Professional Drone Aviation & Wildlife Conservation – Insights from Wanele Dlamini
Show notes
Episode 52 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Wanele Dlamini, Senior Conservation Pilot, Team Leader, RPAS (Drone) Instructor Rating Candidate, and licensed Remote Maintenance Technician from South Africa.
The conversation begins with Wanele explaining how aviation first entered his life, what fascinated him about drone flying, and the path that led him to earning both his Remote Pilot Licence and his Remote Maintenance Technician Licence.
Wanele discusses the skills required of a professional drone pilot, the importance of thorough mission preparation, and how much of his work actually involves flying compared with other responsibilities.
Together, they discuss:
- Becoming a professional drone pilot
- Remote pilot and maintenance training
- Mission preparation
- Aerial surveillance
- Wildlife conservation
- Anti-poaching operations
- The successful cheetah rescue mission
- Advice for future commercial drone pilots
- Goals for the coming years
Throughout the conversation, Wanele provides practical insights into professional drone operations and explains how aviation technology supports conservation work in South Africa.
The episode is framed by an introduction and closing reflections from Aviation-Quest.cc co-host and Airbus A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz, adding an active airline pilot's perspective.
This episode is designed for aspiring drone pilots, student pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the growing role of professional drone aviation in conservation and aerial operations.
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Show transcript
00:00:00:
00:00:27: The views shared in this podcast are personal and for informational purposes only.
00:00:31: They do not reflect any employer or aviation authority and nothing discussed here should be considered flight training, or regulatory guidance.
00:00:37: Please always refer to official sources.
00:00:39: this episode may also contain product placement.
00:00:42: for further information visit our website aviation-quest.cz.
00:00:48: Hello!
00:00:49: And welcome.
00:00:50: This is AviationQuest.cz Our weekly podcast about all things aviation and flight simming.
00:00:58: My name is Stefan, I'm one of the hosts here but i say this all the time because it's still true...I am just a pilot that comes whenever he has a day off and does what his told to do by our professional podcaster.
00:01:14: Jürgen!
00:01:15: How are you today?
00:01:17: Stefan makes me laugh in every intro.
00:01:20: Yeah, for all the new listeners we are still small but constantly growing.
00:01:26: channel an aviation channel and aviation podcast.
00:01:30: yeah Stefan is a professional A-Street-twenty pilot.
00:01:33: then I think Stefan now In September you're still fulfilling a lot of holiday maker dreams.
00:01:41: You're all over Europe here.
00:01:43: Yeah, we still have completely full planes flying to all kinds of holiday destinations.
00:01:51: Spain, Greece, Italy... All over!
00:01:54: Still busy.
00:01:56: and I'm Jürgen Reis an aviation mental performance coach working with pilots preparing for assessments simulator sessions and training in the moment also well booked Always something going on and always happy to help.
00:02:13: But yeah, we are Aviation Quest CC And We Are Already Today in Episode Fifty-Two!
00:02:22: Wow it's really... It is Going On!
00:02:24: It Is Going On, Itis Going
00:02:25: On!!
00:02:26: And Yeah today.. ..we're at the second time.
00:02:31: In The Second Time we had one podcast in Africa with Adil And today we are heading the second time to, so-to say far south.
00:02:45: Very far South!
00:02:46: I don't think you can go much further than South Africa but yeah super cool podcast something we've never ever done before.
00:02:56: really interesting actually.
00:02:59: if it allowed me to say this is one of things i enjoyed most about.
00:03:05: We get to talk to people and listen to people that otherwise we would have never ever met or spoken too from the parts of aviation, but usually you don't really think about all that much.
00:03:19: And then more of these people we meet... The more I realize how huge this industry is!
00:03:28: How many opportunities there are for people who want join?
00:03:31: It's amazing, I mean when we came up it was not much longer than a year ago with the concept of this podcast.
00:03:39: We discussed possible guests in the future but one thing that somehow wasn't on our list of possibilities let say like is a commercial drone pilot.
00:03:52: Yes Stefan should i make here a little bit of a carpet introduction already for our guest?
00:03:59: Yeah, let's go ahead because it is a super interesting podcast.
00:04:02: I've learned huge amount about drone flying and of course nature conservation.
00:04:10: Todays guest is Vanelle Lamini from South Africa an experienced commercial drone pilot senior conservation team leader and licensed remote maintenance technician Yeah, and he has already built an impressive amount of professional flying experience at a relatively young age.
00:04:30: And works in a fascinating and rapidly developing area of aviation.
00:04:35: yeah it's really drone-flying It is...it is fascinating!
00:04:39: Also today's podcast.
00:04:41: I think Yeah, it was really... I mean every podcast is unique.
00:04:46: But this one's really special-special unique also for me.
00:04:50: It was another podcast that absolutely... Also This something as a lot of time but made by day.
00:04:57: yeah exactly so i guess.
00:05:00: Well, you know I'm not claiming and or anything about drone flying.
00:05:03: I would assume there's lots of different roles.
00:05:07: I imagine a drone pilots that work for the fire brigade have completely different tasks than police force.
00:05:16: so today this is why i am excited we listen to what it like essentially look after animals to protect them, to hunt down poachers all that stuff.
00:05:29: So really exciting stuff especially for us here in Europe that are so far removed from the nature reserves in Africa.
00:05:37: I've really enjoyed listening today.
00:05:39: interview what really well done Jürgen.
00:05:41: as always Big thumbs up from my side.
00:05:47: It was also for me, literally a whole new world as you say.
00:05:51: I mean i live here in in Dramien, Vorarlberg.
00:05:54: it's this is really the hole see?
00:05:59: You fly at least on the simulator but certainly drone flying in South Africa.
00:06:05: This maybe a sim idea of some company out there.
00:06:13: listening now would be amazing.
00:06:15: but speaking of simming stefan your fs clips channel to change topics here for a second is in the moment.
00:06:24: hey you are killing it over there.
00:06:25: huh.
00:06:26: every day a new video.
00:06:27: what's going on?
00:06:30: yeah i have a little bit more time than usual so I thought i'll make use of it because I think by the end.
00:06:40: But yeah, which brings us to a side channel.
00:06:43: We are on an audio cast but thanks to Stefan's really ambitious flight simming so-to say Flight Sim to YouTube work.
00:06:51: we also run our youtube channel and this is aviation-quest podcast.
00:06:58: there you can find out some Youtube.
00:07:00: And today while your listening to Vanelli and myself interviewing him, you can see a video in the background.
00:07:09: And normally it's real world flight.
00:07:11: Stefan what is going on today?
00:07:15: So today we are back on the A-three, four T three hundred.
00:07:18: You can tell I really like the aircraft and We're going back in time.
00:07:22: at this time.
00:07:23: It's it's my personal past so you may remember?
00:07:27: We talked about these many podcasts ago.
00:07:30: i started as cabin crew And after some time on short haul I switched to longhaul and I started working on the eight three forty three hundred And we usually flew to Tokyo, across the Atlantic and all that stuff.
00:07:45: But once in a while... We did short-haul flights with a three or four team mostly to Greece.
00:07:52: I'm still not quite sure why but their flights were fully booked.
00:07:56: They went to Heraklion and all those places.
00:08:00: So i thought you know what?
00:08:01: Why not recreate one of these flights?
00:08:05: Today we're flying to Greece with the A-three, four T three hundred which is unusual.
00:08:12: But believe me back in the day this is what we did.
00:08:16: so I hope you enjoy it.
00:08:17: It was a very nice flight and even used delivery Back from the nineteen nineties that we use on that aircraft With the same registration.
00:08:27: So everything is super realistic Yeah!
00:08:31: So a bit different From drone flying.
00:08:35: Perfect, a little bit of difference.
00:08:39: Listen to the recording I did with Van der Le.
00:08:43: One more time thank you for Van Der Le's time.
00:08:46: it was really a pleasure and an exciting afternoon To have him live on tape.
00:08:54: but other than this If you want to be, maybe say hey I am even in a more specific or special area of aviation.
00:09:03: I'm really looking forward talking with you.
00:09:05: Maybe also Stefan can conduct an interview.
00:09:07: but normally i have little bit more flexible with my scheduling here.
00:09:12: Just write me on LinkedIn.
00:09:14: Yeah it's my name there Jürgen Reis.
00:09:16: You can find the direct link where are show notes.
00:09:20: Easy going.
00:09:21: click to podcast wherever do listen scroll down the teaser text and below there is a direct link to my linked in-page.
00:09:30: I accept every connection especially when it's from aviation people.
00:09:36: just write me, we will set this up.
00:09:42: Very good, very good.
00:09:43: So the way it works.
00:09:45: again if you're new to the podcast we'll shortly be jumping into an interview and then Jürgen & I will back afterwards with some final thoughts and some final words.
00:09:56: so anything else to say or shall we jump right in?
00:10:00: No, I'd say you with your...I cannot do it like you on FS Clips.
00:10:08: Now the people remember when they watched one of the FS clips video Your intro please.
00:10:17: Okay.
00:10:17: so without further ado here is our interview today and yeah Like we said We'll see you afterwards.
00:10:24: So enjoy!
00:10:28: Today we are heading to South Africa.
00:10:30: To welcome Vanelle Lamini!
00:10:33: Vanelle, it's a pleasure have you with us and I hope i pronounced your name the right way.
00:10:40: Hi Jürgen yes It is a pleasure be on this show.
00:10:43: Yes my name is Vanelle.
00:10:45: A lot of people struggle for pronunciation but its ok.
00:10:49: You hit the nail in head.
00:10:53: Ok thankyou Vanelle.
00:10:56: yeah I don't know if there is a thing like typical working week in the moment.
00:11:02: But as we record this, on the second half of July twenty-twenty six what does it typically work?
00:11:09: When you fly and when do things that are done in your professional drone operation world look like for you?
00:11:22: We don't have, or let me rephrase.
00:11:24: I don't a typical working week rather but... I operate on three-week basis so the three weeks cycle and then seven day one week break And back to three weeks again.
00:11:37: So that's Monday to Monday.
00:11:41: Currently in the conservation space where i'm at My availability is twenty four seven.
00:11:49: I'm always ready to be deployed at any given moment, so there's not a specific time in which i go out and operate whenever duty calls.
00:12:01: In those three-week periods.
00:12:04: That is exactly what I thought!
00:12:06: Quite the opposite of normal night to five job.
00:12:09: Yeah definitely
00:12:13: Tell us Vaneli how did aviation first enter your life?
00:12:18: Okay, so I get this question quite a lot actually and it's a bit of long story but i'll try to make as short as possible.
00:12:28: But essentially my passion has always been going into aviation to be commercial pilot in manned aviation.
00:12:43: And once I was finished with school, I applied to the South African Air Force.
00:12:51: The military and tried go in via that route but unfortunately wasn't accepted.
00:12:58: so then you know had to figure out a plan B which is going into university.
00:13:04: That isn't really what i wanted it do because always been helped on on going into aviation, I'm becoming a pilot.
00:13:13: That was always my dream that i couldn't do anything else.
00:13:15: but here I am now going to university studying something I didn't want to study which was political science and international relations And halfway through it actually gave up on it.
00:13:27: then I dropped out.
00:13:28: so like this...I'm not meant to be here.
00:13:30: It doesn't feel like I should be here.
00:13:33: So by you know God's grace to Do something in drones, right?
00:13:46: So at the time like I wasn't too sure what was going on.
00:13:49: And have a lot of information on drones or what a drone was and you know But when I read The brochure it seemed like it had some to do with aviation.
00:13:57: so i's okay.
00:13:58: It may not be Exactly What i'm gunning for but i think is this step In the right direction and that might help me get closer To my eventual goal.
00:14:09: then you know they're not doing it at all.
00:14:12: So I applied for the bursary, got accepted and yeah from there i just continued growing in the career path.
00:14:23: so that's basically how I came into being a commercial drone pilot.
00:14:31: What fascinated your most when he becomes to... Yeah I mean Drone Pilot certainly is flying yourself but you are flying the drone.
00:14:41: Yes, yes I think what was interesting about it.
00:14:45: Was basically how you could use technological applications to solve real-world problems where oftentimes the ground people on the ground unable To perform a certain task or unable acquire certain things, so I'll give an example as to what i'm saying.
00:15:10: So basically take for example conservation.
00:15:13: right maybe you have cheetah that's been wounded somewhere deep in the bush because there are no roads that might lead and it could prove dangerous too like field rangers.
00:15:28: then you can send out a drone and the drone can do the scouting work, you can pinpoint exact location.
00:15:34: You could help field ranges or ground staff get from point A to point B safely.
00:15:40: I think those applications of a drone are very interesting for me in that... ...you use it to assist people or change how they would normally operate make them more efficient and safe.
00:15:57: That's what really took an interest when it came to drugs.
00:16:02: How much effort was it, to earn your remote pilot license down the islands of South Africa?
00:16:10: Yeah I mean... It wasn't a bit difficult but challenging for me especially because going in i had no idea what to expect.
00:16:21: you know.. Maybe the only thing that I knew about was meteorology because i did geography in high school, but That was pretty much it you know.
00:16:33: like principles of flight and all The other subjects were completely new to me.
00:16:37: So I had To learn everything from ground up.
00:16:40: whereas some Of the other people I joined with they Were coming From the manned aviation space They were already private pilots And Some commercial pilots who wanted to get into the drone industry.
00:16:51: so they Had prior knowledge.
00:16:52: But for Me?
00:16:55: pretty difficult trying to learn something new and understand all these new terminologies.
00:17:03: But I think over time, constantly applying myself in order I ended up flowing through it.
00:17:15: I think for my radio telephony exam, right?
00:17:19: Uh i got ninety eight percent which was a shocker For me because I was like just the other week.
00:17:23: I didn't know what all of this wasn't here.
00:17:25: I am with with ninety percent Passmark.
00:17:29: so yeah It was very difficult but it was.
00:17:33: it was very interesting definitely learned to light learnt a lot from The peers around me that people I was with definitely got a lot of help from people who were in the manned aviation space, you know they helped me navigate all these things such as filing flight plan etc.
00:17:49: So yeah very difficult but eventually over time with all the assistance that I received managed to get through it quite easily
00:18:00: and then at end not only become a remote pilot You also earned your remote maintenance, technician license.
00:18:11: What about this?
00:18:12: Yes so the company that I started off with after graduating came here worked for.
00:18:21: they were offering it as an upscaling process.
00:18:27: basically just you know if develop yourself and further add to your skill set.
00:18:34: You were more than welcome to join and do it, I mean i put my hand up because you know like learning... My mom always says that learning is a continuous process but never stop learning.
00:18:46: So, they also applied for it and then put us through basic training doing maintenance software upgrades just minor fixes as well.
00:19:01: you know, system updates all those kind of things.
00:19:04: And then over time and throughout the other different companies that have worked for I was able to apply these basic fuels and learn some new things um...and continue to add on to that.
00:19:16: so yeah Um currently i'm actually doing my instructor's rating For RPAS.
00:19:29: Oh wow!
00:19:30: I mean, from your perspective what skills would you say?
00:19:33: Maybe also now it's an almost instructor.
00:19:40: What are the most important skills for a professional drone pilot?
00:19:46: The most important skill that we need to have is... You need to understand and really good understanding of safety.
00:20:01: I think you need to be someone who's very attentive, uh...to detail.
00:20:08: Um..I think with the type of work that we do in environments that-that would work and just give a bit context.
00:20:17: so as an advocate We have really big problem when it comes to crime And alot of the joint technology is used for assisting or combating crime.
00:20:31: You know, so oftentimes you're working in these difficult environments and harsh terrains where your safety could be compromised
00:20:42: etc.,
00:20:43: etc.. So I think it need to be someone who pays a lot of attention to detail.
00:20:48: he'd be someone whose very... Who has a lot like situational awareness.
00:20:54: Someone You need to also be motivated.
00:20:59: And you need to be ambitious because it's not something that you can just wake up and go do, decide like okay cool I'm gonna fly drone in the bush for three weeks where i could be eaten by a lion or charged by a rhino at any given moment of being attacked by criminal syndicate.
00:21:20: so It is very important motivated to do this kind of work and that you are ambitious.
00:21:30: So yeah, those are some of the skills I'd say one would need have.
00:21:37: also very if you're technologically inclined it does require someone who is familiar with technology or an interest in technology because we use technology out on the field as ever changing.
00:21:53: It's ever-growing and you need to be someone who can always be willing to step up the plate.
00:21:59: Always will learn something new, go from what we knew yesterday into learning today in order
00:22:13: for us to figure out
00:22:18: tomorrow.".
00:22:18: Okay, so good mission preparation is.
00:22:20: firstly
00:22:23: you want to Make sure your equipment isn't order.
00:22:30: So before I leave and go out On my mission i need to ensure that that my aircraft Is a set in ready?
00:22:40: Um, so i'll usually do pre-flight checks Before I leave camp You know.
00:22:46: just make sure That your batches are sufficient.
00:22:49: Excuse me your batteries are sufficiently charged making sure your aircraft is in good working condition, RC charges.
00:22:57: We use inverters as well due to the extended amount of times that we're out on the field.
00:23:04: so each vehicle is equipped with a charging system at the back.
00:23:09: So you want make sure all those are prepared and that you yourself are set.
00:23:14: I also implement the I'm safe protocol which stands for illness medication stress, alcohol fatigue and eating for it slash emotion.
00:23:27: And you want to make sure that he look over the checklist.
00:23:29: so Make sure yourself are ready To go perform your duties You know.
00:23:36: if not then you might have to consider But yeah With that being said, then you need to also understand where you're going to be operating.
00:23:48: So we have a map system which will basically show like the different areas in the park and Then you can plan see elevation so you can work out how high it'll be flying And know your radio frequencies.
00:24:07: Look for any emergency landing spots should there you know, an issue who to call?
00:24:11: what are the emergency services?
00:24:14: so yeah those kind of things.
00:24:16: and then heading out to site.
00:24:17: And obviously once your outer side do want to make sure that um you check your surroundings especially because there's no safe cordoned off area where like...you're impervious to the elements or nature.
00:24:34: I mean, as soon you leave the gates of camp like there could be a line around the corner.
00:24:39: There could be your lipid just in the bushes.
00:24:42: so you want to check your surroundings and make sure that um...there's nothing in or round you.
00:24:47: And once you set up at the back of your vehicle put all your things on order take off to your chicks.
00:24:57: You wanna scan around you.
00:24:58: Make sure that..you know there is nothing lurking in the bush that can pounce up and try by it.
00:25:04: The setup we have in the vehicles are pretty safe, so you're able to once you do that initial You know getting on a vehicle and at the back of the Buckeys then you pretty much save.
00:25:15: but it's always good.
00:25:16: To do the checks around here.
00:25:18: make sure That Nothing is going to interrupt your flying process.
00:25:22: Yeah But I mean i'm still alive today And been there for quite some time.
00:25:26: So yeah like following those procedures ensures safe operations and your safety as well.
00:25:35: How much of your work would you say is actually flying if you can give a percentage?
00:25:41: Percentage figure or something like this?
00:25:45: Sorry, he said how much of the work is actually fine.
00:25:48: Yeah
00:25:49: Okay.
00:25:50: So overall off your over all works cadule.
00:25:53: so to see
00:25:55: I'd say a good eighty two ninety percent as actual flying.
00:25:59: It may seem like there's a lot more other stuff that are done outside of the flying, but most of it does involve flying.
00:26:06: I think what usually takes up a majority of the time or that ten to twenty percent is you have You know, maybe you get somewhere and now you're being rerouted by your section ranges to another location.
00:26:30: And now you have to go somewhere else.
00:26:32: so those kind of things do take up your flying time.
00:26:36: but because the mission requires us to fly most of it is in the flying unless I'll give an example.
00:26:49: Usually what might happen is that you, we call them gunshot reactions.
00:26:55: You'll have a gunshot reaction and now obviously it means that Arayno has been shot or an attempt at shooting Araynoh as happened but we don't know.
00:27:11: so go out investigate the drone team the first call-up.
00:27:19: So I'll go somewhere and then begin flying, right?
00:27:22: But now what can happen is that if new intel comes in or then now we have to you know pack up post-flight and then leave, go another area situp again.
00:27:40: You do have those small intricacies that kind of take a bit at the time but thats just making sure all logistics information intel everything corresponds than actual flight can happen because When you do take off and your offline, You have the correct information.
00:28:02: And that we're not wasting any time because it's a short window like those like round approaches can be done in Like thirty minutes to an hour.
00:28:12: So
00:28:13: allow me a little bit of deep type in your operations Tell us a little about your work in errors or valence.
00:28:22: It's interesting part
00:28:25: Okay, so I'm going to try not to reveal too much for security and safety concerns.
00:28:31: Sure sure
00:28:34: yeah but i will explain.
00:28:36: So essentially the current work I am busy with is anti-poaching And my job Is To Assist Ground Teams So The Rangers And Field Staff In Ensuring that one, we are a method of deterrence.
00:28:56: So deterrence using the drone but also to a method assisting in apprehension and I use those words...I want it closely related to being supportive measure because the drone itself isn't going to apprehend someone provide assistance to spot
00:29:25: them, the poachers.
00:29:28: Exactly you know.
00:29:30: and even if maybe The drone itself hasn't spotted but maybe a camera trap had picked up the poaches And now we just want to make sure that they don't move further in or They get spooked and run away then We can use the drone as it returns.
00:29:46: But It's not the be all end-all solution.
00:29:47: so So anyway, yeah.
00:29:50: That's basically it.
00:29:51: but Oftentimes what I will do is that?
00:29:58: I'll do patrols right.
00:29:59: so we call them aerial patrols where in the At first light and last light We will do a scan of hotspot areas or general areas along fence lines to make sure You know, no one has come in.
00:30:17: So for example on the fence lines we're gonna make sure that there's No new holes and the fence is no holes in the fence.
00:30:22: There's no potential For poachers to get in.
00:30:27: And then we'll check our hotspot areas.
00:30:28: The errors that they like too To come into an end you Know Use When when they come into poach will make sure That those are clear Etc.
00:30:39: And then I'll just do like general patrols Just two just a show visibility or just to be visible you know, as to ensuring that okay if um a poacher does want to take a chance or take a risk and they see the drone flying.
00:30:52: You know when lights are on then let them get spooked in there and don't make an attempt because we do not want for the rhinos be poached We'd rather act as deterrents keep them away disrupting them than have them poach their rhino.
00:31:12: more reactive than proactive.
00:31:16: So yeah, so then... Yeah!
00:31:19: Those are the patrols.
00:31:20: that's basically how we do the patrol but randomize them.
00:31:24: I said first light and last light because those are usually times in which poaching most likely happens.
00:31:30: But it can happen at any time.
00:31:32: That is why i said twenty four seven am on standby At a given moment.
00:31:37: anything could happen you know, so everyone's just always on standby.
00:31:40: Everyone is always ready everything's always packed batches are always charged we're always ready to go and We'll do those random patrols And also just in between but sometimes will also have Sort of conservation tasks.
00:31:58: So maybe Maybe there's a voucher that You know hasn't has been moving for a few days, then I'll get sent out to go have a look at that vulture.
00:32:10: See is the Vulture doing okay?
00:32:12: Usually they're in areas where The ground teams or field staff can't you know Get too.
00:32:18: maybe it's like thick bush and stuff.
00:32:19: so the drone really assists with being able To view those things.
00:32:23: So sometimes i'll get called-out For Those Things.
00:32:26: Recently I got Called Out for A Cheetah Butting.
00:32:29: What Had Happened Was A cheetah had escaped from the park and was in the neighboring community, you know?
00:32:37: In someone's farm.
00:32:38: So we had to assist in that.
00:32:44: so those are kind of things or I as a drone team rather kinda do... That is basically what day-to-day would look like Some days more quieter than others but sometimes it can be hectic where conservation, and then in the evening you're running off to purchase.
00:33:08: By the way talking of Cheetah there's also a great article on your really professional linked insight or profile about cheetah rescue?
00:33:20: Yes yes so that is what I'm actually that we had, would you
00:33:27: like?
00:33:28: I thought it might be the same.
00:33:30: It was quite amazing nice picture and yeah i think it was super successful!
00:33:36: Yeah definitely was.
00:33:38: um...it took us three days to get them back inside and that's mostly because of the terrain you know, because the veterinarian team has to approach with caution and they have to move with stealth.
00:34:03: I'm not a vet so i don't really know how it works but apparently the dotting gun is only accurate from a certain distance trying to get up close to the cheats and cheats are unusually... They're not confrontational.
00:34:21: So during that period when we were trying to dot this cheetah, you know like he'd come close and then He'd get a whiff of us Of the veterinarian team's scent And then she runs away or tries to move around.
00:34:34: and we do like calls.
00:34:36: You don't like cheetah calls Or Dying animal calls in order to lure him out.
00:34:42: but you know Like he just wasn't budging.
00:34:45: so After like three days of trying to do that, eventually we managed you get a successful darting.
00:34:54: And then he was just treated for... ...a couple things and sent one of the boomers so they can recover back into the park.
00:35:10: What did your proudest mission
00:35:15: think?
00:35:16: My proudest missions so far?
00:35:19: um she's uh you know i've had quite a lot, but I'd probably say...I just forgot the exact date.
00:35:34: But it was sometime last month.
00:35:39: and what happened is there were dog poachers, right?
00:35:47: So I'll just give an explanation.
00:35:51: We have rhino poaches and we have dog poaches.
00:35:55: Dog poaches are called dog poached because they use dogs to poach And normally they poach wildlife from meat.
00:36:03: so they will poach things like your antelopes or your war-togs bush pigs those kind of thing poach for meat, whereas your rhino poaches poached for rhino horn from the illegal black market.
00:36:24: And yeah so I was called out for a reaction with dog poachers and we had this successful apprehension...I mean i won't reveal details too much for safety and security concerns but essentially like.
00:36:38: that was my first apprehension since starting, you know with conservation and wildlife at the park.
00:36:49: So that was a really big one for me.
00:36:52: having assisted in an apprehension we recovered both the animal that was poached as well as apprehended the suspect and successful arrest is made.
00:37:03: so... That's been a big achievement I think knowing there are less individual or one of this poacher rather who can cause harm to our natural environment and wonderful animals that we have there in the park.
00:37:21: Vaneli, what advice overall would you give someone wanting to enter commercial drone aviation?
00:37:29: Maybe also listening after today's fascinating interview with you?
00:37:36: Okay a piece of advice I'd give is They need to be sure that they want do it.
00:37:47: It's not glitz and glam, its'nt a fabulous lifestyle.
00:37:53: you are sent different parts of the country where like living in rough conditions from time-to-time your in outskirts far away family you know, extended periods of time away from family and friends.
00:38:11: And your social life basically dies.
00:38:14: so my advice to someone like that would be that too... You need-you need to be a hundred percent sure about what are you doing?
00:38:21: Um..You need to have the ambition!
00:38:24: You need to want it.
00:38:25: um for more than just the title or for more then saying I'm a drone pilot's.
00:38:31: you need to Have a passion for making a difference Because that's what we're doing out there.
00:38:37: We are making a difference whether it is in security surveillance, whether its anti-poaching like.
00:38:42: you need to want to contribute for cause thats way bigger than yourself You know and you need be selfless And ambitious.
00:38:53: so yeah.
00:38:54: So my advice would be hundred percent do it but just make sure That your willing To Do It.
00:39:02: Your ready to do it to a cause that's bigger than yourself.
00:39:08: What are your personal goals for the coming years?
00:39:13: Sorry, could you repeat that?
00:39:15: What are Your Personal Goals Vaniliy For The Upcoming Years For The Next Years?
00:39:22: Okay so for me uh...the first one would be completing my instructors rating which I'm currently busy with and then i hope go into teaching skills transfer being able to give my in-field application, you know like... In order to give people a feel of what it's like and field.
00:39:49: And be able to teach them You know, not only what's written in the textbook but about like the real life and how it is out there as well And give them kind of the best of both worlds because oftentimes you just get taught What's in?
00:40:02: The you know It's in the textbooks.
00:40:04: I mean what's on the books and you write an exam.
00:40:05: It's done But no one ever gives you that in-field application.
00:40:09: so That would be the other thing.
00:40:12: but also I'm really striving to go into manned aviation now.
00:40:19: i think I've really had the best time in the commercial drone space.
00:40:26: But, i do want to now broaden my horizon and also start taking a step into the manned aviation direction you know completing my PPL CPL hopefully ATPL someday, but not forgetting the drone aspect of things.
00:40:45: I think i've built such a wonderful and beautiful career from being a drone commercial pilot that...I still want to continue with it!
00:40:54: But maybe more from um skills transfer perspective?
00:40:58: And assisting you know people and helping them build their individual or respective careers in the field.
00:41:07: Sure, I mean with twenty years of age also the realm of civil aviation would be absolutely still on your side.
00:41:15: Yeah well i'm twenty nine this year so... I don't know it feels like time is running away!
00:41:24: We
00:41:24: are recording this.
00:41:25: yeah okay when its online you're at twenty-nine?
00:41:28: This is correct.
00:41:31: So um..I dunno older but I'd like to believe that i still have time in my hands too, to fully take advantage of the manned aviation field as well.
00:41:45: But I think aviation in general is just beautiful...I can't imagine myself doing something else!
00:41:57: You know like not even as bad is someone else's worst day in an office job or whatever.
00:42:04: No disrespect to people in office jobs, but I just think that there's something about being out there and doing all of that work.
00:42:10: That's really.
00:42:11: Just so breathtaking And beautiful and also just for the people in manned aviation and being in the skies.
00:42:19: you Know where the sky has your office space?
00:42:20: It's it's it deviations amazing.
00:42:23: It
00:42:25: was a great, fascinating interview with you Vaneli.
00:42:30: And is there anything we haven't covered that you'd like to share with our listeners?
00:42:38: No really I think we've covered just about anything.
00:42:41: but i would like too...to tell the listeners don't give up on your dreams..I certainly have been given up on mine although life has rerouted me through many different things and you know it wasn't a straight cutout route.
00:43:02: that okay.
00:43:03: today I finished school, tomorrow i'm a manned pilot.
00:43:08: You have to go through all these twists and turns but eventually the road will lead my ultimate goal for listeners out there like if Issue or you feel are you feeling the same pressure?
00:43:24: Or you have the same troubles on, you know maybe It's not working out.
00:43:29: The way I plan for it to work out.
00:43:31: Just just keep pushing and just keeps driving You will get there.
00:43:35: life might take you in different directions But as long as you know The goal that you're trying to achieve even where you try to get too your world Get their and sometimes Maybe you have to take the long way around you might learn skills That you would've never learned if he had gone down the streets of narrow road.
00:43:50: So yeah, just keep on keeping up.
00:43:54: Yeah finally where can our listeners and perhaps future clients and employers connect with you Vanelle?
00:44:03: Uh so they can.
00:44:04: um get me on LinkedIn.
00:44:07: uh Vanelle Jamini that's my name on LinkedIn.
00:44:11: And um My email address is vanellemdiatgmail.com.
00:44:16: I'll just spell it out whiskey alpha november echo lima echo at
00:44:31: Perfect!
00:44:33: Thank you for this great interview.
00:44:35: Yeah, before we wrap up I'd like to offer one of my lifetime mental performance coaching session vouchers Vanille.
00:44:43: It comes certainly without any obligations and if ever think i can support your simply reach out.
00:44:51: It would be my pleasure to help you whenever or for whatever topic.
00:44:56: You think I can help?
00:44:59: Oh, awesome stuff!
00:45:00: Awesome stuff again and i'd be so happy too To take that up with you.
00:45:04: um...I think it will be of great great hope.
00:45:08: Um..you might show me a new world Of wonders That are yet to see.
00:45:17: Yeah we'll stay in touch And thank you again For your time ..for the great interview.
00:45:22: All the best for your future.
00:45:24: I wish you really make all your dreams come true, Vaneli!
00:45:30: Thankyou very much Jürgen.
00:45:31: i appreciate your time here today and to all the listeners as well.
00:45:37: thank you guys for listening and continue to support this show.
00:45:40: lovely work Jürgens doing out here.
00:45:47: okay we are back.
00:45:50: so like I said before the interview, i really enjoy this because we get to listen to people that usually would never come across and they have jobs think about.
00:46:04: And this seems like an amazing job, looking after animals hunting down poachers helping law enforcement.
00:46:12: so yeah I thought it was really cool a really good job
00:46:17: and super interesting.
00:46:19: also the educational background seems super professional.
00:46:24: almost what you do is real career
00:46:32: Absolutely.
00:46:33: I think drone flying has changed a lot over the years, it's become more regulated.
00:46:39: if you want to do it commercially any other pilot.
00:46:46: You have to know air law, you have all kinds of things and a proper commercial license.
00:46:52: so it has turned from something that people did as a hobby here in there into a professional career.
00:47:01: we've just heard can be very fulfilling
00:47:04: And I mean from my side, so to say an official big thank you once again to Van Allee for taking the time to join us and sharing it openly with his professional experience.
00:47:17: We wish him all the very best in his still young aviation career!
00:47:21: Look forward to seeing where he takes next!
00:47:25: Yeah, maybe there will be a follow up podcast somewhere in the future.
00:47:29: But yeah it was really for me as I said A fascinating interview whole new world and super impressive story of person which also lifts aviation even in complete other area than you Stefan.
00:47:45: Yeah, exactly.
00:47:47: Also from my side big thank you to Vanelle and like I always say a big Thank You To every each And everyone out there who takes the time?
00:47:57: To talk to us to be on The podcast and we're super grateful because without the guests This podcast essentially wouldn't exist.
00:48:07: so yeah Big thank you.
00:48:09: Everyone Who's willing to Talk to Us
00:48:12: Yeah and Stefan.
00:48:15: Oh yeah, the part we are not really good on
00:48:19: huh?
00:48:20: The social media bit.
00:48:22: So you know the drill.
00:48:24: if you enjoyed the interview then hit like button.
00:48:29: there's a thumbs up.
00:48:30: just click that and if your on YouTube please subscribe because it really helps us, the channel.
00:48:38: It helps the podcast and if you don't want to subscribe for us do it with our guests as we've had some amazing guests in the future!
00:48:50: We are fully booked now till the end of this year.
00:48:57: and we are fully booked till twenty-twenty seven.
00:49:00: And there's some amazing guests coming up, so I do think it is worth subscribing.
00:49:05: if you're interested in aviation and flight simming then yeah... You should enjoy yourself here!
00:49:10: That
00:49:10: was not to be direct.
00:49:11: already.
00:49:12: next Sunday There will an interview with an American pilot With a really exciting career plan because aviation Yeah, he had a career before aviation and then yeah the rest.
00:49:30: no spoiler alert here.
00:49:31: But I'm already looking to the calendar.
00:49:35: it's really... It is, as Stefan said we are birth subscription!
00:49:41: And certainly if you leave us a review or comment like You don't have to like us but maybe for Vanellay today alike us.
00:49:51: We appreciate it.
00:49:52: And yeah, by the way thanks to Stefan's discord server so his FS Clips Discord Server we also have there a category at the very end hard-to-miss.
00:50:03: It is the podcast category and Also there you find updates in all photos etc.
00:50:10: from our guests.
00:50:11: Yeah!
00:50:13: We are happy to stay in touch with You May be on YouTube or on the discord server.
00:50:20: I am also active there, so you can write or comment.
00:50:25: And certainly we have an email address at aviation-quest.cc and as i said the easiest more comfortable way to contact us is linked in the direct link.
00:50:42: I mentioned it already in the intro is on show notes at end of podcast and link to the page.
00:50:48: by the way you can also find some more information about my mental performance coaching work, i offer pilots.
00:50:57: And first contact set up call is certainly completely free without obligation.
00:51:03: so this from my side.
00:51:05: but Another great podcast live on tape and I'm looking forward to speaking with you in private afterwards because we have already set up some... Yeah, your right Stefan.
00:51:21: We are quite busy here!
00:51:23: Some work to do.
00:51:25: Yes, we need to have some more discussions about how are going plan all of this.
00:51:30: Okay so let's land this plane anyway.
00:51:33: thank you very much everyone for being here today and listening the podcast.
00:51:39: as always look forward having your back soon!
00:51:43: Have a great day, good night, good morning.
00:51:46: wherever stories from above.
00:52:01: For more information
00:52:01: about
00:52:02: these episodes and everything we do, visit our homepage aviation-quest.cc.
00:52:09: We appreciate your time and support!
00:52:11: And if you'd love to have your back for the next episode until then stay safe Stay curious and keep your passion for aviation flying
00:52:21: high.
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