GUYANA’s first female pilot, Ms Lucy Golas, was this week recognised by the aviation sector in an event held at the Air Services Limited (ASL) hangar at the Ogle Airport on Saturday.  

Ms. Golas, who became a licensed pilot in 1961 at the age of 19, was feted in a simple ceremony which included four of ASL’s female pilots who interacted with Ms. Golas and gave their perspectives on how her pioneering achievement had influenced them to choose a career in aviation.

Ms. Golas, who now lives in Costa Rica, had flown all over Guyana as her husband was George Golas, one of the most successful gold and diamond miners in that period. They also had a base in Kamarang from which they would shuttle cargo to nearby locations.

Ms. Brittney Ally, an ASL pilot, expressed delight at meeting with the legendary Ms. Golas whom she credited for inspiring her at an early age to take an interest in aviation; this led to her obtaining her pilot’s licence in 2010.  Ms. Ally is currently pursuing a degree in aviation management.

The event included a PowerPoint presentation by Annette Arjoon-Martins focusing on Ogle Airstrip in the 1960s-with which Ms. Golas would have been very familiar- and on its growth since then to Ogle Airport today. The presentation also focused on ASL’s growth over the years, which finds ASL today with a staff complement of 250, with 40% being female.

Ms Golas said: “I am so impressed by the fact that there are so many female pilots now, but also as impressive is that they are playing an important role in all aspects of the aviation industry.”

The morning ceremony concluded with Captain Ferial Ally, ASL’s senior female pilot and Ms. Golas captaining the Cessna Caravan to the Rupununi.