Ignatius C - Emirates - A380-800
1) Tell us what made you want to become a pilot?
Being a pilot has always been something I find to be amazing since I was young. I remember vividly being in the airport for the first time, sending my grandparents to China for holiday. The sight of an aircraft amazes me. The size and the mechanism of the whole flying machine got me curious. Of course not forgetting the uniforms and the idea of being part of an esteemed industry is a pride that I see in being a pilot.
2) Where did you train and describe your experience training there?
I obtained my PPL (Private Pilot's Licence) and CPL (Commercial Pilot's Licence) in Gold Coast, Australia. Being a Malaysian at the age of 19 venturing out of my home country for the first time was an amazing feeling. Exploring the whole Caucasian lifestyle being away from home (8 hours flight) was the kind of freedom any teenager would ever want. However, in terms of the training itself, it was perfect. Flying around in an area which geographically I'm not familiar with, made me apply all I've learnt from the ground school subjects as well as the advice given from the instructors.
3) What aircraft did you fly during your initial training?
My first ever aircarft was a Cessna 172 (Reg: VH-DAZ). I flew the C172 for approximately 120 hours before moving onto the Diamond DA40 for the G1000 Glass cockpit experience. After this, I transferred to the Diamond DA42 for multi engine experience.
4) What was your hardest part of training?
Hardest? Well personally, I found kickstarting my whole career the hardest. LOL. However jokes aside, the hardest stage of training was perhaps when I was studying for my ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot's Licence) theory exams. I was enrolled in an expressed airbridge for it and as a result, I had to complete my twin engine flying as well as the exams in 6 months!!!
5) What advice would you give to aspiring pilots?
I personally believe in never giving up! For those of you who would have wanted or even still aspiring to be a pilot, keep the inspiration going and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS put in effort to get it done. Keep your eyes and ears open seeking any available opportunities. You are the driver of your destiny. Keep asking around, do your homework and of course don't be shy to ask for advice and assistance.
6) What has been your best moment in the air?
Haha. Best moment in the air? Perhaps flying my parents. I flew both my parents in my C172 into the flying area just to show them what it's like to be in a light aircraft.
However, also my first solo would qualify as my best moment too. Haha... I believe every pilot will always remember that !
7) What is your favourite destination to fly to?
ROME!! Well, I just love Rome in Italy. The whole city, the vibe, the ambience is just breath taking.. or maybe it's just becuase I threw a coin into the Fontana Di Trevi? Lol
8) What is the biggest misconception that people have about your job?
Things I've noticed a lot from being a pilot, is that people tend to think that us male pilots 'get girls' very easily. Haha.. maybe it's just stereotypes..
9) Was there something you wish you did prior to starting your flight training that would be beneficial for aspiring pilots to do?
That can be quite subjective. However I think you should do something that will make you wiser. Such as taking up a degree or a different course that you are intersted in other than flying. Get to know people and socialise. Learn about life and of course enjoy your life!