Pretoria woman shows the rest of the World !
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Pretoria woman shows the rest of the World !
Mmhhhh who's daughter is this 
A Pretoria woman has flown into world military history as the first woman fighter pilot to fly a Gripen fighter jet.
Captain Catherine "Siren" Labuschagne (25), who is stationed at 85 Combat Flying School in Hoedspruit, took to the skies over Waterkloof Air Force Base during the opening of the African Aerospace and Defence 2004 show.
Labuschagne, who matriculated at Willowridge High School, is currently completing her fighter training course on Impalas at Hoedspruit.
Once she has completed her training next year, Labuschagne will move on to Hawk Fighter Trainer jets before becoming permanently stationed on the Gripen.
The Gripen is to replace South Africa's Cheetahs, while the Hawks will replace the Impalas.
Speaking after her historical flight, Labuschagne said that she was still in a state of awe. "It 's one of the most amazing and incredible aircrafts I've ever flown."
Asked what it was like to have made history Labuschagne said it had not quite sunk in yet.
"It is fantastic to know that I am the first woman fighter pilot to have flown the Gripen, but it is a great honour regardless of whether you are male or female," she said.
Labuschagne, who joined the air force because of her love for flying, encouraged all of those, "whether you are from a privileged area or not",to join the air force.
National Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said that South Africa was especially proud of Labuschagne and others like her.
"These people have taken up the cause of keeping our land safe and ensuring our sovereignty."
"Not only am I proud of her because she is the first female fighter pilot to fly the Gripen, but also because she is white," he said.
Asked to explain, Lekota said the last time the Gripen had been on show it had been piloted by Gabriel Ndabadaba, who had been poached by a commercial company, "whose salary we cannot match".
Lekota said that he was proud that young white pilots were resisting the urge of better salaries and were putting their country first.
"They show true commitment to our country and hold our future in their hands," he said. - Military Reporter.
Captain Catherine "Siren" Labuschagne (25), who is stationed at 85 Combat Flying School in Hoedspruit, took to the skies over Waterkloof Air Force Base during the opening of the African Aerospace and Defence 2004 show.
Labuschagne, who matriculated at Willowridge High School, is currently completing her fighter training course on Impalas at Hoedspruit.
Once she has completed her training next year, Labuschagne will move on to Hawk Fighter Trainer jets before becoming permanently stationed on the Gripen.
The Gripen is to replace South Africa's Cheetahs, while the Hawks will replace the Impalas.
Speaking after her historical flight, Labuschagne said that she was still in a state of awe. "It 's one of the most amazing and incredible aircrafts I've ever flown."
Asked what it was like to have made history Labuschagne said it had not quite sunk in yet.
"It is fantastic to know that I am the first woman fighter pilot to have flown the Gripen, but it is a great honour regardless of whether you are male or female," she said.
Labuschagne, who joined the air force because of her love for flying, encouraged all of those, "whether you are from a privileged area or not",to join the air force.
National Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said that South Africa was especially proud of Labuschagne and others like her.
"These people have taken up the cause of keeping our land safe and ensuring our sovereignty."
"Not only am I proud of her because she is the first female fighter pilot to fly the Gripen, but also because she is white," he said.
Asked to explain, Lekota said the last time the Gripen had been on show it had been piloted by Gabriel Ndabadaba, who had been poached by a commercial company, "whose salary we cannot match".
Lekota said that he was proud that young white pilots were resisting the urge of better salaries and were putting their country first.
"They show true commitment to our country and hold our future in their hands," he said. - Military Reporter.
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There's more cliché's in this small article than I can count.
The fact that she was almost certainly a "back-seater" in this ride doesn't get a mention.
"........one of the most incredible aircrafts (sic) I've ever flown...." I can just see it. "I can like to be flying a Grippon."
And all this drivel about being the first woman to have flown a Gripen........"had not quite sunk in yet"........."great honour."
I bet you they couldn't find a politician who had the balls to get in & go for a ride; I can just see the headlines, "A Mamelodi man has flown into world military history as the first black politicain to fly a Gripen fighter jet."
Do privilged areas go by post code? I thought the phrase was "previously disadvantaged" - privileged must be the other end of this rainbow spectrum.
"These people have taken up the cause of keeping our land safe and ensuring our sovereignty." Well that's absolutely fantastic; I can sleep soundly now knowing that by a chick going for a flip in a fighter our land is safe and our sovereignty is guaranteed.
"Not only am I proud of her because she is the first female fighter pilot to fly the Gripen, but also because she is white," Ah, the old race card. Dissect this statement. He's proud of her because she was the first female to fly a Gripen. OK, great. He's proud of her because she's white. ???????????? Hey, I'm getting this. I'm proud of him because he's black. And I'm proud of all of you because you're whatever skin tone your folks gene pool swam together.
It goes on, but you get my drift. Sorry, here comes another one.
The fact that she was almost certainly a "back-seater" in this ride doesn't get a mention.
"........one of the most incredible aircrafts (sic) I've ever flown...." I can just see it. "I can like to be flying a Grippon."
And all this drivel about being the first woman to have flown a Gripen........"had not quite sunk in yet"........."great honour."
I bet you they couldn't find a politician who had the balls to get in & go for a ride; I can just see the headlines, "A Mamelodi man has flown into world military history as the first black politicain to fly a Gripen fighter jet."
Do privilged areas go by post code? I thought the phrase was "previously disadvantaged" - privileged must be the other end of this rainbow spectrum.
"These people have taken up the cause of keeping our land safe and ensuring our sovereignty." Well that's absolutely fantastic; I can sleep soundly now knowing that by a chick going for a flip in a fighter our land is safe and our sovereignty is guaranteed.
"Not only am I proud of her because she is the first female fighter pilot to fly the Gripen, but also because she is white," Ah, the old race card. Dissect this statement. He's proud of her because she was the first female to fly a Gripen. OK, great. He's proud of her because she's white. ???????????? Hey, I'm getting this. I'm proud of him because he's black. And I'm proud of all of you because you're whatever skin tone your folks gene pool swam together.
It goes on, but you get my drift. Sorry, here comes another one.
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Labuschagne, who matriculated at Willowridge High School, is currently completing her fighter training course on Impalas at Hoedspruit.
Once she has completed her training next year, Labuschagne will move on to Hawk Fighter Trainer jets before becoming permanently stationed on the Gripen.
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Speaking after her historical flight, Labuschagne said that she was still in a state of awe. "It 's one of the most amazing and incredible aircrafts I've ever flown."
_________________________________________
an next week i'm reporting about Maritimical stuff, pacifically things like shipses
_________________________________________
an next week i'm reporting about Maritimical stuff, pacifically things like shipses
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Big deal - white woman rides in the back of an aircaft she'll never fly against ememies that don't exist.
(BTW haven't the Americans and Israelis has female fighter pilots for years ?)
Spare a thought for the white South African female pilots who fly for our contract companies in Iraq, Jordon, West Africa etc who really put their lives on the line in the hope of serving their country by flying for SAA one day.
Oops ! Except that SAA disregards its own employment rules and employs black males with a few hundred hours instead of theoretically equally qualified white females with ATP subjects and the above experience, not to mention paying afore mentioned black males' existing training bonds. Pathetic !
As they can't work for Emirates, what are white females supposed to do ? Unless they've been in the SAF of course when all is suddenly forgiven as their buddies slip them in quietly.
Why don't they just admit, no whites welcome even if you were previously disadvantaged....
(BTW haven't the Americans and Israelis has female fighter pilots for years ?)
Spare a thought for the white South African female pilots who fly for our contract companies in Iraq, Jordon, West Africa etc who really put their lives on the line in the hope of serving their country by flying for SAA one day.
Oops ! Except that SAA disregards its own employment rules and employs black males with a few hundred hours instead of theoretically equally qualified white females with ATP subjects and the above experience, not to mention paying afore mentioned black males' existing training bonds. Pathetic !
As they can't work for Emirates, what are white females supposed to do ? Unless they've been in the SAF of course when all is suddenly forgiven as their buddies slip them in quietly.
Why don't they just admit, no whites welcome even if you were previously disadvantaged....
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This says a lot more about the dismal state of the media in South Africa than it does about Ms Labuschagne.
There was a paper in SA who got the story exactly right, so I can only assume the rest of them had been at the free booze again!
There was a paper in SA who got the story exactly right, so I can only assume the rest of them had been at the free booze again!
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Must admit - the more I read through the article the more rubbish I see in it.
Sorry for posting it - maybe also a good thing as we can see what rubbish get's reported. I will post the author next time as well
Sorry for posting it - maybe also a good thing as we can see what rubbish get's reported. I will post the author next time as well
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Come on guys!
Jeezlike
Come on guys. You are almost as bad as these rubbish tabloids in the UK. Ok, maybe she isn't the first women to fly a fighter plane, but she does earn a rubbish salary, so you have to give her some credit. She didn't ask for the publicity.
From the messages written about the SACAA it think it would probably be more useful to direct your comments to these guys that seem to be creating havoc in the SA aviation industry.
Ciao
Come on guys. You are almost as bad as these rubbish tabloids in the UK. Ok, maybe she isn't the first women to fly a fighter plane, but she does earn a rubbish salary, so you have to give her some credit. She didn't ask for the publicity.
From the messages written about the SACAA it think it would probably be more useful to direct your comments to these guys that seem to be creating havoc in the SA aviation industry.
Ciao
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Why do you guys winge? After all she was doing what we all enjoy.... flying. So what if she didn't have to give a testicle for the ride! I certainly would have jumped at a chance for a ride - even if it is in the back!
Don''t be green monsters!
Ians
Don''t be green monsters!
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Ag shame... she was a previously disadvantaged white girl, who's father is a previously disadvantaged white Air Force General (Gen. White (ironic aint it)).
And now she's even more disadvantaged as she has a father-in-law who just happens to be a General in the Air Force. And shame, her husband is also a jet pilot.
All in all a really disadvantaged background, no wonder our little minister is so proud she is white, (or was White, now she's Labuscagne) because being white (the colour) during the 70's and 80's must have been difficult I'm sure.
(PS. this lady never even wanted to fly jets, she joined the transport squadron after pupes course, and only after marrying said young man by the name of Lappies, did she decide to go to a jet squadron, so as to be close to the hubby.)
We are proud.
And now she's even more disadvantaged as she has a father-in-law who just happens to be a General in the Air Force. And shame, her husband is also a jet pilot.
All in all a really disadvantaged background, no wonder our little minister is so proud she is white, (or was White, now she's Labuscagne) because being white (the colour) during the 70's and 80's must have been difficult I'm sure.
(PS. this lady never even wanted to fly jets, she joined the transport squadron after pupes course, and only after marrying said young man by the name of Lappies, did she decide to go to a jet squadron, so as to be close to the hubby.)
We are proud.
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Issues
Gimbal
I am not sure what your gripe is, but you seem to have some serious racial issues here. I don't see what the problem is. It is clear that the minister is trying to show that there seems to be some racial harmony in the SANDF, even though there are clearly some issues surrounding this topic.
The General happens to be an exceptional pilot, with his credentials open for everybody to see. I don't think anybody would question that. I am sure the Air Force is professional enough to select people on their merit, and I cannot believe that she is there just because she is somehow related to a general.
Did you maybe not qualify as a jet jock, and this is because you are so peeved. What is you flying record then, so that we can judge your qualifications.
My experience is that most pilots end up flying by hook or by crook. They will scrape every sent together if they have to, because most of them want to do it so badly. Life aint fare, but you take the chances you get.
Cheers
I am not sure what your gripe is, but you seem to have some serious racial issues here. I don't see what the problem is. It is clear that the minister is trying to show that there seems to be some racial harmony in the SANDF, even though there are clearly some issues surrounding this topic.
The General happens to be an exceptional pilot, with his credentials open for everybody to see. I don't think anybody would question that. I am sure the Air Force is professional enough to select people on their merit, and I cannot believe that she is there just because she is somehow related to a general.
Did you maybe not qualify as a jet jock, and this is because you are so peeved. What is you flying record then, so that we can judge your qualifications.
My experience is that most pilots end up flying by hook or by crook. They will scrape every sent together if they have to, because most of them want to do it so badly. Life aint fare, but you take the chances you get.
Cheers
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Etta...
I have no racial issues, which you have mentioned. All I have done is present the facts as they are in an objective manner, so take it as you will. Don't be so defensive though, I'm sure the General's job is pretty secure, as well as Cathy's.
As for "racial harmony" in the SAAF ? Give me some numbers...you seem to claim to know more then us little guys...
I have no racial issues, which you have mentioned. All I have done is present the facts as they are in an objective manner, so take it as you will. Don't be so defensive though, I'm sure the General's job is pretty secure, as well as Cathy's.
As for "racial harmony" in the SAAF ? Give me some numbers...you seem to claim to know more then us little guys...
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Ettamak,
I see you are writing from the UK. If you are British and haven't tried working in SA, then you don't know what you are talking about; if you are South African then you should know better than the PR rubbish you are spouting and what are you doing in the UK instead of enjoying the 'racial harmony' in South Africa ?
"I am sure the Air Force is professional enough to select people on their merit, and I cannot believe that she is there just because she is somehow related to a general." - are you naive or totally stupid ? BTW, the minister misidentified both the Rooivalk and the Oryx in the same TV interview. Still think people are appointed on merit ?
Also, 'fair' is spelt 'fair' or are you trying to imply that it's the 'fare' ie. the bribe, that you have to pay to get what you want these days in SA ? However I don't think that you sound clever enough to have come up with that wit by youself.
Gimbal has it spot on and at least is trying to be ironic about it. He's also highlighting that sexism in SA and particularly in the SAF is far worse an issue than racism and the new government is just as bad as the old one on that score. Are you proud of a woman being pushed around by daddy and hubby, if Gimbal is correct ? Why didn't hubby join the transport squadron ?
Wake up and smell the coffee, 'cos it's black.
I just feel sorry for poor Mrs Lab. If there's no racism or sexism in your 'racial harmony' what's all the fuss about ? Just leave her alone.
I see you are writing from the UK. If you are British and haven't tried working in SA, then you don't know what you are talking about; if you are South African then you should know better than the PR rubbish you are spouting and what are you doing in the UK instead of enjoying the 'racial harmony' in South Africa ?
"I am sure the Air Force is professional enough to select people on their merit, and I cannot believe that she is there just because she is somehow related to a general." - are you naive or totally stupid ? BTW, the minister misidentified both the Rooivalk and the Oryx in the same TV interview. Still think people are appointed on merit ?
Also, 'fair' is spelt 'fair' or are you trying to imply that it's the 'fare' ie. the bribe, that you have to pay to get what you want these days in SA ? However I don't think that you sound clever enough to have come up with that wit by youself.
Gimbal has it spot on and at least is trying to be ironic about it. He's also highlighting that sexism in SA and particularly in the SAF is far worse an issue than racism and the new government is just as bad as the old one on that score. Are you proud of a woman being pushed around by daddy and hubby, if Gimbal is correct ? Why didn't hubby join the transport squadron ?
Wake up and smell the coffee, 'cos it's black.
I just feel sorry for poor Mrs Lab. If there's no racism or sexism in your 'racial harmony' what's all the fuss about ? Just leave her alone.
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I think most of you guys are a little over-sensitive. The SAAF and the minister tried to promote the image of the SANDF with the "female fighter pilot" and just went about it the wrong way.
Racial harmony is and will be a farce for a very long time to come......It is not who you know or blow, but what skin colour you have. Lets face it, reverse racism / affirmative action, call it what you will, is not going to go away. The SAAF just tried to disguise it a little.
She does look cute in that flight suit though, doesnt she? (Previous comment is not meant to be sexist. Just stating the obvious)
Racial harmony is and will be a farce for a very long time to come......It is not who you know or blow, but what skin colour you have. Lets face it, reverse racism / affirmative action, call it what you will, is not going to go away. The SAAF just tried to disguise it a little.
She does look cute in that flight suit though, doesnt she? (Previous comment is not meant to be sexist. Just stating the obvious)
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Confused
I am totally confused now.
You are saying that AA is alive and kicking, which it is, but why then complain about white pilots in the SAAF. I know the defence force has problems, but it is voluntary, so you don't have to be there if you don't want to.
Maybe I am spouting PR rubbish, but why shouldn't they train fighter pilots if there is a shortage of pilots.
I am from SA and applied at SAA for pilots training, but unfortunately my maths wasn't good enough (after being top of my class in engineering). I was annoyed for a while, because they might have well told me that is was because of AA. I am pretty sure my maths is good enough. I then did the next best thing, and now I design flight controls on aircraft here in the UK. I love it and wouldn't have the same experience in SA. I could work in SA and be a builder or plumber or whatever, but this isn't challenging enough for me, and that is why I am here.
The world is a pretty unfair place, but you have to make choices. I know that you seem to have to bribe people to get where you want nowadays, and that isn't right, but I am afraid that your insinuation that the lady is only a fighter jock, because of her father in law is quite unfair. What first hand knowledge do you have that she was put there because she has the right connections. And if so, why don't you go to the papers, because I am sure they'll have a field day with it.
You are saying that AA is alive and kicking, which it is, but why then complain about white pilots in the SAAF. I know the defence force has problems, but it is voluntary, so you don't have to be there if you don't want to.
Maybe I am spouting PR rubbish, but why shouldn't they train fighter pilots if there is a shortage of pilots.
I am from SA and applied at SAA for pilots training, but unfortunately my maths wasn't good enough (after being top of my class in engineering). I was annoyed for a while, because they might have well told me that is was because of AA. I am pretty sure my maths is good enough. I then did the next best thing, and now I design flight controls on aircraft here in the UK. I love it and wouldn't have the same experience in SA. I could work in SA and be a builder or plumber or whatever, but this isn't challenging enough for me, and that is why I am here.
The world is a pretty unfair place, but you have to make choices. I know that you seem to have to bribe people to get where you want nowadays, and that isn't right, but I am afraid that your insinuation that the lady is only a fighter jock, because of her father in law is quite unfair. What first hand knowledge do you have that she was put there because she has the right connections. And if so, why don't you go to the papers, because I am sure they'll have a field day with it.