Page 19 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 92 | MAY 2018

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What current positions do you hold?
I work as a fl ight or ground instructor and as a check pilot at the Bangkok Aviation
Center, which is recognised as one of the biggest aviation institutions in Southeast
Asia. We train pilots for most major airlines based in Thailand, and I occasionally
lecture at a few universities as well.

Have you ever received any notable awards or achievements?
When I was a fl ight instructor in the USA, I understood that my fl ight record was
good. However, I wasn’t sure just how good it was, until I applied to become a
check pilot. A check pilot is someone who evaluates a student by observing and
quizzing them during a fl ight to see if they meet the required standards. This will
determine whether or not the student will receive their license. Needless to say, I
was always terrifi ed of check pilots, so when I was selected to attend classes and
complete checks at such a young age, I was really honoured.

What was your fi rst fl ight experience like?
My fi rst fl ight was with an Air Force pilot in Thailand. I remember being in awe of
the entire experience, but at the same time, I really struggled with controlling the
aircraft. Everything I learnt on the ground prior to the fl ight vanished the moment
the engine started up. I was completely clueless for most of it, but I defi nitely
loved the view from up there.

What was your most memorable fl ight?
I once had a student pilot from China who was struggling with landing the plane.
He hadn’t trained with me for most of his time at the academy, and he was
incredibly close to being terminated from fl ight school because of his inability to
control the aircraft. I was trying to be extra patient with him when he was passed
onto me as a student. And after rigorous training, he managed to land a plane all
by himself on one of our fl ights together. Just seeing the happiness on his face was
so memorable!

If you could fl y to anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I could be anywhere! As long as I’m fl ying the plane and my family is onboard, it
would be an absolute dream, as I owe them everything for always believing in me
and letting me chase my passions.

What do you love most about your profession as a fl ight instructor?
I love that I get to witness lots of dreams come true. If you ask any pilot how they
began their career in aviation, it’s almost like listening to a love story. So to be
able to help transform somebody’s dream into reality is what gives me the drive
to wake up and enjoy my work every day.

Many people fear fl ying, so what tips can you provide them with to make
them more comfortable in the sky?
Take a fl ying lesson! Whether you fl y a real aircraft or even a simulator, getting
your hands on a plane’s yoke will give you a sense of control. By understanding
how a plane really works, and how well-equipped it is to handle all kinds of
emergencies, might help ease the anxiety associated with fl ying.

“If you ask any pilot how they began
their career in aviation, it’s almost like
listening to a love story.”

In your opinion, what qualities make a good pilot?
As a pilot, you really have to know your own abilities and limitations. But in
doing so, you should also never allow yourself to become complacent. You have
to transform your mindset and become a constant risk evaluator rather than a
risk-taker. You should always strive to know more, so never be afraid of asking
questions. As Frank Borman, the commander of the Apollo 8 spacefl ight mission
once said, “A superior pilot uses his superior judgement to avoid situations that
require the use of his superior skills.”

What tips could you give those who aspire to join the aviation industry?
Never give up on your dreams. If you really love the fi eld, then you need to do
the research and fi nd a path that best suits you. Training to become a pilot is
exhilarating, but it’s also a lot of work. Be prepared to spend many hours reading
about fl ight theories, aerodynamics, regulations and systems, along with the
many hours practicing in actual aircrafts. Always learn from your mistakes and
continue moving forward. Also, your instructor will be the most supportive and
demanding fi gure throughout your training process. Think of them as a positive
mentor, because at the end of the day, they too just want you to succeed.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the near future?
I defi nitely see myself fl ying for an airline. I am currently a 22-year-old fl ight
instructor, and I believe that my experience will serve me well when I plan on
fl ying passengers all around the world.

ALL- A C CESS INT O B ANGK OK ’ S C ONTEMP OR AR Y INDIAN LIFEST YLE