Help Bayden Smith achieve his dream of flight training

Bayden Smith,16, from Hout Bay, lives every day with his head in the clouds, dreaming of one day becoming a commercial pilot.

The 16-year-old was recently accepted into the flight training programme at Morningstar Flight Academy in Cape Town.

"It's always been something on my mind, something I dream of every day and really want to chase after. I even look into the sky at times and just stare at the plane as it goes through the sky thinking one day that could be me," he said.

His current milestone is completing his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), which costs in the region of R126 000, which includes flight hours, ground school, exams, and licensing.

After completing his PPL, Bayden said he plans to complete his Night Rating and then qualify as a flight instructor at Morningstar, which would allow him to earn while flying and save toward his Commercial Pilot’s Licence.

Bayden said he has ambitions to fly for South African Airways and is excited at the opportunity to make his community proud.

"Not many people from my community can get to say they are a pilot, and that is what is motivating me at the moment, and I am determined to achieve this dream," Bayden said.

His mother, Alene Smith, said the family has started efforts to get Bayden on track, and helping him reach this first critical step was high on their agenda.

"Watching Bayden chase his dream of flying has been one of the greatest joys of my life. His eyes light up whenever he speaks about the skies, and seeing him take this step fills my heart with pride. Back Bayden’s Wings exists to remind him and other children that no dream is too big when you are supported and believed in,” she said.

Ms Smith said that although it was an incredible opportunity for Bayden, the costs involved made the journey harder, but she was prepared to do what it takes.

"I think any parent would do whatever they can to see their kids achieve their dreams. Everything in life costs something, and we cannot make our children believe that if something is too expensive, give up on it."

"We have to make them work hard for it and teach them to chase after their dreams."

To make Bayden's aviation dream a reality, the Smith family will be hosting several fundraisers, with one of the first scheduled to take place in March.

"Every contribution goes directly toward real training costs and even one flight hour makes a difference," Ms Smith said. 

To get involved or help Bayden take one step closer to his dream, visit his Back-A-Buddy

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