There is little chance of contradiction if you were to say that the name Scully Levin is immediately familiar to every aviation enthusiast in South Africa and also to many around the world. In his long career he has epitomised the level of professionalism to which most aviation enthusiasts aspire.
Captain Scully Levin qualified as a pilot in the South African Air Force in 1964 and has since amassed over 29 600 hours flying time on more than 180 different types of aircraft. A feat matched by very few in the aviation industry globally. He was a pilot on SAA’s local, regional and international routes for over 38 years. And since retiring from SAA, he has continued valuable contributions to South African aviation as consultant and display pilot.
His achievements in aviation have long been recognised in South Africa and in 2012 he was awarded The Order of the Baobab in Bronze by the Presidency, for his immense contribution to aviation, both as a pilot and trainer. He is also the only winner thus far of SA Flyer’s Lifetime Aviation Achievement Award, which he received in 2009.
To add to the accolades presented to our master aviator, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, an international Guild founded in 1929 has honoured him with a Master Air Pilot Certificate. This is “in recognition of long service and consistently high standards” in professional flying.
The certificate was presented to Scully in London. It is signed by HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who is Grand Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Scully’s nomination for this tribute was unanimously accepted by the board of Trophies and Awards committee as meeting the standards of excellence required for this most deserved accolade.