On Wednesday 24th July 2024 the U.S. Embassy - Port Moresby, ExxonMobil PNG and the Tribal Foundation launched the Amelia Earhart Memorial & Trust by giving a scholarship to a female Papua New Guinean aviator, and doing a groundbreaking at PNG University of Technology in Lae, for the Amelia Earhart Monument. Here is the story of a trailblazer.
Deborah Bidang, a determined pilot hailing from Bagabag Island and Sarang in Madang Province, is set to achieve a lifelong dream with the new Amelia Earhart Scholarship. This award will propel her from the world of fixed-wing aviation into the exciting realm of rotary-wing flight, marking a significant milestone in her career.
"I am the youngest of four in my family. I am born and raised here in Lae. I started primary school at Buimo Road Primary. I did Grade 9 & 10 at the Lae Secondary School and Grades 11 & 12 at the Wawin National High school."
Deborah’s aviation journey began in 2014 after completing grade 12. She embarked on flight training at Advance Aviation Training in Fiji, initially supported by her parents. However, the untimely passing of her father in 2021 presented a formidable challenge. Undeterred, Deborah pursued employment opportunities to fund her continued training.
"Raising funds for flying school was one of the biggest challenges my parents had to go through when I was doing my studies at the Advance Aviation Training in Fiji . Another challenge was to secure a job for myself."
Securing a position in the aviation industry proved difficult, with numerous rejections along the way. A breakthrough came when she joined Manolos Aviation as a grounds crew assistant. Recognizing her passion and potential, the company’s CEO, Jurgen Ruh, generously sponsored her to obtain a Commercial Pilot License in Aeroplane.
Inspired by her own experiences, Deborah hopes to inspire future generations, particularly young women, to pursue their aviation dreams. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles.
As the inaugural recipient of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship, Deborah feels a profound sense of honor and responsibility. She views Amelia Earhart as a role model and aims to uphold her legacy of excellence in aviation. Upon completing her helicopter training in Hawaii, Deborah plans to return to Papua New Guinea to contribute to Manolos Aviation’s medevac programs, particularly assisting mothers in need of critical care.
"The Amelia Earhart scholarship will help me convert my Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane to a Commercial Pilot License - Helicopter. My plan after completing my studies is to return back to PNG and help Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation with the helicopter emergency services. I just want to be of service and serve those who are in need."
Ruh said Deborah’s recommendation for the sponsorship was because of her high level of ethics and commitment to excellence.
“Deborah has self sponsored progress, and already passed major milestones like the theory exams on her own. However, due to financial constraints, she had been on her journey for 7 years before joining Manolos, and that, on its own, showed determination to achieve her goal."
“Apart from that, she agreed to convert from fixed wing to helicopter, where the Manolos need is; basically, we need more helicopter pilots, and that conversion in the USA does not take long, as Deborah has already achieved a lot on her own.”
Deborah extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Amelia Earhart Foundation, the US Embassy, Tribal Foundation, Exxon Mobil, Unitech, Manolos Aviation, and its CEO, Mr. Jurgen Ruh, for their invaluable support.
She dedicates this achievement to her late father, hoping to make him immensely proud.
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