My recent Sylhet – Dhaka journey by plane.

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My recent journey by plane.                   I recently travelled from Sylhet to Dhaka by plane for my elder sister’s health diagnosis, as some medical tests are only available in the capital. I would like to describe both the journey to Dhaka and the return trip. Plane Ticket Booking: I had an appointment for a PET-CT scan scheduled for May 28th at 8:30 PM. So, I was looking for cheaper and earlier flight tickets for myself and my sister for May 27th and 29th using the Sharetrip app, as I usually book my flights through this app. I found a flight at 10:30 PM, and as I was about to book the tickets, the app showed an error message stating that some mandatory fields were not filled out.   I went back to the previous screen to check if I had missed any required fields. I filled them out again, but the app continued to show the same error. After emailing customer support and discussing it with them, I still didn’t find a solution. With no other options available, I decided to use the GoZayaan app for the first time. I knew that the prices on this app would be higher since they offer fewer discounts than Sharetrip. Eventually, I booked tickets for the ZYL-DAC flight on May 27th at 11:50 AM and for the DAC-ZYL flight on May 29th at 4:30 PM. The total cost was 17900 BDT which means that each of the four tickets for my sister and me cost 4,475 BDT. Going: ZYL – DAC, 11:50 am.   On May 27th, the weather was clear and sunny. We left for the airport at around 10:15 am, almost an hour and a half before our flight. Our home is near the airport and it usually takes about half an hour to reach there by any type of vehicle. I found a CNG vehicle on the road and brought it to the front of our house. The cost was 200 BDT. We only had one trolley bag and one backpack. It was her first time travelling by plane, which made her even more excited. We got our boarding passes and waited for check-in, and the flight was on time. I noticed her amazement at the beauty of the airport and then at the airplane, an ATR 72-600 operated by Usbangla Airlines.   It took us 35 minutes to reach our destination, Dhaka Airport. It’s well-known that Usbangla Airlines does not delay its flights, while Biman Airlines is often criticized for being late both in take-off and arrival. My sister’s fascination was evident as she gazed at the vast and beautiful Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. I reminisced about my previous trip when I traveled alone and how I got confused between the domestic and international terminals. My mistake was not asking anyone for directions to the domestic terminal; I thought I could figure everything out on my own. Anyways, we collected our luggage from the baggage claim, and this time there were no hiccups. We were set to stay at my Uncle’s house in Dhanmondi, and he sent his car to pick us up. We stayed there for two nights, with separate rooms arranged for us. On May 28th, we went to Medinova Diagnostic Centre for her medical test at 7:30 am. It turned out to be a tough day for both of us, especially for my sister, because she hadn’t eaten since previous dinner. The day became even more problematic when the PET-CT scanner malfunctioned twice in a row, causing delays. We finally returned to my Uncle’s home at 5:30 pm that evening. Return Trip: DAC-ZYL, 4:30 PM On May 29th, it was a rainy day. We left for the airport at 1 PM, three and a half hours before our flight, because our Uncle Dr. was very attentive and worried about getting stuck in traffic. His concern was valid, as we ended up being stuck near Bijay Shoroni for half an hour. We reached the airport about two hours later. We went through the domestic terminal, and this time our luggage was heavier than before because we received clothes as gifts for ourselves and our family, which I sent to the belt. After obtaining our boarding passes, we headed to the waiting area on the first floor. I noticed the female praying area, and as it was the time of Zuhr prayer, I told my sister to pray while I checked our handbags. When I went to pray, she was doing the same as well. I bought two beef liver shingaras and two coffees from a shop called Premium Sweets, which had rather premium prices. For instance, each shingara cost 99 BDT. We went to the ground floor as our flight check-in time approached. Our flight was 20 minutes late due to bad weather conditions. Our check-in started at 4:50 pm and we were sitting for a few minutes and just before take off, the captain announced there was heavy rain and they would fly when the weather became slightly better. After 15 minutes, the Captain said they would take off shortly, and he cautioned that passengers might feel some turbulence while taking off, but reassured us that the skies above were clear, and the weather at Sylhet was much better. During takeoff, I felt more G-force than on my previous flight due to the heavy rain. I took a few short videos of the plane taking off and posted them on my Facebook story later. Mid-flight, they served us snacks in a box, including a sandwich, a mangobar, and a small bottle of water. My sister had fallen asleep halfway through the flight as she was feeling weak after her tests, while I enjoyed the flight and observed how the pilot handled the plane in challenging weather. When we arrived at Sylhet Osmani Airport, the weather was cloudy but not bad. My sister took some portrait pictures of

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The Mental Health Reality of Becoming a Pilot

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The Mental Health Reality of Becoming a Pilot                     As a non-aviation student, hoping and determined to become a pilot after my graduation, I have often thought deeply about what I might face in this career path. From the research I’ve done, I’ve realised that mental health might be one of the critical matters for me, like some other personnel in aviation. I think while the glamorous side of being a pilot is often shown, the psychological challenges that come with this profession should be openly discussed.    Mental Strain from Isolation and Homesickness Pilots most often face isolation and homesickness, especially when travelling long distances and working inconsistent schedules. The study by the Aeromedical Advisory Service says that nearly 33% of pilots share feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the pressure of the job. The time they spend away from home, family and friends can be mentally difficult. The situation can be particularly difficult for the new aviators who are still adjusting to this lifestyle and the pressure of this job.   Dealing with Repetitive Training and Intensive Study In the journey to becoming a pilot involves thorough studying and severe training. The students are required to learn complex technical systems, follow regular protocols, and to update their knowledge continuously. They experience high levels of stress associated with continuous training and examinations. This repetition and pressure can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These aspects affect those who are in training or early in their career.   The Importance of Mental Resilience in Decision-Making After becoming a commercial pilot, you will be responsible for making quick decisions under pressure, whether during regular flight duties or, most importantly, in flight emergencies (which I sincerely hope you will never face). Your poor mental health state can hamper these abilities and make it difficult to respond to unexpected circumstances. Pilots should be mentally strong besides physically fit, to make timely decisions in the air. Thus, mental health care and support are essential for building this resilience.   Solutions: Managing Stress and Building Resilience Through watching mental health advisory talk shows and reading articles and interviews with pilots, I’ve discovered several strategies for managing stress and mental strain. One of the key solutions is to keep the mind refreshed, and that would be one or half hours of daily meditation and physical exercise. Those who engage in regular physical exercise, studies show that their risk of experiencing mental health issues reduces by nearly 30%. Moreover, those who have a strong support system, whether it is family, friends or colleagues, are close people to share daily happenings, and they can obviously provide emotional comfort during difficult times. Additionally, if you face a serious mental problem, you should see a psychiatrist. For those who find relief in faith, religion can also be a powerful way to maintain mental health. It gives you comfort and mental resilience that my words cannot describe properly. As a Muslim, I believe in one god and every time seeking favour from the divine being gives me mental peace and solace. No matter what religion you belong to, it would definitely help you cope with isolation, stress and challenges of the job, and bring mental peace.   In conclusion, my understanding from the research has strengthened that mental health maintenance is essential for long term success and safety in aviation. Another most important note- If you are afraid of flying, not particularly interested in aviation, have other career options, or feel pressured by peers or family to pursue this field, I would recommend choosing a different career that aligns more with your true interests.

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Are math and physics essential?

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Yes, you must know both. Being outstanding in both subjects is a plus point, but you don’t have to be Einstein. If you have a grasp of basic maths and physics, you will gain confidence, having already studied these subjects, when facing certain topics in aviation training. In some countries in South Asia like Bangladesh and India, there is a curriculum in the local language instead of English, where students in Humanities or Commerce typically don’t study higher mathematics and, particularly, physics in classes 9 and 10. This poses a problem because while they study enough mathematics in general mathematics subjects, they don’t cover physics. As a result, the civil aviation authority doesn’t allow students from non-science backgrounds to pursue aviation careers. However, hope isn’t lost easily. Students can learn physics through online courses, and after completing the syllabus of both subjects, they can apply for foreign scholarships to receive aviation training abroad. (Visit scholarship opportunities here.) Here, I discussed several topics in aviation that require knowledge of mathematics and physics:   Math Pilots use maths to calculate flight time, fuel requirements, and the best routes. But basic arithmetic like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is involved in this. (Navigation and Flight Planning) The plane needs to be within limits and properly balanced, and that requires calculating weight distribution and center of gravity. (Weight and Balance) To determine runway lengths for takeoff and landing, climb rates, and performance metrics, pilots utilize mathematics. (Performance Calculations) To understand flight instruments, you need to read numbers and do simple calculations involving speed and altitude. (Instrument Reading) Physics The fundamental for controlling the plane is to understand how air moves over the wings, to create lift and how different forces affect the aircraft. (Aerodynamics) To help avoid dangerous conditions, pilots must grasp basic principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. This knowledge would help you understand weather patterns such as wind, storms and temperature changes. (Weather Knowledge) The basic physics concept requires to understand how the plane’s systems work such as the engine and controls. Additionally, to navigate accurately, pilots need to understand physics principles, as modern navigation relies on these concepts. (Aircraft and Navigation Systems) Final Thoughts In pilot training maths and physics are essential. It’s mostly in practical ways to ensure safe and efficient flights. You don’t need to be a maths or physics expert, but a good grasp of the basics is essential for piloting. (If your academic syllabus didn’t cover physics and maths, I would advise joining an online or offline course, grasp the knowledge and get the certificate. This will help you verify your knowledge and help you overcome the admission to pilot training.)  

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How to keep yourself fit while preparing for flight training?

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keep yourself fit for flight training.                   What we think fitness is the habit we make through daily workouts. Pilots must maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay active and also to look good.    I’ve learned after researching and watching some interviews that fitness plays a vital role in both physical and mental preparation. Daily 40 to 50 minutes workouts are essential for reducing your ageing and maintaining long term health.   Fitness as a Student In the time of students like studying in high school and college, making time for a workout routine is quite a tough task. Finding time for fitness with academic responsibilities is difficult. But the professional in this field suggested that maintaining a fitness routine early has lifelong benefits, and particularly for those who aim to enter the aviation career.   Make a Habit: Making a habit like running, cycling, or even doing 20-30 push-ups for half an hour each day, or one hour three times a week, would help that student in building physical and mental endurance. This habit may help him get priority on the fitness test on admission into the aviation industry, and after that, handle the pressure of flight training. Sleep is Important: In student life, most of us used to study late at night, completing assignments, but a 7-9 hour sleep duration is a must-do that many students forget. I have seen many experts say on YouTube that lack of sleep hours may negatively affect cognitive function and reaction times. I have heard that many airlines have a rule that a pilot should have an 8-hour uninterrupted sleep rest before a flight duty. So, the avgeeks should keep lessons from that and maintain an ideal sleep schedule. Use a Smartwatch: Smartwatches are great tools for monitoring daily activities. They can be particularly helpful for students, as they track sleep patterns and provide alerts for any lack of sleep. This can be beneficial in developing a fitness routine and consistently working toward goals in aviation.   Fitness as a Pilot Fitness is a non-negotiable factor for aviators for many reasons, especially for the medical fitness test that is mandatory every six months, and passing this test is required for possessing the pilot license. My research found that flying for long hours sitting in the cockpit can cause many effects on the body, such as weight gain and muscle stiffness. Thus, maintaining fitness is non-negotiable.   Everyday Exercise: Pilots should try to work out 3-4 times a week, and exercise can be simple. Running, cycling, and swimming are excellent ways to stay fit. Additionally, I heard that professional advice is to stretch legs and fingers during flights and take walking breaks every hour during autopilot mode, which helps reduce back pain and improve muscle circulation. Maintaining Sleep Schedules: Pilots often face irregular flight schedules like midnight or early morning that can last for long hours. Airlines enforce strict rules requiring pilots to have uninterrupted 7-9 hours sleep. Thus, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is non-negotiable. Moreover, I have seen in movies that one of the pilots can take a power nap while the other is awake when in autopilot mode. Diet in the Cockpit: Pilots should eat lighter foods when flying. Fruits and protein-rich snacks help prevent tiredness and keep energy levels stable. There is a phrase that says “Airplanes and Coffee.” I saw a Facebook group with that name, where almost all aviators gather. It emphasizes the importance of drinking coffee while flying.   Use Hotel Gym Pilots often stay away from their home, so they cannot use the home gym. But there is a way, using the hotel gym where they stay, that can be a convenient way to maintain fitness. It might easily become a bad habit if you skip workouts while away from home, so utilizing available facilities is key.   Keep Foods/Fruits with You Carrying healthy foods like dry foods like almonds, walnuts, and boiled eggs, or fruits such as bananas and apples- during on-board or layovers is another valuable advice that I would suggest. These foods provide healthy energy and help avoid unhealthy snacks that you might choose instead. Making this habit for pilots can not only give nutrition and energy but may also reduce heart disease, as research says.   Avoid Drinking Habits Despite the fact that drinking habits are generally bad for your health and physical fitness, there is a rule in aviation that states “8 hours from bottle to throttle”. This means pilots should not consume any kind of alcohol within 8 hours before flight duly. Some airlines even enforce stricter 12-hour limit. Some countries in the Middle East and airlines have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol. Breaking these rules can lead to suspension or loss of the pilot licence, and layoff from airlines. I would suggest to drink water or electrolyte drinks instead, which may help you stay mentally sharp and physically ready for duty. Final Thoughts Staying fit is essential and requires a gradual commitment for both students preparing for flight training and pilots managing their aviation careers. While I have emphasized the importance of fitness, I want to conclude by stating that developing these habits early as a student will help you become a responsible and well-prepared pilot, both during training and in your future career in the cockpit.

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How much does it cost to be a pilot, can it be free?

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Can pilot training be free?   Becoming a military pilot is free; you just need to meet the Air Force’s requirements. However, becoming a commercial pilot is not always free. Sometimes, enthusiasts find opportunities such as scholarships, but in reality, it often involves a significant financial investment.  Here is the brief representation of my research on this topic. Hope this article will be informative and reflect the answer of your question.   Military and Work-Study Opportunities (Pilot with No Money) Military Path: Joining the military, such as the Air Force, Navy, or Army, provides comprehensive pilot training at no personal cost. In addition to receiving flight training, you earn a salary and benefits while serving. After military service, you can start a commercial airline career with adequate training experience.   Community College Programs:  You can get admission at colleges that offer aviation courses. They typically demand lower tuition fees or sometimes offer financial support. Few colleges have flight training programs as part of their curriculum.   Scholarship Opportunities for Aspiring Pilots Women in Aviation International: Women in Aviation International (WAI) is an institution that provides free training for aspiring women who dream of flying planes. They offer exceptional tutoring and scholarships in various fields such as aircraft engineering, piloting, and air traffic control. WAI organises scholarship conferences every year to introduce young women to flying.     University and College Scholarships: Many universities provide scholarships for aviation programs based on the students’ merit and financial needs. You need thorough research on finding particular aviation programs and precise scholarships.   EAA Young Eagles: Beginning in 1992 by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), their the EAA Young Eagles program lets try out first flight for free for kids aged between 8 to 17 with volunteer pilots. This program inspires them to fly, seek jobs in this sector and overall aviation. This initiative has impacted significantly by including kids excited about flying with over 2 million flights done worldwide. AOPA Flight Training Scholarships: The AOPA Flight Training Scholarships support people in flight training by reducing the cost. The individuals are chosen by their academic achievement, passion for flying and financial ability or need. For support for aspiring pilots and to contribute to the aviation community, AOPA offers these scholarships.   Cost-Effective Training Options Affordable Flight Schools: You can analyse and compare the costs and pick the flight school with affordable fees and a good reputation. Besides, as living expenses affect overall costs, consider preferring the location.   Regional Airline Sponsorships: There might be some regional airlines that offer cadet program that subsidises the expenses for flight training in return for a commitment to work for their airline for a certain period after completing the training.   Financial Aid: Utilize federal student loans and grants if enrolled in an accredited aviation program at a college or university. These financial aids can help cover tuition and flight training costs.   Balancing Jobs with Pilot Training You can save money for a couple of years and get your training at a flying club, even while working a part time or full time job. Although if you earn enough salary, you can get pilot training on weekends, or you can also dedicate 4 days at work and 2-3 days to flight training. Some gig economy jobs like ride sharing, food delivery or freelance work can help you earn extra wages. These jobs allow you to work around your flight training schedule with flexible work hours. There are numerous examples of pilots who started in low-tier jobs and became aviators. Consider, for example, the tale of Muhammad Abubakar, who works as an aeroplane cleaner. In general, the average cost of a pilot journey is, 1. Private Pilot License (PPL): $8,000 – $15,000 2. Instrument Rating: $8,000 – $10,000 3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): $20,000 – $30,000 3. Multi-Engine Rating: $2,000 – $5,000 4. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): $5,000 – $10,000 5. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Up to $10,000 Total Estimated Cost: $50,000 – $100,000+

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An Inspiring Life Story of a Pilot.

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The life story of Captain Muhammed Mizanur Rahman. Today, I want to share the incredible life story of a former pilot of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Captain Md Mizanur Rahman. His dedication, ambition, patience, persistence, and integrity brought him to the position of an airline captain. The following story, which was shared by the captain himself, was featured in an episode of “Branding Bangladesh” on the “Studios of Creative Arts” YouTube channel. The 24th episode was released in April 2022. If you are a native Bengali speaker, I recommend watching it on YouTube. I’ve described the story below for non-Bengali speakers visiting my website. Early life – Mizanur Rahman was born in Chattogram and lives there with his family. His father was a senior officer in the customs department, working as a government employee. When he was in class 6, one evening after returning from playing, he found his eldest sister, whom he calls Bubu, crying. She suddenly hugged him tightly and said, “Abba is going to get married tonight.” Mizanur was shocked and didn’t understand anything. He had no prior information about this. Being only 10 or 11 years old, he never knew what was wrong in the relationship between his parents. He assumed that his father was influenced by someone, but did not know the truth. Just imagine the situation. There were seven siblings: 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Even in this state, their father was going to get married again. In their family, “family reverence” was maintained strictly, and they obeyed their father sorely and could not say anything opposing. Father’s second marriage So, everyone was getting ready to be taken to the wedding in a place called Devpahar. His father’s second marriage had just happened.   To remind you, Mizanur was the closest to his father. He used to spend a lot of time with his father. He had been washing his father’s uniform and polishing his shoes since childhood out of affection. When his father came home from the office, he used to apply oil on his head and rub his father’s back. He was very close to his father.   His own mother had been sent to Khatungonj, Chittagong earlier, to her father’s house, and she never returned to the family. Mizanur’s grandfather, the father of his mother, was part of a very aristocratic joint family and had a significant business in the village. It is said that his mother’s family did not allow her to return to her husband’s family to live with his second wife, although they never got divorced.   After this, Mizanur and his siblings had to start living with their father and stepmother, only seeing their biological mother during holidays such as Eid.   Enduring Stepmother’s Abuse There was a house tutor who taught all the siblings from a very young age. Mizanur had known him since he was born. One day, the stepmother suddenly told the teacher, “You don’t have to come from tomorrow.” The siblings tried hard to convince her, crying non-stop as the teacher left. It was a psychological shock for them.   Later, the stepmother started misbehaving with Mizanur and his siblings, forcing them to call her “Mother”. However, Mizanur couldn’t bring himself to address her as “Mother” because he believed his real mother was still alive. As a result, his stepmother was mostly spiteful to him. Despite this, his siblings adopted the practice of addressing her as “Mother” within a week.   They usually received money for tiffin at school, but that had been stopped. The money for school fees was also discontinued. Once, a notice was sent from the school regarding his overdue fees. After reading the notice, his father asked, “How did you accumulate so many dues?” The stepmother began making up accusations against him, claiming, “He doesn’t listen to anything and shows no respect. That’s why I stopped paying his school fees.”   Mizanur’s father often listened to and believed the eldest sister, so the stepmother wanted to marry her off quickly to gain control over the siblings. At that time, Mizanur’s eldest sister intervened and said, “Father, please pay the fees; otherwise, he won’t be able to take the exam.”   Mizanur kept thinking that if he could just take the matric exam, he might have a chance to do something with his life because classes 7, 8, or 9 held no real value.   For breakfast, they used to eat rolled roti and a cup of tea, but there was no assurance of lunch, as they stayed at school during that time. For dinner, they ate rice, lentils, and some type of vegetable. The dining table was divided into two sections: his father and stepmother sat on the left side, while the siblings were on the right. The left side of the table was a different world, with fish, meat, vegetables, rice, and a new menu every day. He shared, “If any of her (stepmother) friends came to our house, we had to climb to the roof and stay there until her family or friends left. We were not allowed, absolutely not allowed, out of sight. We used to stay there, whether it was 8 or 10 pm. I still remember that we used to look at the field and see the lights from afar, gossiping about one person with another. This is unbearable to remember.” Once, one of her sisters-in-law visited their house. She hadn’t met them before and asked his stepmother, “Where are the children from the first wife?” His stepmother then brought him and his siblings to meet her. The sister-in-law was a very kind lady. She asked Mizanur, “Which class are you in?” He replied, “I’ve been promoted from class 9 to 10.” However, Mizanur was shocked when his father chimed in. His father frankly said, “What will he study!! He will drive a rickshaw after two days.” Mizanur was absolutely, completely lost, completely lost.   Struggles with Education When his stepmother complained that he

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Should I Be a Full-Time Pilot or Do It as a Hobby?

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Be Full-Time Pilot or Pilot as Hobby?                 Pilot Training: Should It Be Your Full-Time Job or Just an Experience?​ There are two types of people in the field of aviation: those who become fully commercial airline pilots and those who become pilots just for a hobby. The people who do it as a hobby may have another job as a backup plan and get flight training later on or they may obtain PPL and acquire a small aircraft such as a Cessna for leisure flying. I am the second type. I changed my path after college for monetary reasons, and I am now doing my bachelor’s in a different subject (Economics). I wish to get my PPL when I am able to pay for the training, and if possible, I shall continue to further ratings. I am also planning to buy a Cessna-type plane or a glider if I do not continue with commercial training. For fun, last month I bought an RC plane to play with and revive my dream. Becoming a Full-Time Pilot A commercial airline pilot may find flying magical. It feels amazing to get inside the airport, go through security checks, prepare for flying, and get mesmerizing views from the window; it’s all like having a vacation every day. It feels like living a dream in the sky every day. However, some individuals find the flying routine to be monotonous and tiring; from the take-offs, ATC communications, silence and loneliness, landings, and repetition all make them exhausted. Becoming a Pilot as a Hobby There are many people in the world who have different careers, like engineers, doctors, economists, psychologists, and others, who have dreamt of being a pilot. They ultimately cannot switch job titles but get their PPL, and may even buy their own aircraft and fly them on weekends. In my opinion, both scenarios are justified, but I recommend having a backup plan, like having expertise in a different field. If you decide to pursue a career in aviation and discover that it’s a good fit for you, you can continue with it. But if you find it boring, you can switch to your other expertise.

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The advantages of becoming a pilot after graduation.

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                What are the advantages of becoming a pilot after graduation? In the job market or recruitment of a pilot, there is no obligation or requirement to get a degree in aviation-related or unrelated subjects. It shouldn’t be, because both characteristics have proven that they should be given equal preference. Many pilots enroll in colleges to get a degree along with their pilot training.   Having a degree in weather-related or unrelated aviation subjects might help the pilot in many ways. In my life, honestly, I am studying honors in economics. I did try to join aviation, but I believe in luck; if it doesn’t favor me now, I cannot pursue it, yet I am determined to join after my graduation.   Some airlines prefer a pilot candidate who has an honors degree along with the other absolute requirements of aviation. Below, I will discuss the advantages of graduation in both aviation-related and unrelated subjects. Graduation in aviation-related subjects: Students who are passionate about aviation and foresighted can enroll in a college or university that offers degrees in aviation-related subjects, such as Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, or Air Traffic Control. These degrees would provide many benefits to their occupational life. Firstly, earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation-related subjects offers an in-depth understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, navigation, and aviation regulations, all of which are directly relevant to a pilot’s career.   Secondly, familiarity with aviation operations and management enhances a pilot’s ability to make efficient and effective decisions in various flying scenarios.  Graduation in non-aviation-related subjects: Students who already have a bachelor’s degree or who were not enthusiastic before for many reasons, such as lack of information, can still benefit from their bachelor’s degree in unrelated subjects, like Physics, Mathematics, CSE, Economics, or Psychology. Here are the benefits that I consider: Firstly, earning a degree in a different field provides a reliable alternative career path outside of aviation. This can be particularly advantageous in an industry vulnerable to economic instability. If a pilot loses their job due to medical reasons or regulatory issues of FAA, they have the option to pursue other professions.     Secondly, the knowledge and maturity gained from completing a bachelor’s degree in a non-aviation discipline can enhance a pilot’s decision-making skills, leading to more thoughtful and mature judgments.   Thirdly, working in the field related to one’s undergraduate studies allows individuals to earn and save money, which can then be used to finance their pilot training. Moreover, a diverse educational background can open doors to roles within aviation that are not strictly piloting, such as management, consulting, or technical writing. Often, graduates start with higher salaries compared to non-degree holders, thanks to their advanced education and qualifications.

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Stipendium Hungaricam Scholarship Programme

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Stipendium Hungaricam Scholarship Programme for Professional Pilot i. Professional Pilot, BSc Programme, in University of Debrecen ii. Professional Pilot, BSc Programme, in University of Nyíregyháza Important links:  https://english.nye.hu/node/110  https://www.edu.unideb.hu/p/professional-pilot-bsc Mails:  admission@nye.hu info@edu.unideb.hu Professional Pilot course in University of Nyíregyháza: Professional Pilot BSc Professional Pilot BSc Programme at the Institute of Technology and Agricultural Sciences   The program provides instruction to develop professional pilots with a strong understanding of aviation. Technical subjects and Principles of Flight are taught to students, who also acquire engineering knowledge. The training option offers specialization in AirLine Pilot training, which leads to various ratings. 1. Introduction    – Programme Title: BSc in Professional Pilot    – Name of the Degree: Professional Pilot    – Level of the Degree Programme: Bachelor of Sciences (BSc) 2. Program Details    – Name of the Institute: Institute of Technology and Agricultural Sciences    – Head of the Programme: Dr. Balázs GÁTI    – Intake: Fall    – Starting Date: September, 2024    – Study Mode: Full-time    – Location: Hungary, Nyíregyháza    – Language of Instruction: English    – Field: Engineering Science    – Duration: 7 semesters (3.5 years)    – ECTS: 210 Credits    – Fees:        – The cost of tuition is 13,500 euros for each semester.       – Application fee: 100 EUR 3. Qualification and Career Opportunities    – Qualification: Professional Pilot    – Career Opportunities:    – Graduates’ employment opportunities include working as a first officer at an airline and serving as a flight instructor at a recognized training organization, based on the trends of the past decade.   Air Line Pilot training specialization includes theoretical ATPL(A), practical CPL(A), ME/IR(A), Night (VFR), and MCC training. The practical part of the training involves completing 140 flight hours, 40 hours of simulator training, and 20 hours of Multi-Crew Cooperation. Professional Pilot course in University of Debrecen:   Professional Pilot BSc 1. Program Information    – Faculty: Engineering    – Academic discipline: Engineering Science    – Qualification: Professional Pilot    – Starting date: September    – Minimum English language competency: IELTS 6.0 in English or an equivalent qualification    – To meet the academic minimum requirements, you must have completed 12 years of education with grades of 80% or higher. Alternatively, you can have grades of BBB or higher at A level, which must include mathematics and physics. 2. Entrance Requirements    – Health requirements: valid Class 1 Medical Certificate    – Entrance exam: Written tests in mathematics and physics, oral online exam in mathematics and physics + oral motivation interview on aviation 3. Program Details    – Duration: 7 semesters    – ECTS credits: 210    – Tuition Fee: $35,000 USD/year    – One-time fees: application fee and entrance procedure fee 4. Program Objectives    – Prepare for ATPL theoretical knowledge examination    – Train professionals for working as professional pilots 5. Program Components    – Theoretical part: 52 courses including engineering and aeronautical subjects    – Hands-on component: 8 classes comprising the Integrated ATP(A) program, and either the Type Rating program or the Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation program 6. Core Modules    – Basics of Natural Sciences, Economics and Humanities    – Professional Compulsory Subjects    – Field-specific Vocational Subjects    – Training modules (comprising Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation course and Jet Orientation training; Type Rating course) 7. Program Structure    – Lecture, seminar: 40%    – Practice: 60%     PHARMAFLIGHT Aviation Academy Ltd. serves as the contracted branch of the University of Debrecen’s Aviation Engineering program, situated in close proximity to Debrecen International Airport. This organization is officially recognized by EASA and makes use of Cessna 172, Tecnam aircraft, and simulators to provide training for students. Stipendium Hungaricum:   THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION IS CURRENTLY NOT OPEN. The next application period will commence in November 2024 for the academic year 2025/2026. Check their website for updates in October/November 2024.    More information: admission@nye.hu  

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Why You Have to Be a Pilot?

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Why you have to be a pilot?                   Having an interest in aviation doesn’t come by birth. People are greatly influenced by certain events and views. There is a saying, “Once you dream of being a pilot, you will die dreaming of it.” One guy in an interview said he wanted to be a pilot while he was a student. But his mom slapped him in the face for saying that. [There are some social and economic obstacles we will talk about later.] Eventually, he became a doctor, but he keeps saying that once in a lifetime, he wants to fly a plane, though he is in his mid-fifties. So, it’s not easy to forget this addiction.   Can You Be Forced to Be a Pilot? Sometimes teenagers are forced to choose a career by parents, siblings, or friends. But it doesn’t work like that. You might become what they forced you to become, but you will be bored, and the outcomes of your work will not be proper. There is an Indian movie named “3 Idiots” that said, “If Sachin Tendulkar’s father had told him to stop playing cricket and start grinding grains, we wouldn’t have Sachin Tendulkar today.” So, if you are not enthusiastic about aviation, you should not be a pilot even if someone forces you.   The Career Unlike Any Other. Aviation is considered a top-class occupation in most countries, both in the military and commercially. The professionalism in both social status and economic freedom is expansive. The lifestyle and discipline are so formal that any person can dream of it. The chance of witnessing spectacular sky views, visiting almost every desirable country, piloting a giant airborne vessel, and securing many lives with your efficiency are the most highlighted reasons anyone can think of. The honor of secure and safe flying gives enormous admiration from both passengers and colleagues. Moreover, having a safe landing in critical and unpredictable situations provides lifelong wisdom, and the pilot receives tributes from both the airline and the country.   Working Atmosphere The airports are beautiful, the people are neatly dressed and keep smiling at you, and having a sociable community—all are included in a pilot’s career. There are no nine-to-five working hours and no work from home or any home tasks. Alternatively, it keeps you disciplined, physically fit, and sociable. You can change your working hours to day or night, and even see views of sunrise and sunset. The salary is also very satisfactory. Some airlines offer full accommodation, so you will have enough of your salary left to spend wherever you want. Family members can earn flight discounts and sometimes free flights throughout the pilot’s career.   Other reasons: One, there is a huge global shortage of airline pilots, and two, because of the shortage of pilots, wages are increasing gradually.   Making Decision If you are determined to become a commercial or military pilot, you can read my article about the requirements and process of becoming an aviator.

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