Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) is pleased to share the inspiring journey of Jeremiah Daka Bwalya, who is currently serving as the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) Data Assistant, has successfully obtained his Private Pilot License in Zambia. This remarkable achievement marks a significant step both in Jeremiah’s personal development and in CSL’s broader efforts to build local capacity for conservation aviation.
In early 2024, CSL identified a growing need to expand its aerial monitoring capacity. With only one pilot available to support a range of critical conservation operations, the team recognised the importance of training an additional pilot to ensure consistency in and expansion of critical aerial operations.
An internal recruitment process was launched, beginning with a call for applications within the organisation and the wider Luangwa region. Jeremiah responded to the advert within hours, a strong indication of his enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the challenge. Following a thorough and competitive selection process, he was identified as the most suitable candidate.
Jeremiah had long held a dream of flying. “Flying has always been a dream of mine, and to see it come true still feels surreal—as though I might wake up from a dream where I became a pilot,” he shared.
With Jeremiah selected, CSL moved quickly to identify an appropriate flight school and secure funding. After considering both local and international options, the decision was made to pursue training within Zambia for several strategic reasons:
To strengthen the local aviation industry
To allow Jeremiah to train in the same environment in which he would ultimately operate
To draw on the experience of instructor Neil McGreevy, a long-standing CSL aviation partner with over a decade of operational knowledge
To ensure that Jeremiah earned a Zambian-issued pilot licence, avoiding the need to convert a foreign qualification
Jeremiah began his training at BushPilots Aviation Flight School in Chisamba with an initial experiential flight under the instruction of Neil McGreevy. After a successful trial, he enrolled in the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) course and commenced a demanding three-month training programme.
Over this period, Jeremiah completed around 60 hours of flight training and passed all ten theoretical exams on his first attempt – a notable accomplishment that reflects his commitment and aptitude. “The encouragement I received from the entire CSL team was incredibly uplifting. It carried me through moments of mental exhaustion,” he said.
The training process brought many challenges. “There were times when I feared I might fail and waste the organisation’s resources,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to be the reason CSL might hesitate to support someone else in future.”
He credits his instructors Neil and Chantel for providing a learning environment grounded in professionalism and excellence. “They hold themselves to a high standard. I didn’t just learn how to fly; I learnt a new way of thinking,” he reflected.
Throughout the training, Jeremiah gained valuable life lessons that extended beyond aviation:
“We can always do better” was a mantra repeated by Neil and one that Jeremiah took to heart. “It reminded me that no matter what we achieve, there is always room for growth.”
He learnt the importance of constructive criticism. “I realised that criticism is not about who we are; it’s usually about the methods or approach we use. When we change the method, the outcome changes too.”
He discovered that excessive focus on one detail can obscure the bigger picture. “It’s like assembling a puzzle; just because two pieces fit doesn’t mean they belong together.”
Above all, he came to understand that “nothing is too complicated—it just takes time and practice.”
Before departing for flight school, Jeremiah wrote a goal on his board at home: “I will become a pilot, and I will not fail any written exam or medical exam.” He recalled, “Writing that down calmed me; it was a silent promise to myself. I’d even forgotten about it until I returned and saw it again. I now truly believe that writing down our goals helps us commit to them.”
Now a qualified Private Pilot, Jeremiah is undertaking training on CSL’s aircraft and is also going through a mentorship programme under the guidance of Gareth, CSL’s experienced lead pilot. The goal is to equip Jeremiah with the practical and situational knowledge required for aerial conservation work in the Luangwa Valley.
Jeremiah expressed deep appreciation to all those who supported him: “This experience has been one of the most transformative of my life. I am truly grateful to CSL for this life-changing opportunity. My goal now is to serve the organisation to the fullest with my newly acquired skill.” He extended particular thanks to Gareth for his guidance and to Kaluba for her patience and support during his time away.
His journey stands as a powerful example of talent development within CSL and a testament to the organisation’s commitment to investing in local capacity to strengthen conservation in Zambia.
A huge thanks to all those who have made Jeremiah’s journey possible: BushPilots Aviation School, Africa Hope Fund (Carol Van Bruggen & Steve Kuhn), Dazzle Africa and the Natural Travel Collection.