The Sky is the limit – Capt. Feriel Ally
– chase your dreams
– prepare to overcome challenges
– support each other
– young girls must secure their education
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, March 6, 2019
For Captain, Feriel Ally “The Sky is the limit”.
Pilot Ally, of Air Services Limited, has been working in the aviation sector for over 30 years and has no regrets.
“As a girl, in high school, one day I woke up with this vision, I wanted to be a captain, I wanted to be in a pilot’s uniform, wear my four bars; I wanted to be in command and control,” Ally told the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Ally said upon graduating from Codrington High School in Barbados she attended the ADF Airways Flight School in Miami. Following this, she took her first job at the family business – Air Services Limited.
Ally began by loading and cleaning aircraft, taking reservations and scheduling pilots. It was this humble start which made her develop a deeper appreciation for aviation.
Over the years, Ally worked her way up the ladder in the aviation sector.
“I did my flying at ADF Airways at Tamiami Airport in Miami; however, I did not just want to be a pilot; I wanted to move laterally in aviation. Therefore, I took some time off from studies and worked at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport [CJIA] as a Deputy Manager of Operations, after that, I worked with the Guyana Civil Aviation as an Aviation Inspector. This is the regulatory body of aviation with oversight for Guyana,” Captain Ally recalled.
After acquiring her licenses, Captain Ally also pursued other academic advancements, such as Aviation Management and a degree in psychology.
Addressing the challenges and dangers she faces daily in her profession, Ally has this to say: “The jungle is unforgiving, however, my day to day challenges is the weather. But with experience, you live and breathe safety. I try not to go beyond the safety curve, and I try my best to be safe.”
Captain Ally said she comes from a family of aviators who knew of her passion from a tender age and gave her full support to achieve her dream
“I was lucky to have my parents provide me with a grounded education, thereafter, I took it on my own to pay my full tuition for schooling, and that was my greatest accomplishment in life.”
Captain Ally’s advice to young women is to set their goals from a young age, be focused and pursue your career.
Ayana George
Images: Adrian Persaud