By Aminat Bakare
Captain Gilbert Mwamba Sampa’s journey into civil aviation began from a deep-seated passion that has gone on to fuel his over four decades career. Born on the 30th of September 1959, Capt. Sampa was raised in his native country Zambia, where he completed his Cambridge O’Levels. He briefly attended the University of Zambia’s School of Natural Sciences; however, with his true calling being aviation, he dropped the University of Zambia studies to pursue his dream: a career as a pilot.
Inspired by a deep fascination with flying, Capt. Sampa’s aviation journey began at a young age. He started his aviation career at the age of 19 when he joined the then Zambia Airways, which facilitated his training at the Australian Flying Training School in partnership with Qantas. Returning to Zambia in 1980, he embarked on an international career, first training on the HS748 aircraft in India with Indian Airlines. His career then took him to train in Dublin, Ireland where he was trained on the Boeing 707, which he flew from 1980 to 1984. His adaptability was evident as he transitioned to the DC-10 and later the Aerospatiale ATRs before moving to the DC-8. His tenure with Zambia Airways continued until its closure in 1994.
Following the airline’s closure, he ventured into the business world, focusing on computer and gadget sales from 1994 to 2002, however, the allure of aviation led him back to the skies, joining Zambian Airways to fly the Beech 1900D. After which his journey then continued with the Nigerian airline “Overland Airways” from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, he suffered a personal tragedy -the loss of his wife – which necessitated him to return to Zambia. After mourning the wife, he then moved to India where he joined Air India Limited, and there he was attached to fly for Alliance Air (a subsidiary of Air India) until 2012 when he decided to rejoin Overland Airways. Capt. Sampa has
remained with the airline ever since, witnessing its significant transformation. Capt. Sampa has worked with Overland Airways for the longest period of his career. He has seen the airline grow from operating an all-turboprop fleet to its expansion into a jet fleet with a set of modern Embraer 175 aircraft which he considers particularly rewarding and the highlight of his professional journey. He is currently type rated on the Embraer E-175. He is the current Director of Flight Operations and a Training Instructor at Overland Airways.
As Capt. Sampa prepares for his well-deserved retirement from active flying, his career has been one defined by achievements, humility, passion and unwavering loyalty, making him a revered figure and trusted hand wherever he worked.
His dedication extends beyond his role as a pilot. He is a staunch advocate for aspiring aviators, emphasizing the importance of pursuing aviation for the love of flying rather than purely for financial gain. He is involved in nurturing the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAPs) through involvement in flying clubs and mentorship programs.
Capt. Tayo Ewedemi, who worked with Capt. Sampa as a younger pilot recalls his flying experience with him: “Not only is he an exceptionally skilled pilot, but his mentorship role has been truly inspiring. He embodies professionalism and kindness both in the air and on the ground”.
Mrs Cynthia Mohammed, Manager Legal, Overland Airways says of Capt. Sampa: “I call him the commander and indeed he is the commander of the skies. He has offered indelible and impactful service to Overland Airways. He is a hardworking and fantastic father to his children who practices what he teaches”.
For Ms. Yvonne Morfaw who flew with Capt. Sampa: “He was one of the finest captains I ever flew with. He inspired confidence in both the flight crew and passengers. The depth of his professionalism and skill is second to none”.
Adding to his legacy, the captain has raised 5 beautiful children – 3 boys and two girls, two accountants (ACCA holders), a medical doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, a chef and his first-born son who is also a pilot following in his fathers’ footsteps and is now a Captain on the Bombardier CRJ series aircraft.
Captain Sampa remains optimistic about the future of aviation and intends to stay involved post-retirement, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring pilots. We celebrate this quintessential Captain, a gentleman who goes the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of his passengers and flight crew. This is wishing Capt. Sampa the best always.