The 1st Woman to Fly from South Africa to Mauritius in a Cessna F172P

Pallavee Appigadoo made history by becoming the first female pilot to successfully complete a flight from South Africa to Mauritius aboard a single-engine Cessna F172P. This remarkable accomplishment is part of her initiative titled “Flying in the Face of Adversity,” aimed at raising funds for the Society for Aid to Children Inoperable in Mauritius (S.A.C.I.M).

On Sunday at 1:55 PM, Pallavee received a warm welcome at Jet Prime Terminal, complete with a celebratory “water salute.”

Her adventurous journey began on the evening of Wednesday, September 18, in Johannesburg, alongside her friend Dylan.

Throughout their trip, they made several stops, including Lanseria in South Africa, Pemba and Beira in Mozambique, as well as Nosy Be and Ivato in Madagascar, before finally reaching Mauritius after a brief detour to Réunion.

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her journey, Pallavee displayed remarkable courage and resilience.

“Flying a single-engine plane comes with risks. If we lost an engine, the sea was our only option,” she explained, expressing pride in her achievement.

Nevertheless, she maintained unwavering confidence in her own skills as well as those of the engineers who prepared the aircraft.

Dylan, who accompanied Pallavee for the duration of the flight, spoke about the extensive preparations that spanned over two years.

“It was incredible to accomplish this,” he stated. During their travels, they enjoyed local delicacies such as vanilla fish and created unforgettable memories along the way.

Pallavee’s father, Mahen Appigadoo, expressed his immense pride in his daughter’s achievement.

“This is a significant moment for us. She is the first in the world to accomplish this feat. Pallavee has always demonstrated the determination to pursue ambitious goals and proves she can achieve anything,” he shared.

Her mother echoed this sentiment, highlighting her daughter’s unwavering resolve: “When she sets a goal, she follows through.”

The celebration at Jet Prime Terminal was attended by Pallavee’s family and notable figures, including local MPs Joe Lesjongard, Subhasnee Luchmun Roy, and Joanne Tour.

Minister Lesjongard expressed gratitude, stating, “Pallavee has allowed us to experience a historic moment,” while also acknowledging the important role her parents played in her success.

Social media platforms were flooded with messages praising her courage and determination in overcoming obstacles.

Looking ahead, Pallavee has no plans to slow down. Her next endeavor is an ambitious round-the-world flight, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation.

“I am already looking for sponsors for my new project,” she emphasized.

Pallavee Appigadoo, a resident of Terre-Rouge, was born with a congenital heart defect.

She was later diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 11, and has faced significant health challenges since childhood.

Thanks to the support of the NGO S.A.C.I.M, she received treatment in India.

Despite these adversities, Pallavee has long dreamed of becoming a pilot, and her journey reflects her remarkable courage and determination to conquer the skies.

Source: Defi Media