Andrew Kibet

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

 Andrew Kibet

"I am Andrew Kibet Toroitich aged 30, the sixth born of Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Chemonjoi in a family of 10. My parents live in Kenya, Rift Valley Province in Marakwet District.

I went to Primary school through to the year 2000 when I successfully completed my ‘O’ Levels in Marakwet High School. I m grateful that my parents over this period managed to educate me and realize my dreams as a Professional pilot. 

 

With the unreserved support of my parents and instrumental encouragement with motivation, I was able to build initial assessments for pilot training at the Kenya School of Flight in Nairobi Kenya. After two weeks assessments, I was assessed as medically fit to do professional pilot training.

Considering the cost of Pilot Training in Kenya School of Flying , my parents opted to transfer me to more relatively cheaper school in South Africa, Flight Training College of Africa. The school went bankrupt just after I enrolled and had paid training fees.

 

 Although it was not “Cheaper” as indicated as I lost my training fees to FTC school, It was not really easy knowing the struggles of the family to make ends meet in the basics of life but with support of my loving Parents who understood and nurtured my dreams, I did not give up and joined Pretoria Flying School which was approved school by Ministry of Education of Kenya.

My passion of flying as a Pilot was catapulted by more interests in Aviation Business and Humanitarian Services offered as an Aircraft operator. I wanted to fly for UN, WFP, ICRC and also fly for NGO's to reach the unreached. And the most motivating factor was the adventurous spirit, to venture out and see what was there in the skies. I felt flying was more challenging and rewarding hence I didn't want to do what everyone was doing at the time. I wanted something unique, special, challenging and fulfilling. Which comes with traveling all round the world and get paid for it.

I finished my Commercial Pilot Training February 2008 and since then I have been flying as a freelance Pilot with some tourist charter companies in Kenya on a Cessna 208(Caravan) and B1900D. Which to this far, I thank God for enabling me be a professional Pilot.

 

Its one year from October 2011 when I got a job in Nigeria as an Expatriate to fly Beechcraft 1900D on a contract basis with Overland Airways. Flying the B1900 has been fun and a stable plane to Hand fly sometimes without autopilot. I enjoy flying it knowing what I am doing.

If given a chance or I get the chance to fly bigger body aircraft like the Boeing 737 series and other aircraft, it will be more fulfilling- The sky has never been the limit to me but to aim higher and step on the moon where human beings have also stepped.

 

My future plans in aviation are to Start an Aircraft Charter, Rental, & Leasing Business.

With the commercial airline industry offering fewer flights and services, many businesses and individuals are taking a closer look at private air charter and leasing opportunities. Coupled with concerns about security following 9/11, the demand for more convenient air travel has resulted in a decade of growth for private plan manufacturers as well as aircraft charter and leasing companies and this creates room for air charter start-ups.

The rising need of Humanitarian Services in Africa and Parts of Middle East demands a long-term plan leasing or provide a combination of the two approaches for UN, WFP ,ICRC and other NGOs .. Diversification is a legitimate business strategy and can increase my startup's revenues -- as long as I get the resources and expertise to flawlessly execute multiple business activity.

 

My dream is Start an Aircraft Charter, Rental, & Leasing Business, a business with encompassing affair and does not begin or end when the passengers board aircraft.

At this time I am looking for Partners, Lenders and Investors that I may need to get my feet off the ground.

All in All I am confident in this one thing that God who has begun a good work in me (has given me the will, dream and the desire) to complete it.” Philippians 1:6 

“For it is God working in you giving you the will and the power to achieve His purposes” Philippians 2:13. I have strong faith that with God, Together we can accomplish the unimaginable!”

Andrew, I think with your passion there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. We all wish the best of luck in all your endeavors! If there is a will, there is a way. If anyone has a suggestion for Andrew on how to accomplish his dreams, I'm sure he would love to hear from you. You have overcome every obstacle. I know you will again.

Enjoy the Journey! 

XO Karlene