King of aviation: Capt. Michael Etiang - Uganda Airlines' Chief Pilot

 

Man of the Week: Capt. Michael Etiang - Uganda Airlines' Chief Pilot

This entire month of September and this week in particular, #RystarGents takes a deep dive into Uganda's aviation sector, shining the spotlight on a man whose career has soared to great heights—Capt. Michael Etiang, Chief Pilot of Uganda Airlines. 

With over 20 years of experience in aviation, Capt. Etiang not only supervises pilots but also plays a key role in coordinating with scheduling and maintenance departments to ensure the smooth allocation of crew. His remarkable aviation career journey, filled with mega milestones and International adventures, stands as an inspiration for many in East Africa and beyond.

A Childhood Dream Takes Flight

Capt. Etiang’s passion for flying started at a young age. His father, Ambassador Paul Etiang, was a diplomat who traveled frequently. Each time young Etiang would accompany his father to the airport, his fascination with planes grew deeper. The sight of aircraft sparked excitement in him, representing power, freedom, and the dream of rising above all odds—sentiments that would later shape his career.

Driven by this childhood wonder, Etiang pursued his dream of flying. In 1993, he enrolled at Soroti Flying School to begin his journey as a pilot. His academic path also included obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, broadening his understanding of the world beyond the skies.

Guided by Mentorship: The Role of Captain Tony Rubombora

Every great aviator has a mentor who guides their early career, and for Capt. Etiang, that person was Captain Tony Rubombora. Under Rubombora’s mentorship, Etiang secured his first job with Eagle Air, a domestic airline in Uganda. 

This marked the beginning of his professional life in the skies.

A Global Aviation Career

His career soon took him beyond Uganda’s borders. For five years, Capt. Etiang flew for Zan Air, a safari airline in Zanzibar that transported tourists to national parks. However, the global impacts of the 9/11 attacks hit the airline hard, leading to struggles in its operations.

Nevertheless, Etiang’s career continued to soar like an eagle as he seized an opportunity with DAS Air Cargo in 2002. Here, he experienced his first jet flights, piloting the iconic DC10.

Expanding Horizons: From Nigeria to Kenya

In the spirit of career advancement, Capt. Etiang moved to Nigeria, where he worked for Virgin Nigeria for two years, primarily flying the Boeing 737-300. 

He later joined Jetlink in Kenya, flying the CRJ for one year before accepting a more competitive offer that brought him to Kigali, Rwanda. 

At Rwandair, Etiang’s role expanded to include training management, a pivotal position that opened significant doors for him.

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Mentorship and Legacy

With a wealth of experience, Capt. Etiang embraced his role as a mentor. While working for Fly 540, which later became Fast Jet, he trained two captains and three co-pilots, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of aviators. 

His career then took him to Indonesia in 2015, where he spent over three years flying the CR1000 for Garuda, Indonesia’s national airline.

A Return Home to Uganda

After a storied career abroad, Capt. Etiang finally returned to Uganda, taking on the role of Chief Pilot at Uganda Airlines. Now back home, he is dedicated to ensuring that Uganda’s aviation sector grows by overseeing the training and competence of pilots. His vast international experience makes him a crucial asset to Uganda Airlines, helping to ensure that its pilots are not only skilled but also equipped to handle the demands of modern aviation.

Capt. Michael Etiang’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and mentorship. From his humble beginnings in Uganda to flying jets around the world, he embodies what it means to soar above challenges and make a lasting impact on the aviation industry.

                    🎤RYSTAR QUOTES: IN HIS OWN WORDS:                                                                    

"Aviation is key to the growth and sustenance of our economy, it is also an industry that needs sharp young minds as well as experienced ones. Customer experience and honesty will be key in helping Uganda build a competitive brand that will stand the test of time," Capt. Michael Etiang

 🎤RYSTAR QUOTES: IN HIS OWN WORDS:                                      

 PHOTO CREDIT: All 📸photos used in this blog post are courtesy photos 

Profile compiled by Rhyman Alphred Agaba 

Editor of this publication.

Contact us via email : 💻agabarhy@gmail.com 

or via WhatsApp 📲+256-756-041-111 

 

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