Michael Louw (Major)
SAAF Helicopter Pilot
Bloemfontein
Summary
I joined the SAAF in 2006 and graduated at the top of my Wings Course in 2009 on the PC-7 Astra. I completed my Rotary Wing Conversion Course in 2010 on the Oryx helicopter. In 2015 I completed my Operational Conversion Course on the A109 helicopter and accumulated over 600 hours on type. I successfully completed my Oryx Command Proficiency Check in 2019. During my tours as an Oryx pilot I operationally deployed to the DRC, as part of the UN and MONUSCO, where I gained valuable experience in multinational flight operations. As a VIP Commander in the SAAF I am entrusted to fly the State President when required. I currently hold a CPL(H) licence with type ratings for the RH22, RH44, S332, A109, and the S342 Gazelle helicopter.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
SAAF Helicopter Pilot
South African Air Force
01.2010 - Current
- Planned and filed daily flight plans for training missions, sorties, and military flight operations.
- Practiced and drilled for numerous wartime and peacetime emergency situations requiring rapid response.
- Trained in flight simulators to prepare for unexpected flight situations.
- Photographed specific areas of interest for military intelligence purposes.
- Operated aircraft at high-density altitudes and mountainous terrain during rescue missions.
- Used instrumentation to pilot aircraft during poor visibility.
- Co-ordinated with crew members from other countries to plan missions prior to flight and review results following completion.
Education
BBA - Project Management (Cum Laude)
Southern Business School
Pretoria 01.2017 - 04.2019
Higher Certificate (Cum Laude) - Military Studies
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch 01.2007 - 12.2007
Skills
Crew Resource Management
undefinedFlying Experience
Total Flying Hours: 2650
PIC Hours: 1220
Night Flying Hours: 204
NVG Hours: 52.8
Total Instrument Flying Hours: 215
References
S.J. Lownie - Former Officer Commanding 19 Squadron
Tel: +27 82 377 4885 Email: slownie@hotmail.com
N. Frylinck - Former SAAF Instructor
Tel: +27 71 362 7535 Email: frylinck27@gmail.com
Timeline
BBA - Project Management (Cum Laude)
Southern Business School
01.2017 - 04.2019
SAAF Helicopter Pilot
South African Air Force
01.2010 - Current
Higher Certificate (Cum Laude) - Military Studies
University of Stellenbosch
01.2007 - 12.2007
Similar Profiles
Tiaan BeeslaarTiaan Beeslaar
Health and Safety Coordinator (Aviation) at South African Air ForceHealth and Safety Coordinator (Aviation) at South African Air Force
Reynardt CloeteReynardt Cloete
Aviation Operations and Maintenance Coordinator at South African Air ForceAviation Operations and Maintenance Coordinator at South African Air Force
Thamsanqa Gad MatshobaThamsanqa Gad Matshoba
Senior Industrial Technician at South African Police ServiceSenior Industrial Technician at South African Police Service