AT just 19 years old, Natasha Mehl has accomplished what many only dream of achieving in a lifetime.
With a passion for aviation that ignited at a young age, Natasha’s journey to becoming Zambia’s youngest licensed pilot is nothing short of inspirational.
Born and raised in Zambia, Natasha’s love affair with the skies began during her childhood travels with her parents.
Each flight sparked a curiosity within her that eventually blossomed into a full-fledged passion for aviation.
“I saw aeroplanes and got very fascinated by them. That sparked my interest in aviation,” recalled Mehl.
She said she would read books on aviation and imagined herself in a plane as a pilot.
Determined to pursue her dreams, she enrolled in aviation school after completing her secondary education.
Despite facing challenges along the way, including struggling to grasp the intricacies of landing an airplane, the young pilot never wavered in her determination.
“My initial solo flight was the best day of my life,” she shared, reflecting on her journey.
Throughout her pursuit, Natasha found inspiration in the footsteps of Kalenga Kamwendo, one of Zambia’s celebrated pilots.
She told Kalemba that Kalenga’s mentorship and support served as a guiding light for her as she embarked on her own path in aviation.
“Travelling not only ignited a spark in me for aviation, but I also got inspired when I saw the then 21-year-old Kalenga emerge as a hero,” she revealed.
For Natasha, aviation is more than just a career, it is a dynamic field that requires passion, courage and self-discipline.
She emphasised that success in aviation goes beyond glamour and requires unwavering dedication.
“Aviation is not about posting pictures and making videos on TikTok or about the fun, it really takes a lot of self-discipline for you to do it,” disclosed Mehl.
She shared that she remains committed to her goal of obtaining her commercial pilot license proudly carrying the title of Zambia’s youngest pilot in her field.
In her free time, Natasha enjoys spending quality moments with her family and friends, grounding herself amidst the excitement of her soaring career.
She encouraged her fellow young people to follow their passions and soar to new horizons.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 25, 2024
