I’m from Hebron in the North West and I started my training in 2015 in Midrand,Grand central airport. Growing up in a rural area,where there’s no airport close by i always wondered how it feels like to be in an aeroplane and that fueled my curiosity,I then researched alot about planes and that’s how my love for aviation began. I fly C172,C172RG,PA-34,Seneca ll and PA-28A. I joined Bucephalus Air in February 2020.
our exceptional team
Meet The Team
Clarisse Coetzee
CEO & Chief Flight Instructor
I was Born in Tzaneen and grew up in the small town Hartbeesfontein North West. Matriculated at Klerksdorp High School and studied Bsc Science at University of Pretoria. I then went to Aptrac Aviation in Port Elizabeth and completed my flight training in 2014.
I started working for and running Flight Schools in Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom and surrounding areas until I opened up Parys Flying Academy in 2017 and bought Apex Flight Academy in 2018 and Potch Flight Academy in 2019. I chose Aviation because I always had a passion for machines and how they operate, flying and aerodynamics is truly fascinating to me. Being a pilot fits my personality so I am lucky to have chosen this career. I fly 18 different aircraft including the King Air F90. Instruction is a way of life!
Vaughn Botha
Flight Instructor
I was born and bred in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape, where I’ve lived for most of my life. I went to Summerwood Primary school and Pearson High school. I always wanted to be a fighter pilot since I can remember, so I started my flight training at Algoa Flying Club in Grade 11 part-time. As I got older I still had the passion to fly aeroplanes and when I needed to make a career choice my dad suggested it and the rest is history. I started flying Cessna 152’s and 172’s, then started flying a Mooney and still do to this day needless to say I’m a Mooney fan boy. I fly a piper Cherokees and arrows for training which are awesome trainers in my opinion. I joined Bucephalus Air in September 2019
Kgalalelo Shareen Pelle
Flight Instructor
David Appelgryn
Flight Instructor
I started my aviation training towards my CPL/IR in June 2014. The first couple of months were intense as I was battling with English. I realized I have to love what I’m doing and work hard if I want to succeed. I started teaching myself and doing my best to improve my English whilst doing the theory side of aviation to make the work easier.
Getting into the flying part was also intense but hugely rewarding. I soon flew solo for the first time and began to understand the weight of the career I had chosen, the duties I would hold in terms of ensuring the safe flight of an aircraft exclusively under my control.
Soon after that I had the pleasure to experience the smoothness of night flying, the tiredness after returning from long solo navigation flights, and the muscle aches after practicing some of the most thrilling engine failure exercises on the multi-engine aircraft.
After graduating I decided to resume training to become a Flight Instructor. I found Instruction to be deeply satisfying career. I get to share my knowledge everyday and learn from my colleagues and my students.
J P M Kasselman (Kassie)
Head of Training
J P M Kasselman (Kassie) for short and as known to fellow aviators. My aviation career started in 1962 as pupil pilot selected as part of Course 1/62 Central Flying School Dunnotter. My first instructor was the one and famous Mannetjies Roux Springbok rugby player.
My SAAF career was as Pilot GD on Harvards and DC 3 and Impalas. I qualified as Instructor on Harvards and DC 3. In 1968 I did my commercial licence and Instructor rating and got involved in Civilian Flying. My first HP aircraft was the Beechcraft A60 more known as the Duke as Corporate pilot for at that time for Rondalia and Saambou Nasionaal, from Wonderboom airport and in 1978 for Senwes in Klerksdorp.
I studied through Unisa and completed my B Com in 1981. In 1981 I went to the USA and bought a King Air E90 for the company. This is how my Turbo Prop flying started. Just for interest sake. The Rand exchange rate was $1.33 for a Rand. The price the King Air E90 was R773 000. In 1988 I established Wes Transvaal Flying School, which I operated until 2009 when I sold it.
In between I also did a lot of Freelance flying on Beechcraft 90, 200 and Beechcraft 99 and 1900. I also flew various light twins. I am privilege to have 76 types on my File copy as Pilot and instructor and a total of 28 400 hours to date of wnich 16000 as Flight instruction.
During my aviation career I am fortunate with only one accidant on a Cessna 411 with a double failure of turbo charges during take off. I have an still is enjoying my aviation career. It is a privelege to be able to give back to fellow Aviators where ever it is possible.
I also wish to continue this PRIVILEGE to be part of Bucephalus. Once a pilot is LIFE, not always for the money but for the PRIVILEGE
Frans Botha
Safety & Quality Officer, Flight Instructor
Career: qualified as an aircraft instrument mechanical in 1971.
Flight training: started in 1979, commercial pilot’s licence obtained in 1992,
o various aircraft types ranging from Cessna 150, caravan 208b,
Beechcraft 36 , be 55, be 58, piper Cherokee as well as Seneca.
Joined the air force reserve in 1983 and currently holds the rank of major with the south African air force, with a total of 5200 military and civilian hours.
Currently acting as safety officer for apex air, and assists with ground school training. Instructor – grade ii obtained 21 June 2008. Special permission to remain active with the south African air force voluntary air squadron as a pilot. Designated examiner for general radio licence
Member of the south African air force association.
Blessing Thabane
Accounts and Finances
I was born in Potchefstroom, grew up in Fochville,where I lived most of my life. I started my Aviation career at Apex Flight Academy in October 2019. I chose aviation because it has always been a passion of mine
Donovan Jersich
Operations
When I was 8 years old, I flew on board a Nationwide Airlines B737-200. I remember being fascinated by the flaps, spoilers and control surfaces on the wings, and the bucket reverse doors on the JT8D engines as they deployed on touch down. This is when my passion for aviation started!
Aviation is what I live for and the only thing I ever aspire to be part of! Someone told me once “it is sad to think nothing will make you as happy as flying does”.
I started at Bucephalus Air as a cadet doing administration work. It is a joy to work for a renowned institution, and my colloquies make every day even better! We’re not just a team at Bucephalus-air, but an Aviation family!
My advice to all is to chase your dreams because attainment is better than regret!
Jenny Fisher
Operations
Lurock Ingram
General manager, safety & quality assistant
Yonè Strydom
Marketing & HR
Dr Glynis Parker
Language Proficiency
I joined this fabulous team in March 2019. I am here to help you with your English Language Proficiency Test and help you on your journey to becoming a qualified pilot!