FAITH, DETERMINATION & THE SKIES - Annette’s Journey Into Aviation
- Manolos
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Since joining Manolos Aviation, Annette has completed her Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) while continuing to work as an Operations Controller, gaining valuable insight into what happens behind the scenes of aviation operations. She is now just one exam away from completing all seven subjects required to attain her Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter).
But Annette’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward.
Annette grew up moving between Alotau and her father’s village, Maiwala. After finishing high school with hopes of getting into university, she was met at a crossroads after realising no offers had come through.
This did not deter Annette from her dreams. Over the next 7 years she slowly began building a path for herself - upgrading her marks in maths, physics & chemistry through the UPNG Open Campus while continuing to look for opportunities that might open new doors.
Annette met a group from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) during their outreach in Alotau. Later, while studying in Port Moresby, she reconnected with one of the leaders and began volunteering — helping wherever she was needed, whether it was cleaning the kitchen, doing housekeeping, or supporting outreach work.
For Annette, it became a classroom.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to pursue what I wanted to do, so I made up my mind that I would learn from other people. There were volunteers from all around the world, and I told myself that even if I was sweeping or cleaning, I was still in an environment where I could learn from people who had exposure to the world that I didn’t have.”
Annette spent missions travelling around different parts of PNG serving through YWAM but deep down couldn’t let go of her dream to be in aviation.
After meeting pilots at an aviation expo in Port Moresby, she applied for pilot training and received an acceptance letter. For a moment, it felt like the dream was finally within reach.
However, the program required her to be self-sponsored.
Annette began writing letters to businesses and even the provincial government, hoping someone might support her journey.
The responses were discouraging.
“I kind of gave up for a bit and thought maybe it’s not working out because it’s not for me.”
For a time, the dream paused. She continued volunteering, returned home during COVID, and later worked for a company transporting palm oil. But she knew her story wasn’t finished.
Sitting at home reflecting on her future, Annette made the decision to try again.
“I looked up as many aviation operators as I could and wrote emails to everyone expressing my interest in aviation and my desire to fly. I also applied to become a cabin crew with Air Niugini because at least I would still be part of the aviation industry if nothing else worked out.”
The responses she received were disheartening.
While scrolling through YouTube, she came across a company she had never heard of before — Manolos Aviation.
“I started watching the video and came to the part where Mr Ruh said, ‘We give opportunities to females from remote areas, especially because a female from a remote area will have the least chance of ever getting into aviation.’”
That sentence reignited the spark.
“When I heard him say that I thought— this is my chance!”
About a week later, something unexpected happened.
“Mr Ruh called me and asked if I could send through my school results. After I sent them, he told me I could start working as a Flight Operations Controller and we would see where things could go from there. I was flown to Lae and started with Manolos a day later”
Today, Annette works in flight operations and is just one exam away from becoming a Commercial Helicopter Pilot.
As Annette reflects on her journey she says,“Whatever you are dealt with, do it well, because that could be your stepping stone.”
Annette’s story is a powerful reminder that the path into aviation is rarely straightforward. Sometimes it requires patience, tenacity, and the courage to keep trying even when opportunities seem out of reach. As the saying goes, “You only fail when you stop trying.”
And sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in your passion and potential.
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