Mr. Bouathipsong

First Solo Flight, March 2015 (right)

I was born in 1986 in the Lao PDR, Xiengkhouang province and grew up in Vientiane capital city, where I spent most of my childhood. During my younger years, I often visited my parents’ hometown in a small village on an island in the Mekong.  There was no electricity available at that time in Champasak province and these visits gave me a strong connection to my family’s roots. These early experiences shaped my values of respect, humility, and perseverance.

Life presented significant challenges when my father passed away in January 2004, followed by the loss of my mother in June 2005. Despite these hardships, I remained committed to my education and graduated from university in 2008, determined to honor my parents’ legacy through hard work and personal growth.

At the end of 2013, I began my pilot training at Civil Aviation Flight Training Center, pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a professional pilot. Flight training was both challenging and rewarding, requiring intense focus, discipline, and a passion for continuous learning. The rigorous training taught me the importance of mastering the fundamentals, staying calm under pressure, and working effectively as part of a team. After completing my training, I joined Lao Skyway as a First Officer/ safety officer, flying the C208B and MA60. Operating these airplanes has provided invaluable lessons in decision-making, aircraft management, and adapting to challenging weather and terrain.

For the next generation of pilots, I encourage you to stay committed to your goals, seek mentorship from experienced aviators, and never stop learning! Aviation is a career built on precision, safety, and professionalism - qualities that will serve you well in every phase of your journey. Stay focused, work hard, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth!

FO Bouathipsong Sopha, January 13th, 2025