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Why HM Aerospace is the Best: Transparent, Top-Quality Pilot Training

by Visnu October 18, 2024

written by Visnu

As a former cadet of HM Aerospace (HMA), I can confidently say that the academy offers a unique and valuable pilot training experience. Not only does HMA provide excellent training opportunities, but it does so with full transparency and integrity. Let me walk you through some key reasons why HMA stands out as the best choice for aspiring pilots.

1. No Hidden Charges – What You See is What You Get

One of the greatest advantages of HM Aerospace is its transparent fee structure. Unlike other training institutions that may surprise you with unexpected fees later in the course, HMA guarantees no hidden charges. Everything is laid out clearly from the start. Your course fees, exam fees, and even certification costs are all included in the initial pricing. This means you can focus on your training without worrying about unforeseen financial hurdles along the way.

2. In-House Diploma Program at No Additional Cost

HMA offers a comprehensive in-house Diploma in Aviation, fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), without charging extra for it. This additional qualification not only enhances your training but is included as part of the overall program, at no extra cost. This diploma adds immense value to your credentials, making you more competitive in the job market while ensuring you don’t face unexpected charges.

3. Fly to Major Airports Across Malaysia

HMA provides cadets with the opportunity to fly to various major airports across Malaysia, exposing you to diverse airspace environments and real-world flying conditions. You’ll gain experience flying into airports such as: Penang International Airport (Penang), Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang, Selangor), Langkawi International Airport (Kedah), Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (Ipoh, Perak), Sultan Mahmud Airport (Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu), Kota Bharu Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Kelantan), Melaka International Airport (Malacca), Sultan Ismail International Airport (Johor Bahru, Johor), Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Setar, Kedah), Kuantan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport (Pahang).

4. Fast-Track Completion in Less than 12 Months

If you’re focused and driven, you can complete the flying phase in less than 12 months at HM Aerospace. Thanks to the structured training program, experienced instructors, and readily available aircraft, cadets are able to meet their flying hour requirements in a shorter time frame without sacrificing the quality of their training.

5. Serviceable Fleet and High Availability

HMA operates a large, serviceable fleet of aircraft, including 20+ single and multi-engine planes, ensuring you have access to aircraft for regular flying hours. This consistent availability allows cadets to log up to 30 flight hours per month, fast-tracking their progress without being held back by aircraft shortages.

6. High Passing Rate and Job Readiness

HM Aerospace’s training program has consistently produced high passing rates, thanks to its skilled instructors and rigorous real-world training approach. Graduating from HMA not only equips you with the necessary skills but also significantly boosts your employability in the aviation industry. The HMA name is recognized and trusted by leading airlines, giving you an edge in job placement.

At HM Aerospace, you can trust that your fees are fully transparent—there are no hidden charges. With all costs, including exam fees, covered, and a top-tier training program that prepares you for real-world flying, HMA ensures that you are getting the best value for your investment. Add to this the flexibility in accommodation, high availability of aircraft, and a proven track record of success since 2004, and it’s clear that HM Aerospace is the ideal place to launch your aviation career.

Ready to take flight? Register now and secure your spot at HM Aerospace, where transparency meets excellence in pilot training.

October 18, 2024 0 comments 1.9K views

Revolutionize Your ATPL Exam Prep with ChatGPT – The AI Study Buddy You May Need!

by Visnu April 18, 2023

written by Visnu

The Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is a coveted certification for pilots who aspire to fly for commercial airlines. Earning this certification requires extensive knowledge in several subject areas, including aviation law, meteorology, navigation, and more. Studying for ATPL exams can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, with the help of modern technology, such as chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI), studying for these exams has become more accessible and efficient. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI, to study for your ATPL subjects.

NOTE:
It’s important to note that while AI can be a useful tool for studying and understanding ATPL subjects, it should not be the sole source of information or relied upon exclusively. Classroom instruction from experienced instructors is invaluable in providing a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the material.
AI can be used to supplement classroom instruction and aid in self-study, but it should not replace the importance of attending classes, participating in discussions, and seeking clarification from instructors. AI can help to reinforce understanding and provide additional support for students, but it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of human instructors.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI that can generate natural language text in response to a prompt. It has been trained on a massive corpus of text, allowing it to understand and generate human-like responses. ChatGPT has been used for a variety of applications, including language translation, content generation, and even chatbots.

How to use ChatGPT to study for ATPL subjects

ChatGPT can be an excellent study tool for ATPL subjects because it can generate natural language responses to prompts related to the subject matter. Here are some tips on how to use ChatGPT to study for ATPL subjects:

Choose a specific subject: ATPL exams cover a wide range of subjects, so it’s essential to choose a specific topic that you want to study. For example, you might want to focus on meteorology or aviation law.
Prompt the ChatGPT: Once you’ve chosen your topic, prompt the ChatGPT with a question or statement related to the subject. For example, you could ask “What are the four types of fronts in meteorology?” or “Explain the principles of aviation law.”
Read the response: The ChatGPT will generate a natural language response to your prompt. Take the time to read and understand the response. If you have any questions or need clarification, prompt the ChatGPT again.
Repeat: Repeat this process for as many questions or statements as you need to study for your ATPL exam. Over time, you’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge in your chosen subject.

Benefits of using ChatGPT to study for ATPL subjects

There are several benefits to using ChatGPT to study for ATPL subjects, including:

Convenience: ChatGPT is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, making it a convenient study tool for busy pilots.
Efficiency: ChatGPT can generate natural language responses quickly, allowing you to study more efficiently.
Customizability: You can prompt ChatGPT with specific questions or statements, allowing you to customize your study sessions to your specific needs.
Flexibility: ChatGPT can generate responses to a wide range of subjects, making it a versatile study tool for pilots.
SOME SNAPS OF THE PROMPTS AS ATTACHED BELOW:

Conclusion

Studying for ATPL exams can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but with the help of modern technology such as ChatGPT, it has become more accessible and efficient. By prompting ChatGPT with specific questions or statements related to your chosen subject, you can generate natural language responses and build a solid foundation of knowledge in your ATPL subjects. With its convenience, efficiency, customizability, and flexibility, ChatGPT can be an excellent study tool for pilots who aspire to earn their ATPL certification.

April 18, 2023 1 comment 4.3K views

Ground School Popular Reads

[ Avoid These Mistakes ] Ways To Ace Your ATPL Exams

by Visnu April 8, 2022

written by Visnu

How do you prepare for and pass your ATPL exams?

In this post, I’ll offer the best advice I’ve received to help you pass your ATPL tests, as well as what I’ve learned from passing my ATPL exams in less than nine months.

What are the ATPL subjects?

Communications
Air Law
Radio Navigation
General Navigation
Flight Planning
Mass and Balance
Human Performance and Limitations
Instrumentation
Aircraft General knowledge – Airframes/ Systems/ Power Plant/ Electrics
Meteorology
Operational Procedures
Principles of Flight
Performance

One of the gaps I discovered during my ATPL examinations was that no one actually teaches you HOW to study – something I struggled with at first due to the fact that I had been out of school for a long period of time. But salutes to all my instructors especially Capt Rana.
(Ps: No Can Ever Replace Him )

Check out my best Pilot Training Summary for how to pass your ATPL exams and progress the remainder of your flight training at the lowest cost and fastest time!

Practice and Spaced Repetition are Important.

After finishing all of the course material, I recall completing my first practise exam on general navigation, which I passed with flying colours. During the two weeks allocated, I had only completed 20 percent of the questions and had gotten the majority of them incorrect. I recall that the subjects of Meteorology and General Navigation had the greatest amount of questions in the question bank. At the time of my employment, we were utilising AVEX and BGS. However, those are out of date at the moment. The most recent is ATPLSGS and ATPLQ.

I just felt like there was no way in the world that I was going to be able to pass the examinations in the first place. It wasn’t that I hadn’t gone over the material and taken notes: I had done so, but it was evident that I had forgotten a lot of what I had learned, and I would need to go back through the notes to fix the weak areas. However, the summary notes that were tied together in our question banks proved to be really useful.

How do you slow down the process of forgetting? That is the million-dollar question.

This is where the concept of spaced repetition comes into play.

Establish a schedule for reviewing critical information.
Writing down the information and using flashcards to help you remember it can be a great technique to help you remember it.
The first review can be done the next day, then in a week, then in a month, and so on.

The idea is that as time goes, just a periodic review should be required to ensure that you are satisfied with the concept. You can retain information for much longer periods of time if you use spaced repetition – which involves revisiting the content – and you will have a procedure to review and learn as time goes.

Motivation

The ATPL examinations are harsh, and I recall my school’s course teacher telling me that they are used to pick out those who wish to fly professionally.

No, I am not exaggerating when I say that studying for ATPL exams will be the most difficult and intense you have ever done.

If you work hard and regularly for 6-12 months depending on your course type, you will pass the ATPL tests.

Everyone hits a ‘wall’ when they can’t be bothered anymore. You must have a cause to persevere and work in order to get your desired outcome.
In other words, I could leave my possible engineering profession and follow what I loved.

Find a reason why you want to be a commercial pilot and have that reason near at hand so that when you start to get discouraged and want to give up, you can remember why you are learning in the first place.

Instagram has the potential to be beneficial. I would look at profiles of other pilots who had gone through the process and had secured employment, and the desire to be in the flight deck as their images indicated was a great source of inspiration and motivation for me to continue on my path.

Subjects are grouped together.

For example, general navigation and flight planning are both quite similar in terms of substance; as a result, certain subjects may overlap in particular regions.

This is why you should categorise your subjects in as logical an order as feasible in order to reduce the amount of effort and take use of shortcuts when subjects are similar or overlap.

Taking a breather

It would be beneficial if you kept a steady pace during the ATPL tests. If you are enrolled in a full-time course, you can expect to put in at least six months of effort.

If you are doing distance learning, the minimum time frame is generally approximately eight months, with the majority of students needing between 12 and 18 months to finish the ATPL tests. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate short- and long-term rests.

I divided my study time into 35-40 minute spurts, followed by a 10-minute rest period. To maximise my productivity, I would aim to complete two or three of these sessions in the morning before going to class on the weekdays, followed by a study session in the evening.

Concentrate on the areas that need improvement ( Weak Areas)

Continue to question yourself: if the test were tomorrow, where would you have the most difficulty – and concentrate your efforts on those topics.

I divided it down into smaller chunks, concentrated on the weak portions, and began practising the questions. The question banks, such as atplGS or BGS, among others, were helpful @ keeping track of questions and flagging those that I was getting incorrectly answered.

Eventually, you reach a point where you can recognise what is being asked only by reading the first portion of the question, and your speed increases as a result of this increased confidence.

Speed comes through practising questions – especially active recall – which is a nice way of saying that you are pulling information out of your memory. Regularly practise a certain activity or skill until you are able to recall the data or procedures used without trouble is reached.

Seek Assistance ( Pan Pan )

If you are having difficulty with a topic (grid navigation, for example), don’t battle it and struggle alone. Inquire for assistance. Your ATPL theory provider will often have individuals that you may contact through e-mail or in person if you have any issues. Your buddies may be the most reliable sources of information. I studied with a friend of mine in a group setting. More studying in pairs is more effective than studying in groups. You may also experiment with different ways, such as viewing YouTube videos.

Stress

ATPL tests are difficult because of the time constraints, the number of sittings, and the need to have as clean a record as possible in order to increase your chances of landing your very first job after graduation.

You must, however, find a means to control your stress because, regrettably, if you are unable to cope with the strain, you will rapidly feel overwhelmed, burn out, and lose your concentration.

Here’s what I did to assist me cope with the stress:
It was necessary for me to take regular pauses (both short-term and longer-term) between modules in order to reset and re-energize.
If I was not prepared for a test, I just postponed it until I was. Don’t put yourself under unnecessary stress by setting unrealistic goals.
I sought assistance if there was a subject or idea with which I was having difficulty, and I made every effort not to set myself unrealistic objectives or expectations.

Instead, I concentrated on being consistent and putting in 2.5 to 3 hours of study each day of the week, and then I watched to see where that led me.

ALL YOU HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND IS ‘”75% Passing MARK”

On the subject of study materials, I would suggest that if you are utilising study materials that are not from your primary source, you should be cautious not to overload and overwhelm oneself.

I’ve seen students opt to forego the course materials provided by their provider and instead purchase books from a different supplier, only to find themselves in an even worse state of confusion as a result of being overwhelmed and confused with too much knowledge.

Schools are required to teach the ATPL syllabus for each topic, however the manner in which various schools present the content in terms of sequencing varies substantially.
Pay Attention to Question Banks. Repetition is the key to success in your tests.

ATPL NOTES AND REFERENCES ( CLICK HERE )

April 8, 2022 0 comments 4.4K views

Aviation Flying Phase Popular Reads

Life As A Cargo Pilot- Ft Jacky Hew

by Visnu December 22, 2021

written by Visnu

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CARGO PILOT

Its not a shocking moment during this Covid-19 pandemic, that the only surviving pilots are cargo pilots. There are some of passengers who still fly but not as much as the cargo pilots who were not affected by the lockdown and travel restriction.

WHEN IT COMES TO PILOTING, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING A CARGO PILOT AND BEING A PASSENGER PILOT?

Often working late at night or early in the morning, a cargo pilot’s job involves transporting and delivering cargo to and from various locations. Mail, industrial supplies, electronics, food, disaster relief materials, and anything else that has to get to its destination faster than land-based transportation is capable of accomplishing is included in these shipments. Cargo planes, like passenger planes, are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small one-person aircraft to enormous freight planes.

Passenger pilots also deliver cargo, which is typically in the form of bags, but they place a higher priority on the transportation of people and not allowed to transport most of the dangerous goods. Many pilots who are qualified to fly one type of aircraft are also qualified to fly another. Both professions require a pilot’s licence, which is required for both positions.

The cargo planes have special permission to handle dangerous goods unlike every other passenger plane. For an example the transportation of covid-19 vaccine requires the use of dry ice. Dry ice is considered as dangerous goods and can only be delivered via a authorised courier.

In response to the increase in demand for air freight, cargo carriers’ pilots are among the select few in the aviation business who are today busier than they have been in years. They’re also leading a strange lifestyle, flying into and out of vacant airports and through airspace that’s almost completely devoid of aircraft. Mr. Jacky Hew, a cargo pilot based in Malaysia who narrates his life in the air on his Instagram account, consented to speak with me about his flight and his experiences.

WHAT DOES A CARGO PILOT DO?

The job of a cargo pilot is to transport goods or freight for a company. A cargo pilot occasionally handles special or dangerous materials and checks cargo lists and storage systems to ensure everything meets transportation safety guidelines. These pilots may fly at night, remain in a cockpit for several hours at a time, and sign paperwork when they deliver the products to a destination. Most fly solely between airports of various sizes while following a schedule set by the company. Doesn’t matter that how big is the size of the company and plane, the responsibilities of a cargo pilot are as important as a passenger pilot. The qualifications you need to become a cargo pilot include a commercial pilot license.

LICENSING

Both pilots, either cargo or passengers, have the same purpose and mission – to transfer the content of their aircraft hull securely, from one point to another. That is why the training remains the same and so do the skills. Once you decide to become a passenger or freight pilot, you will need to earn a suitable licence. This can be achieved through three training routes – modular, integrated or cadet programme with an airline.

For example, by choosing a modular commercial pilot licence (CPL(A)) curriculum, you can divide your studies into modules. In this course, a Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)) comes first and then you start with ATPL theory study. The second alternative is to choose an integrated ATPL(A) software to obtain a frozen ATPL. This curriculum is intensive and, as a result, the fastest option to start your Type Rating.

TYPES OF AIRCRAFT ( FLEET)

Both passenger airline pilots and freight pilots use the same fixed-wing aircraft types for their operations (Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777, Airbus A300, A320, A330, etc.). The sort of aircraft you use is determined by the organisation to which you are applying. The most popular models of Boeing and Airbus, which are also used for passenger aeroplanes, are preferred by the majority of freight carriers. As a matter of fact, practically some of the cargo aeroplanes in service today are modifications or conversions of passenger aircraft. They are often intended and retrofitted for freight transportation rather than passenger transportation.

The one I am flying currently is B767-200. Based in Subang Skypark.

WORKING SCHEDULES

As a cargo pilot, you will be required to fly on a range of different schedules throughout the year. Domestic, international, 1-day trips, 14-day journeys, all-daytime flying, all-night flying, and any combination of these are all accessible on a variety of airlines.

The most significant distinction between cargo and passenger airline pilots is that cargo pilots typically fly at night, which means that they must work outside of their normal circadian cycle, which can make it difficult to maintain a healthy level of alertness and concentration. Fortunately, cargo pilots tend to obtain extra vacation time as a result of the situation. They typically work in a week-on/week-off routine, which greatly aids in their recuperation time. Cargo pilots are often of the belief that the most satisfying feature of their work is the fact that they get to spend a significant amount of time at home.

EARNINGS

The question “Do cargo pilots get paid better than those who fly for passenger airlines?” may arise after examining some of the contrasts between cargo airline pilot jobs and airline pilot positions for passengers. Actually, the answer is quite traditional – it all depends on the circumstances. Among other factors, the salary of cargo pilots is determined by how long they have been in the business, how many hours they have flown, whether they are FOs or PICs, and what sort of aircraft they fly. A substantial contrast exists between operating a small aircraft and operating a large aircraft that is capable of crossing oceans and earning a significantly higher profit.

CARGO OR PASSENGER?

Choosing between a job as a passenger airline pilot and a career as a cargo airline pilot is ultimately a choice of personal preference more than it is a matter of financial reward. Given the supposition that the requisite information, abilities, and training are the same for both, your decision will be based on your point of view. If your interest in aviation extends beyond “flying” and includes the “people” component of aviation (other crew members, passengers, gate agents, and so on), then working in passenger operations may be a better fit for your skills and interests.

Cargo piloting may be the greatest option for you if you appreciate transporting race cars with a Boeing or Airbus Freighter to destinations that you have never heard of before. If you have the correct mindset and take pleasure in what the job has to offer, it could be the most gratifying moment of your life

December 22, 2021 0 comments 3.1K views

Aviation Popular Reads

Pilot Jobs In A Marginal VFR State – Post Pandemic Covid 19

by Visnu December 14, 2021

written by Visnu

PILOT JOBS IN A MARGINAL VFR STATE – POST PANDEMIC COVID 19

Because of COVID’s impact on the Pilot job market, many aspiring pilots have inquired about the future outlook for Pilots in the industry. As a result, I’ve summarised my findings.

Before the COVID outbreak, flying was at an all-time high, according to our knowledge. Pilots are expected to be in high demand in the near future, according to a number of organisations. In order to fulfil their aspirations of travelling the world in elegance, many qualified applicants for Pilot training hurry to enrol in flying lessons. This is something I’ve observed firsthand, since I’ve had the opportunity to be a cadet and to meet people who quit their corporate careers to become pilots. Before the release of COVID 19, everything was running smoothly. The best advice for current situation is to get a permanent job meanwhile waiting for aviation industry return back to pre covid state.

Lockdowns and travel bans have been imposed on us in an unprecedented manner. For months, airlines around the world were forced to ground their planes. The grounding of multi-million dollar transportation equipment resulted in significant financial losses. Although travel has reopened, it will be at least a few years before we can go back to pre-COVID numbers. The losses incurred by Airlines have reached unfathomable proportions. Due to a lack of government support, airlines and their partners bear the brunt of the losses. Losses have piled up for an industry that relies on a slim profit margin.

Airlines have been compelled to cut pay and privileges as a result of the grounding and following slow recovery. Many airline employees around the world have been laid off as a result of this decision. The path to recovery is hazy (MVFR) at best. Thus, Airline has made no assurances for the future. A wait-and-see attitude has taken hold as the world awaits further outbreaks of COVID-19 where new variants are appearing from time to time, with questions hanging about the efficiency of vaccines for each new variant. Thankfully the vaccine is efficient superbly efficient.

PRIORITY MATTERS

There is always a preference for persons who are just starting out in a new career or who have recently returned to the workforce. When it comes to flying, the preference will always be given to License holders who have recently flown rather than Pilots who have flown sparingly or not at all recently.

As a result of the Pandemic’s lockdown, the training of a large number of student pilots was affected. Almost all of them have restarted their training and are eager to obtain their licence as soon as feasible.. Great. WHAT’S NEXT? They may have to wait a long time for an interview with an airline and become part of the Pilot pool that is unemployed. How long will we have to wait? There are no leads. Is it better to put your training on hold for the time being and return when the market has stabilised to finish it? We have no idea either. It’s always the best to finish what you have started and no withdrawing in the middle of the whole progress. That’s considered as a waste of resources.

80% of the students drop out from flying school because they didn’t set clear goal in their life. That is what a good instructor will mention. Have your target, Complete it, and take your next step or next action. That’s a very good pilot trait.

The Pandemic has already set airlines back 2-3 years. As consumers become less confident in their ability to travel the way they did before, this time period may expand. In the event that you begin flying instruction today and become a pilot within the next two years, you are likely to become a member of the Pilot pool. It’s best to postpone flying lessons for a year or so until there’s more certainty about recovery. ‘ All theory papers can be cleared and you can enrol in a course of your choice during this time. Due to the fact that it is a full-time programme with no any restrictive requirement, it is possible to begin training whenever things improve. Saving money on interest payments for flying training can also be achieved by doing so.

Due to an upsurge in students before the pandemic, flying training institutions have raised their fees. Aspiring pilots must settle for flying schools in the current state because of the fluctuation in raw material prices. As a result, flying schools demand exorbitant rates per hour.

What if you have graduated and held a license? Carry out your responsibilities in keeping your medical and license valid. Take care of your own self health and lastly keep yourself refreshed on the knowledge that would be required when you rejoin line training.

December 14, 2021 0 comments 2.3K views

Aviation Popular Reads

COVID-19 | Is This The Right Time To Start Flight Training?

by Visnu November 8, 2020

written by Visnu

COVID-19 or the coronavirus has brought the whole world to a standstill killing millions of people globally. Many people have lost their jobs and all the major industries are crashing. Is this by far the worst pandemic in the entire history? As far as we know the aviation industry has been hit badly. Due to the reduced number of passengers and air travel, an estimated US$60 to 100 billion losses were faced by airlines all around the world.

HOW MANY PILOTS ARE JOBLESS RIGHT NOW?

“Agreement terminated”, “your services no longer required”, “your last salary may not be paid”. This is what thousands of airline staff received over the past few weeks & months. It’s heartbreaking when they have a family & have lots of commitments to bear. The COVID-19 crisis might have grounded most of the global airline industry, but the rights of atypically employed aircrew had no further to fall. This is to save the company from going into bankruptcy. Approximately 1 in every 5 pilots lost their job since the start of this pandemic in early March this year. Since many pilots have been retrenched, sooner or later the whole world will have a surplus of pilots. Besides, hundreds of cadet pilots are graduating from local flying schools every year. So is it the right time to enter flight training? Are you an aviation enthusiast who is ready financially and looking up for a flying school? Read Below

Well, even if you do all that you’re probably still scratching your head, locked-down up at home, wondering how to make your dream a reality amid this Covid-19 pandemic. Especially when some of the airlines on your vision board have gone bankrupt, and several of the pilots have been retrenched. Maybe you’re thinking of throwing in the towel before you’ve even gotten started.

The truth is, I don’t blame you. Even sometimes I wonder when I’ll be starting my line training. Whether it’s going to be anytime soon or in another 3-4 years. Before me, there are hundreds of pilots who are still on the waiting list to enter airlines to undergo their training. I’ve come across several reassurances that the aviation industry will pick up again. Why? Simply because this industry fluctuates with the economic cycle, will immediately be followed by years in which it’s possible to have a job lined up before you graduate. But that is taking into consideration that the vaccine will be rolled out soon and the airlines are not leasing out their fleets yet.

As a pilot, you’ll just have to get accustomed to riding these waves. It’s simply unfortunate that Covid-19 has taken this cycle to the extreme, and we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation in which travel bans have brought the industry to a standstill.

It usually takes at least 2 years to complete pilot training up to obtaining a Frozen ATPL. This means the economy has 2 years in which to pick up before you’re faced with searching for your first job as a low hour pilot. A lot will change in that time. I have witnessed several cadets withdrew during their early phases of flight training. To be honest current situation does not define the future and no one can ever predict what’s going to happen.

But things will change. Eventually, we will be allowed out of the house, then back into restaurants, and back into aircraft. The economy will pick up, airlines will expand once again to deal with the increased travel demand, and who will fly these aircraft? We will. Well, only if you continue as planned and dive into pilot training. If you are still young this is your only opportunity to enroll and get yourself started. The flight training fees will be going up every year and no way it will be brought down. Personally, I won’t be surprised if flight training costs would skyrocket to 600,000 MYR in the coming years. Flight training schools are not charity organizations. Lately, I have been seeing a lot of angst on social media. Much of it aimed at the unconscionably high cost of flying, and the unattainably high cost of training to earn a pilot’s license.

Remember there is no definite reason why flight training is expensive. There are various factor that actually determines the actual cost of the whole training. Some of the factors include the exchange rate, the type of airport where the training is conducted, accommodation, aircraft maintenance, fuel cost, instructors pay, hangar fees, landing fees, parking fees, insurances, equipment, and many more.

Okay back to our topic,

There’s another pressing question for future student pilots to consider: what about all the airlines and charter companies that have closed? How can you possibly find jobs if there are fewer companies to work for? When travel picks up again (even if it only increases back to the level it was at before Covid-19) it means that existing airlines and charter companies will expand to operate on the routes that become available due to airlines going bankrupt.

In the end, you might have fewer companies to choose from, but any expansion requires more pilots (which means more jobs). As well as many new airlines will launch to fill gaps in the market. More routes. more sectors and more pilots.

Because of COVID-19 don’t rush to graduate anytime sooner. Instead, you can take your time to study and understanding everything you need to before joining the airline. Why not take extra studies and complete it. It would aid you to progress once you enter the airline. This also carries through to the practical part of flight training. Join the flight operation department or the recruitment team which requires you to have certain qualifications.

So although things currently look grim, we can’t give up hope. Yes, there is much uncertainty about life after Covid-19, which makes it hard to speculate on what the outcome will be. This is the time for you to improve yourself and make changes.

I believe that the virus will leave a lasting mark on the industry – and what I have written is simply my opinion on the subject. Though, maybe it is time to update your vision board with different airlines and to include a few new inspiring quotes to keep you motivated on your journey that has suddenly become a winding road instead of the express route you had carefully planned out.

After all, a pilot needs to be able to adapt to change. So I’ll get you started with your first new motivational quote by Hellen Keller: ” When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

November 8, 2020 0 comments 2.6K views

Aviation Popular Reads

What Is A Cadet Pilot Program ?

by Visnu June 21, 2020

written by Visnu

Some of you might have come across the word cadet when looking for pilot related information.

A cadet pilot program seems to be an amazing opportunity for a future pilot to pursue their career in aviation. Why Not Self Enrolled? It is the same ATPL integrated training program for a pilot’s license except that the main benefit of it is a conditional employment offer from the airline even before starting the training.

What?

A cadet program is fundamentally a collaboration between a carrier and a flight school. The purpose of the program is to fulfill the companies demand for pilots. Normally the flight schools that will train the cadet pilots undergo a rigid audit process from the airline where the cadets will start working after graduation. Starting-off with line training. Line training is the training that cadets will undergo after graduating from the flying school with the airline. For an example Airbus 320 or Boeing 737 Training type rated.

Lets take another profession Engineering. As a fresh graduate You know that there is quite a long way until you acquire the required education and then comes the search for a vacancy at companies. You will be sending your CVs, resume, going to job interviews and if you are lucky, you might quickly get a job in the competitive market.

Now back to aviation. The path is same for pilots who enroll themselves into a flying school offering ATPL integrated program. Once graduated with approximately of 200 required hours for Commercial Pilot License. Send out tons of CV’s and hope for the best. However, the aviation industry is amazing at this point as it actually offers a second scenario with a job guarantee! This is exactly what being a cadet means.

A cadet program is usually done by following the same structure as an integrated program or an Multi Crew Pilots License ( MPL) Program( What is MPL Program?). However, an integrated program does not necessarily have to be a cadet program. The word “cadet” simply means that graduates from that program are devoted to a specific employer from the start of their training. Thus, all of their training is conducted with that specific employer in mind. Eg: Air Asia or Malaysia Airline Group etc.

June 21, 2020 0 comments 3K views

Aviation Medical Popular Reads

Pregnancy & Piloting

by Visnu April 25, 2020

written by Visnu

Boarding a flight can feel like stepping into a time capsule.

Early December last year, a lawsuit was filed against frontier airlines alegging discrimination against women. This was because they had to deal with nursing and piloting at the same time. This isn’t the first lawsuit in the industry nor it will be the last. Whether we want to admit it or not, it’s still part of the internal thought process of hiring managers and often the hidden reason why women pilots are hired less. Aviation jobs & piloting by its very own nature is a unique profession.

Pregnancy is an ordinary physiological condition and not a sickness; however, it may be, related physiological changes that may influence a pilot’s performance. Flying while pregnant may introduce a hazard to the fetus during especially during the initial trimester. Risk factors may vary from one individual to another and with regard to the type of flying in question. Some women are more at risk than others. Each pregnancy should be reviewed on an individual basis by both an Obstetrician and an Aeromedical Examiner(AME).

Both sides need to understand that the unique environment of a cockpit has some built-in limitations that cannot, and should not, change. This limitation might jeopardize the safety of passengers as well as the pilot herself. So are you fit to fly if you are pregnant?

Even if it is considered unfit. There have been no cases of early-stage pregnant women involving in accidents

Based on Medical Requirement By Civil Aviation Authority Of Malaysia, pregnancy is considered a decrease in medical fitness. She has to inform the authority within the period of 21 days &

not exercise the privileges of the licence and ratings until she has
satisfied the medical examiner that her medical fitness has been
restored to the standard as specified in these Directives.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the pilot should report to her own Aviation Medical Examiners. It is advisable, not only to minimize risk to the pilot and fetus but also to ensure flight safety, that her obstetrician/gynecologist is aware of the type of flying she intends to do.

CEO directives Medical Pregnancy

(1) License holder not to act as a member of flight crew once she knows or has
reason to believe that she is pregnant.

(2) For Class 3 applicants with a low-risk uncomplicated pregnancy,
evaluated the fit assessment should be limited to the period until the end
of the 34th week of gestation.

(3) During the gestational period, precautions should be taken for the timely
relief of an Air Traffic Control Officer in the event of early onset of labor or other
complications.

(4) Following confinement or termination of pregnancy the applicant shall
not be permitted to exercise the privileges of her license until she has
undergone re-evaluation in accordance with best medical practice and it
has been determined that she is able to safely exercise the privileges of
her license and ratings.

POSSIBLE INCAPACITATION RISK

Miscarriage – approximately 15 percent of embryos will spontaneously abort during the first trimester. By the 11th or 12th week of pregnancy the chances of miscarriage decrease to approximately 1-2%.
Extrauterine Pregnancy – Ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus.
Morning Sickness – Nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy
Hypotension – Low blood pressure
Syncope – loss of consciousness
Lower G-tolerance – G Tolerance is lower compared to when she was not pregnant.
Anemia – Low red blood cell count ( Haemoglobin)
Dehydration – During pregnancy, there will be an increase in urine production
Hypoxia -It is known that Fetal Hemoglobin has a much higher affinity for oxygen than the mother’s hemoglobin. Generally, it is believed adequate fetal oxygenation occurs at altitudes under 10,000 feet.

Besides that, based on EASA international, Cosmic radiation is linked to elevated numbers of chromosome aberrations which may cause intellectual development disorders, developmental anomalies, congenital anomalies, growth restrictions, and Down Syndrome. These changes may also lead to miscarriage.

The average annual radiation exposure for a pilot is between 2-5 mSv. This can be dangerous to pregnant pilots as the radiation exposure to a fetus should not exceed 1.0mSv, according to the ICRP (International Commission Of Radiation Protection)

Postpartum depression is a lot more powerful and lasts longer. It follows about 15% of births, first-time moms, and those who’ve given birth before. It can cause severe mood swings, exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. The intensity of those feelings can make it difficult to care for your baby or yourself.

The pilot is allowed to resume her working schedule once she is verified fit by the Aviation Medical Examiners.

Airlines & Bonds

As written in their contract if a pilot becomes pregnant during the bond period, it is considered as breaking the bond. So what will happen if they break the bond?

If the terms of the Employment bond are violated, then the company can send a legal notice asking the employee to report to duty immediately, failing which she is required to pay the sum specified in the bond. But the airlines now are becoming more helpful & lenient towards female pilots. Which they will be receiving a basic salary plus minimum flying hours allowance for the first 2 months after declaring pregnancy.

The remaining months will be a no-pay leave till they return back to work. They will start fresh with base & sim check then only can return back online as a pilot in duty. But this is different for different airlines. Some airlines pay full maternity leave. so you may consider referring back to your job contract.

Some pilots prefer to do ground duties as a source of income during this maternity period. This will help them to balance their life if they are single mum.

Reasons why airlines have this rule because they rule you as in terms of. We pay for you so you return back in full for us. That’s all about pregnancy in piloting. See you guys in the next post.

More about Medical: Medical Requirement For Malaysian Pilots Explained

April 25, 2020 1 comment 3.3K views

Can people who suffer from motion sickness become pilots?

by Visnu March 15, 2020

written by Visnu

What is Motion sickness? It is a sensation of vomiting or puking when you are traveling by plane car or boat. Have you ever tried using your mobile phone or reading a book in a car?Your body’s sensory organs send mixed messages to your brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea. Some people learn early in their lives that they’re prone to the condition.

This is very common among people. The inner ear is disturbed caused by the repeated motion from a moving vehicle.

Are you fit to be a pilot if you are suffering from motion sickness?

The answer is yes and it depends on the severity of your condition. During the start of training 15% of the students who come into training suffer with terrible motion sickness . Especially during the first 10 flights which introduces to the effects of control and basic manoeuvres.

About 5% will have these severe enough to interfere with their flying performance. Especially when you backseat.

The situation worsens when you are about to land and the warm air rushes in with the smell of burnt Avgas. I have experience this during my 2nd flight. Even though I flew with empty stomach the urge to vomit was still there.

The symptoms that include increased breathing rate (hyperventilation), cold sweats, dizziness, increased salivation, headache, fatigue, and general discomfort.

Although we don’t know a great deal about “aviation nausea,” there have been some studies that suggest that motion sickness occurs in a relatively high percentage of aviation participants, both passengers and pilots. Some surveys indicate that more than 25% of airline pilots have experienced motion sickness. The symptoms most likely occur because of conflict caused by the stimulation of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear (the semicircular canals) where the balance mechanisms reside and the resulting visual cues that send information to the brain. During the early stages of flight training when student pilots are introduced to shallow banked turns, these strange new sensory inputs often trigger at least the milder symptoms of motion sickness ~ Av Exchange

I think there is no straight yes or no answer to this question. It all depends on the level of one’s sickness.
“To suffer from motion sickness” is a relatively loose definition. I would say everyone suffers from it, once the motion is rough enough. The key is how much can one take and how much it affects one’s ability to pilot the aircraft. A pilot shouldn’t get sick in normal operation.

With regular practice, your body may become used to the motion so that motion sickness lessens or goes away (also going on roller coasters etc may help – although I personally don’t like roller coasters and have never tried it).

March 15, 2020 0 comments 2.8K views

Aviation Popular Reads

Student Pilot Reveals Whats In Their Bags

by Visnu January 25, 2020

written by Visnu

It’s a mainstream topic to get to know what’s in an airliners’ pilot bag. Have you ever wondered what’s in a student pilot’s bag? What makes it so heavy? Are we just carrying headsets and safety vests? The truth is students aren’t required to carry as many things. This is why you’ll see some pilots – usually the most experienced pilots – carrying just a clipboard, while students or trainees will be carrying piles of SHEETS and various other things with them. This is because they are still in the learning process which is a crucial stage of a pilot.

Most of the time, the things a student pilot carries with him are just personal belongings and perhaps study material. But if you look inside of any student pilot’s flight bag, you’re likely to see the following items:

SAFETY VEST

Image result for safety vest strap

Required when you walk in the apron area. Worn especially during preflight checks.

LIFE VEST

Related image Worn by pilots and passengers in the aircraft when flying over areas where an over-water emergency might occur. The Pro is always ready to use with no unfolding or tying of tapes required, so that your exit from the aircraft at the critical moment is a speedy one.

HEADSET DAVID CLARKE H10

Image result for DAVID CLARK HEADSET

Aviation headsets are worn by pilots to reduce ambient noise levels in an aircraft. This can include engine, airflow and blade noise. If hearing protection isn’t used in a non-pressurized aircraft, a pilot and his or her passengers may experience hearing loss. To communicate with the tower and other aircraft.

JET A-1 FUEL TESTER

Image result for asa fuel tester

To visually check contaminants such as water and debris. Usually tested after refueling.

KNEEBOARD

Image result for KNEEBOARD PILOT Its helpful to have a kneeboard on your lap to keep things organized. Kneeboards often have a notepad, a place to hold a tablet and a pen or pencil, and pockets for your flight computer phone, chart,and checklists.