My first interview

1.Introduce yourself a little bit (family background, education background, careers, etc.)

Name's Jonathan, born in Ipoh, Perak, bred in Subang. Completed my STPM course and initially opted for medicine. However, due to financial constraints, I had to deviate from my original passion. Despite that, I'm starting to enjoy flying very much, albeit the fact that there are difficult people to deal with sometimes.


2. Your current employee
Malaysia Airlines, to say the least.

3. How aviation started for you
My dad presented the idea to me, knowing that getting to do medicine in a local uni is very much considered windfall, and thus suggested that I give the cadet pilot programme sponsored by MAS a try. Suffice to say, I was accepted and that's how aviation started for me.

4. Most difficult part of training
There is no difficult part or easy part. It becomes increasingly difficult if one doesn't keep up with training. It's a very comprehensive course, and if a cadet lacks diligence and resilience, chances are, he/she would lag/not make it through with the course proper.

5. How many countries and airports have you fly in as a pilot?
So far, I've flown to Manila, Siam Reap, Hanoi, Penang, Johore, Medan and Langkawi.

6. Current aviation/company/union issue you would like to discuss or explain
Nothing much to discuss on this section. Most of the internal issues are only privied to higher administrators, senior pilots and managers. Myself, a fresh pilot wouldn't know much on this yet. Though despite my current position, a quid pro quo should be in order.

7. Do you have any intention to move to cargo someday?
At the present moment, I wouldn't say that I have the intention of moving to freighter, but if offered, I don't see any reason why I should turn it down either.

8. Air Traffic Controller; are they a bunch of nice person? Tell any interesting experience when dealing with them.
ATCs' are meant to assist pilots in navigating the airspce under their jurisdiction safely and efficiently. However, sometimes, due to lack of experience of some controllers, problems encountered by air crew at times; instead of offering solutions are given further instructions that would eventually exacerbate the situation further. But, overall, they're nice people, provided you're nice to them too.

9. Is it nice to be seen drinking in uniform?
Drinking, meaning alcohol? It's a simple, definite no. Nobody would be pleased at the sight of someone in charge of the safety of hundreds of lives drinking away irresponsibly, disregarding the passenger welfare in both safety and emotional tact. Not a proper demeanor for professional aviatiors.

10. Do you read EVERY line and all the details regarding your departure, destination an alternate airports NOTAMS before departing?
Yes

11. What would a typical day consist of for say, the crew of an A320 or a 737 running short/medium routes?
Well, don't think there's much to explain here. We report for duty some 2 hours before the flight and prepare the proper documentation to conduct the flight proper. A briefing is carried out between the commander and the co-pilot, and 30-40 minutes before departure, they'd commute to the aircraft. Preflight and procedures are completed and they then navigate the aircraft through from point A to B. For transitory flights, they'd land at a destination aerodrome, prepare the aircraft again for departure in normally, an hour and depart again for the home base of operations (KUL). This is how it normally is, simply put for short sectors with no nightstops.

12. What kind of shoes do pilots use?
Black, leather shoes? Probably the standard footwear given the uniform we actually wear. If it's the brand you're looking for, I'm actually wearing 'Rockport'. pretty comfy.

13. Okay let’s test your general knowledge, where’s the longest runway in the world?
Longest runway? The EDW, Edwards Air Force Base, formerly known as the Muroc Army Air Field in the United States. Obviously, this runway isn't open to civilian aircrafts.

14. Last but not least, any advice to young hopefuls out there?
Just remember that 'Whenever there is will, there is always a way'. If you've dreamed of becoming a pilot, then keep trying your best to live your dream and never give up. Always keep your chin-up and have yourself brimming with confidence. Pilot's are professionals, confident at what they do and they don't falter easily under pressure. Continue to improve in all aspects thinkable, not just so that you'll be able to join piloting, but to make your life a whole lot more meaningful. 'Knowledge sets a man free', remember that well and you'll succeed in life.

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