The inspiring SA pilot flying high in the sky and on social media
What does a day in the life of a pilot look like? Apart from the exhilarating job, there's so much more that goes into earning your wings and this is why Melissa's content is so captivating.
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an airport? What about what goes on behind the scenes in the cockpit?
Meet Melissa, the South African pilot making all the right moves online and above the clouds.
Well, wonder no more because South African pilot Melissa has all the answers - and videos - to satisfy your curiosity. Not only is she a powerhouse in the aviation industry, but she's also one on social media. Known as @pilot_onthegram on TikTok, Melissa's account has taken off - earning her that coveted Verified tick!
But, what makes Melissa's account so popular?
She's using the platform to educate users on the in's and out's of life behind-the-scenes in the aviation industry. Her on-the-ground tutorials and sky-high views make her one of the most fascinating pilots and content creators in the country.
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So, what does a day in the life of a pilot look like? Here's a little taste.
@pilot_onthegram Beautiful day 😃 ##femalepilot ##pilot ##kingair ##flightdeckview ##fyp
♬ Something New (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - Wiz Khalifa
@pilot_onthegram Impossible is nothing 👩🏽✈️ ##womenofnow ##pilotonthegram ##captain ##kingair ##femalepilot
♬ remix_dangerouswoman_remix - Jeremy🥱
@pilot_onthegram ✈️👩🏽✈️ ##updown ##updownchallenge ##updowntpain ##femalepilot ##pilotonthegram ##fyp
♬ Up Down (Do This All Day) (feat. B.o.B) - T-Pain
@pilot_onthegram Do you prefer take-off or landing? 👩🏽✈️🛩 ##pilotonthegram ##boseaviation ##femalepilot ##landing
♬ original sound - Sickickmusic
@pilot_onthegram Forgot to tell ATC I was recording 😉😂 ##learnontiktok ##pilotonthegram ##femalepilot
♬ original sound - Pilot_onthegram
@pilot_onthegram ##fyp ##tutorials ##howto ##femalepilot ##flying ##kingair
♬ FIA - Davido
You can watch more by clicking here.
Talking to News24, Melissa talks about her content-creation process and how she does it.
I record all my videos using my GoPro that is not touched throughout the flight. Videos are then edited at home and take anywhere between two to four hours,” she says. “Without a doubt, one of my favourite videos is that of the Air Traffic Control at OR Tambo International Airport recognising me from my social media on frequency and calling me by my social media handle. This is the busiest airport in Africa.
As much as I enjoy creating fun content on the job, I make it a priority to include educational content and allow viewers to see what goes on in the flight deck,” she says, adding that in her videos, she always tries to remain authentic.
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Melissa has certainly inspired us with her passion for aviation and her willingness to share her knowledge.
The 24-year-old Joburg resident also runs a mentorship program for others who are interested in becoming a pilot or aviation, in general.
If you want to get more information, insights and tips from Melissa, follow her on TikTok and on Instagram.
As a young female of colour, I hope to change the dynamic of the aviation industry by making information more readily available to individuals,” she says. “I hope to continue inspiring and encouraging individuals, show them that you really can achieve anything and to remember that God always has a plan for your life. I want people to know that it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to be unsure, it’s okay to be overwhelmed, but it’s never okay to give up.
Keep shining, Melissa. We wish you many more safe hours in the sky and 'likes' on the 'gram!
If you'd like some tips on how to become an influencer and create great content, click here.
Main image attribution: Instagram/@pilot_onthegram