Father-Son Duo Soaring in the Skies of Maldives

Sunday 20th of June 2021

As the dawn breaks into morning and the early sun rays cut through the clouds in the horizon, a Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane swiftly glides through the skies. In the cockpit, Captain Ahmed ‘Peppe’ Thiham and First Officer Ryan Thiham share a moment of joy and pride as they fly together once again.

This time, the tables had turned from what they were some 20 years ago. Peppe was watching his son Ryan lead, and with good reason.

Since Ryan was a young boy, flying has played a major role in shaping his interests as he grew up. Aviation was as much a part of his life as it was for his father who spends most of his time in the skies. Accurately said, Ryan was meant to become a pilot one day and that too, a passionate and talented seaplane pilot like his father.

Peppe signed up with then Hummingbird Island Airways in the late 90s for their launch of seaplanes in the Maldives. He became the first ever Maldivian to wear an epaulette on his uniform and fly a seaplane, making him the premier seaplane pilot in the country. Since then, Peppe has collected hundreds of hours in the skies, moving on from seaplanes in Maldives to industry-leading airlines from around the world.

Even though Ryan had accompanied his father over the years, his heart remained with TMA. He had set his mind on becoming a seaplane pilot and joining the largest seaplane operator in the world, which was made official in 2017. Maybe it was the eventful lifestyle at TMA or just witnessing the magical island formations of the archipelago from bird’s eye view, Ryan can’t really put a finger on why seaplanes or TMA. However, his life has never been better.

Despite similar routines, every day comes with a different adventure and new experiences. One might think that having to wake up before the sun rises and going to work is a hectic task, but Peppe and Ryan both agree that flying was never a job for them. Bitten by an aviation bug, the duo feels liberated once in uniform and up in the sky.

I always thought that the life of a pilot is only posh. After chatting with Peppe and Ryan, I came to understand that for seaplane pilots, it is physically demanding and challenging as well. Not only do they make sure that the takeoff and landing is smooth and safe whether in the calm or in the middle of a storm, they also carry luggage, dock the planes, get drenched by splashes, and so much more. Now when Peppe watches Ryan dutifully perform all his tasks with discipline, he is proud to have his son follow in his footsteps and learn along the way.

Peppe knew from the very beginning that Ryan did not escape the aviation bug which runs in the family. He would quite often catch Ryan looking up at the sky whenever he hears an airplane pass by, and according to Peppe, that is how you know the sky is where you belong. I do this too but real aviation enthusiasts are more technical in this aspect, according to Peppe. While I get excited because a huge flight just flew above me, aviators are more curious about the aircraft type, airline, and other technical details I am not so familiar with.

Ryan credits his achievements to his father who has supported him in every step of the way. He is grateful to have looked up to Peppe as both a mentor and a father without which his dreams would have not taken flight. Similarly, the open culture and experienced colleagues at TMA is continuously helping Ryan shape himself as a pilot and his career ahead.

For Peppe, the biggest achievement is knowing that Ryan is on his way to becoming a good pilot, but he has already become a good man too. He has many experiences, including failures, mistakes and missed opportunities that will come in the future which are inevitable, hence Peppe’s advice to his son was to learn how to embrace every challenge in due time. Peppe understood it from experience and that is how Ryan will have to learn it too but Peppe will always be there, as a guide, a mentor, and most importantly, as a proud father.