstrated that female pilots were fully capable.
Petro’s Path into SAA
Petro van Wyk’s journey took a different route. Her father flew for SAA for over forty years, immersing her in an aviation environment from a young age. She initially tried to join the Air Force and the SAA Cadet Programme in the early 1990s but was turned down. Determined to pursue her dream, she studied law before returning to aviation with her family’s support. She built flight hours by conducting daily flights for the traffic department in a small Cessna 172 over Pretoria. She also flew DC-3 and DC-4 aircraft, carrying freight into various parts of Africa. These classic aircraft, with their heavy control surfaces, presented their own challenges, but Petro received valuable guidance from her father and his colleagues.
By 2003, Petro was accepted at SAA. She began as an in-flight relief pilot on the 747-400 and later flew the Airbus A319 and A320. Petro acknowledged that, thanks to women like Jane, who had paved the way, she encountered fewer outdated attitudes. SAA’s Crew Resource Management also contributed to fostering a culture of respect and teamwork. Although Petro faced fewer direct challenges as a female pilot, she still noticed the occasional surprise from passengers when a woman entered the flight deck.
Shared Legacy and Departure
Over time, Jane and Petro grew into trusted pilots at SAA. Both recall passengers peeking into the flight deck, asking, “Are you really the ones flying this plane?” Jane laughs about a young boy who looked at her, then at her female co-pilot, and asked who was flying the aircraft. Petro fondly remembers a flight where she and her father flew together, linking her family’s legacy to her own career.
Jane and Petro operated domestic and international flights on various aircraft, including the B737, A320 series, B747, A330, and A340.
In 2020, the COVID-19 crisis hit SAA hard. Jane flew back from São Paulo, sensing it might be her last flight. Just weeks earlier, Petro had unknowingly shared one of her final flights to Lagos with Jane in the flight deck. After leaving SAA, Jane shifted her focus to nature conservation. Petro moved to the Northern Cape, where she started a flying school, staying active in aviation.
A Legacy of Progress
Jane Trembath and Petro van Wyk exemplify how the efforts of one pioneer can create lasting change. When Jane began her career, she had to fight for respect almost every day. By the time Petro joined, the culture had shifted, making it easier for female pilots to be accepted.
Yet, both worked hard to prove their skills and excel in their careers. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance can challenge outdated perceptions and pave the way for future generations. Their legacy highlights how much progress can be made within a single decade.
Interview with Jane Trembath and Petro van Wyk conducted for African Pilot Magazine by Timothy Homan and edited by Phillippa Dean.
