
CAPTAIN ROELF O. LAURENCE: DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATION IN FLIGHT

As a former South African Air Force pilot, Captain Roelf O. Laurence has spent over three decades as both a military and commercial pilot. His career reflects a steady commitment to discipline, adaptability, and the aircraft that have carried him through it all. During our conversation, Roelf shared what first drew him to aviation, how the CRJ became his constant, and the perspective earned through many years in the sky.
MHIRJ: Roelf, what or who inspired you to become a pilot?
Roelf: I was always drawn to aviation, even from a young age. The mechanics of flight and the engineering involved intrigued me. Having read many biographies of WWII pilots, I was also inspired to join the military and eventually qualified as a pilot in the South African Air Force.
MHIRJ: Can you share a memorable moment from your early days of flying?
Roelf: My initial flying training took place at the Central Flying School Dunnottar in 1991, where I was trained to fly the North American Harvard. I have many good, and a few bad, memories of the time I spent getting to grips with the Harvard under the guidance of military flight instructors. My fondest memory is probably the day I graduated as a pilot and an officer in the South African Air Force.
MHIRJ: How has your career evolved since those early days?
Roelf: It began with South African Air Force, where I completed a total of 18 years. During this time, I flew several aircraft types, before transitioning to the commercial air transportation environment, where I joined South African Express Airways as a First Officer on the then Canadair CRJ200 Regional Jet in Jan 2007. I would spend the next 14 years at SA Express, flying the CRJ200 and CRJ700 as a Captain as well as an Instructor Pilot. I also became a Simulator Instructor on the CRJ. Following the closure of SA Express during the COVID pandemic, I was fortunate to gain employment at CemAir (Pty) Ltd as a CRJ pilot and instructor—CemAir (Pty) Ltd being the largest CRJ operator in Africa. Here I flew four of the CRJ models, namely the CRJ100, 200, 700, and 900. During my time at CemAir, I was approached by RwandAir to join their CRJ900NG fleet in 2023, where I am still currently flying the CRJ.
MHIRJ: What do you enjoy most about flying the CRJ aircraft?
Roelf: Having flown the CRJ since 2007, and being involved in instruction on the aircraft type, it’s helped me increase my understanding of the aircraft and how to teach new pilots how to operate it safely.
MHIRJ: What are some unique features of the CRJ that you appreciate?
Roelf: One of the features of the CRJ that I value most is the EICAS with its system synoptic page displays. Being able to see the affected system during an abnormality is such a huge advantage. The first time I used the system, I exclaimed, "Why aren't all aircraft equipped with this?"
MHIRJ: What challenges have you faced over the years in the industry?
Roelf: The biggest challenge I have faced in my career as a pilot has been the COVID pandemic's effect on aviation. It decimated so many careers and affected me directly by going from a prominent position—namely the Chief Training Captain of a regional airline—to unemployed in a matter of a few days. Climbing back in the seat has had its challenges as well. It has not been a smooth ride, and I know many fellow pilots that lost a great deal due to the pandemic.
MHIRJ: What safety measures do you prioritize while flying?
Roelf: My motto is that "we, as pilots, are the last line of safety." I take my responsibility as Commander very seriously and strive to be as professional and competent as my passengers deserve. Their safety and well-being is my primary responsibility. This is a message I have always passed on to the numerous young airline pilots I have trained during my career.
MHIRJ: Has your perspective on flying changed over the years?
Roelf: Absolutely, I've realized that my perspective has changed over the years. I believe as one gets older a certain amount of wisdom is acquired. Not only does technology evolve, but new methods of training have been developed, and we need to adapt and grow with the industry. I am a big proponent of training for competence and understanding.
MHIRJ: What made you remain loyal to CRJs throughout your career?
Roelf: I think the CRJ was loyal to me, more than I was loyal to it, in that it provided me with an opportunity to survive and rebuild a career after the pandemic. I will always appreciate the CRJ for what it has done for my aviation career, and probably still will in the future.
MHIRJ: What advice would you give to new pilots just starting their careers?
Roelf: My advice to young pilots starting their careers is to be the best version of a pilot that you can be. Do not accept mediocrity and remember your moral and professional duty to your passengers.
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