From Dream to Reality: Tisa Muwema’s Soaring Journey in Aviation

Tisa Muwema’s passion for aviation took flight from an early age, inspired by her father’s career and nurtured by her own unwavering determination. Now, as a First Officer on CRJ jets at Proflight Zambia, her journey stands as a testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.

Growing up with her father, John Lwandamo Mutemba, working in aviation at the former Zambian Airways, Tisa’s weekends were filled with the sights and sounds of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport. Witnessing planes take off and land fueled her dream of one day piloting those magnificent machines through the skies.

Despite her early passion for flying, Tisa’s parents advised her to pursue a degree in another field before delving into aviation. She listened, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Namibia International University. Yet, her dream of flying never faded.

“I wanted to be a pilot; I knew what I was destined to do and what my passion was,” Tisa recalls. After completing her degree, she embarked on her pilot training journey, obtaining her Private Pilot License (PPL) in 2016, marking the beginning of her ascent into a career in aviation.

For Tisa, flying is not just a job; it’s an adventure. Transitioning from the Jetstream 41 to CRJ aircraft at Proflight Zambia presented challenges, but her patience and dedication prevailed. She quickly mastered the CRJ, embracing the thrill of exploring different airspace with every flight.

Throughout her journey, Tisa faced skepticism and challenges, but her exceptional work ethic and determination earned her the respect of her colleagues. She shattered stereotypes, proving that gender is not a barrier to success in aviation.

At Proflight Zambia, Tisa finds more than just a job; she finds a family. She cherishes the camaraderie among her colleagues and the sense of adventure that comes with flying to destinations like Ndola, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Despite her demanding schedule, Tisa stays grounded by prioritizing her well-being and spending time with loved ones. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring pilots, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, courage, and self-belief in pursuing one’s dreams.

“I set out to pursue my dream, not knowing what the outcome would be. But eventually, it became easier by the day. The journey is often hard before it gets easy. I am proud of how far I have come; I can hold it down!” Tisa affirmed with a happy laugh.