Excuse me sir,
I really like to be a pilot...
but I wear glasses and colour blind...
is there any chances for me to become a pilot?
Other options??
Thanks..

So what is done in the office? What kind of pre-flight breifing do you guys have?

which one more makes a pilot fatigue: physical job or psycological one?

Hello there...

Mohamad: Wearing glasses, depending on your correction required, should not pose a problem, however, colour blindness is. I am sorry to say that it is not possible to hold a professional pilot licence if you have that problem. I know Lasek will solve your dependence on glasses, but I don't think it will solve your other problem. I suggest you pay a visit to Dr Salleh, who is a certified Aviation Medical Doctor, who practices in Shah Alam. His number is 03-55106716, I am sure he is in a better position to advice you on that.

As for the 'work' we do in the office, the pre-fight briefing includes the following:

1. Ensure the serviceability of the aircraft.
2. Studying of the weather pattern, both enroute and at destination in order to plan for fuel requirement. If weather pattern is not favorable enroute, due to a typhoon for example, a reroute might be required, or if weather forecast is not good at our destination during our planned arrival time, we might elect to delay our flight etc...
3. Checking Notices to Airmen for additional instructions, or special procedures in force at certain airspace.
4. Briefing among crew members the number of passengers expected on each sector, to cater for meal uplift, etc...
5. Any other relevant items which may arise and that is of interest...

But basically, aircraft status, weather and special procedures... It is also a good time and place to touch base with each other and break the ice to ensure proper team work for a successful day ahead :)

Hey Paulus (If I may address you as that?)

Well, that would very much be an individual matter I would say, and perhaps also varies a bit with the type of flying we do. For example, when I was flying long haul, across time zones, I believe it was more of a mental fatigue - one long flight - sitting in the seat looking busy :P, as opposed to short haul flying whereby we do multiple sectors, thus requiring us to do more in a day...

But overall, I would think that mental fatigue affects pilots more than physical. The opposite can be said for the flight attendants as they are physically moving around even for long haul flights within bigger space of the cabin as opposed to our small 'office' upfront.

Nice post Capt! and nice to see your post again! and thanks for sharing...

It's a 'super-duper' detail report of your job. Guess there must be a bunch of people apply for AirAsia's cadet pilot after reading your post. LOL

Capt, you're so lucky, working with beautiful FO and FAs. :D you should have mention their names in the post. Haha

Take Care

Hey Shi Han!

Good to see that you are one of our regulars! Well, yeah, I guess life is good up in the air - it is not the regular nine to five and we do get good views of mother nature too :)

Ha ha, as for the FO and FAs - not sure if they would want their names published - privacy issue. Keep us updated with your views and comments, help us always improve to serve you better!

Take care,
Dom.

Hey Capt!

I wish to work in the air as well. It's my dream to work in the work, not in the cockpit but the cabin. :p

Wait for me! We may meet and work in the same 'office', serving the pax! Hahaa...

Good day~

Dear Shi Han,

Cool! See you soon :)

Good Luck!

Hello, please allow me briefly introduce myself. I'm Dennis Fu from Tawau, Sabah. Sir, I would like to ask you one question - Now I'm 17 yrs.old boy and looking forward to become a commercial pilot. So, I would like to know when the cadet pilots recruitment will be held for next year 2009 ? Hope that I can receive your answer as soon as possible. Thanks in advance. :)

Dear Denis,

Thanks for writing in. I am sorry but I am not sure when the recruitment drive will be. Advertisements are usually put out in major daily newspapers after SPM results are announced. You can also keep a look out at our website, www.airasia.com under careers.

Good luck :)

Hello Sir,

My dreams is a pilot actually...but my qualification was not so good for be a pilot....My hobbies is fly the Flight Simulator games...you have any suggestion for me?I wanna go to private but don't have a money...it's to expensive right? everyday i just seat on cockpit and have day dreams...hehehe...u are so lucky...One Culture,One Airasia,One Family....

Good day

Hello there!

Sorry for the late reply, I was away on leave for a week. Well... I really cannot give you any advice except to go get those academic qualifications. Even if you have the money to do it privately, you will still need to meet the entry level academic qualifications, so go make that dream come true! It is never too late to study, and I have known people who didn't make it the first time, but did eventually :)

Dare to Dream!

Dom.

is it no matter how worse my eye sight, after correctable with specacular up to 6/6 i also can become pilot??

Dear Weng Chin,

Below is the eyesight requirement:

"Myopia of not more than 500 degrees and astigmatism of not more than 125 degrees, fully correctable with optical aids. For candidates who have undergone corrective eye surgery (e.g. Lasik), the pre-surgical visual acuity should also meet the above requirements."

Hope it helps :)

Regards,
Dom.

hello sir,
it is when one's myopia more than 500 degrees or astigmatism more than 125 degrees means he/she not qualify to get a commercial pilot license and become an airlines pilot?? Is this true??

Dear Captain Dominic, I would like to ask one question.

If i would to study with Royal Malaysian Air Force, then is it possible for me to convert into commercial airlines? How will the procedure be?

Anyway, i just finish my SPM last year and currently participating in the blog competiition. Just finding a plan B for myself.

And also sir, one more question. Working as a pilot for AirAsia, does it requires us to stay in KL?

Dear Kong Sun,

Yes, RMAF can be a stepping stone. We do have pilots in the civilian/commercial world who were from the military. Procedure wise, well, you still go through proper flying instructions as an RMAF cadet. You learn what we learn in conventional flying schools, and more of other military stuff I am sure, i.e. tactical training and acrobatic is definitely one thing you will do. I was lucky enough to do 10 hours of it during my initial training and it was great fun then. Physical training, and all the other works being part of an military outfit will be the norm as well.

Most of the guys I know took their ATPL when they have about a year or two to go, or even during their last year in service. From what I understand, there are two schemes, short and long term service. What are those? I really am not sure, but it ranges from 7 years (short contract) to more than 15 years for long term. Before you leave the service, you will need to take your ATPL to get a job in the commercial world.

Well, I can't really answer your question about being in KL. Our main base is KL. For now, we have bases in Johor and Kota Kinabalu for Malaysia Air Asia. We are looking at bases in Penang and Kuching (again). If you are from those places, priority will be to have you back there as it would save cost on your side. But for you to get your dream job, location is not even secondary, right? :P

Good luck.
Dom.

Owh okay, well that is my Plan B. I'll still try to stick with my Plan A as working in the commercial world is my dream.

If i were to serve in RMAF then when i convert into commercial, I will have to start from First Officer or what?

Well sir, do you think it will benefit me if I were to join RMAF first then only convert to commercial airline?

Well, hoping that AirAsia will have a base in Penang. Although i don't mind staying in KL as most of my relative are staying in KL but if I get to stay in Penang base then it will be better because i get to take care of my grandmother.

Anyway I would like to ask about the Cadet Pilot programme that was posted in the job@airasia in the website there. How will we know if we are shorlisted or not? If we are not selected will they tell us? I'm a guy full of curiousity as I just finish my SPM last year.

Thanks Captain Dominic for answering my question

Dex Mah

Dear Dex,

Well, it all depends on how much flying hours you would have accumulated when you leave the RMAF, as flying is all about experience - translated from flying hours. With that, only can we gauge if you meet the entry requirements for a Direct Entry Captain. We have had guys coming in as FOs as well as Captains.

There are pros and cons to every path we take in life, so will it benefit you? Of course there would be benefits - lots of it - it depends on your outlook in life - :) Stay positive :)

As for the cadet pilot programme, I know that they will call you if you are shortlisted. If you do not hear from them after one year, then my suggestion will be to try again. No, you will not be told if you are not successful...

Good luck :)

Thanks for answering again sir. I will go try for the RMAF while waiting for the competition results and also the cadet pilot programme.

So captain, if i were to be in RMAF can i consult your advise when I am eligible to convert to commercial airline?

Well sir, I wuld like to ask you one question.

What makes you want to become a pilot?

Just to share Kong Sun, my brother is also a pilot. He failed the examination twice and got back up eventhought it hurt him so much. Being a pilot is similar to any profession, its more what it is that you want to do, ten years, thirty years down the line. A career is a passion, a longing for something that defines who you are and what you want to achieve. I believe Kong Sun, that your own answer is more important than Captain Dominic's.

heehee....

Kong Sun - just write to the blog and we will stay in touch. Who knows, you might be emailing me with your Air Asia email address one day?!

Blog team - yeah - in life, it is all up to us, so my reasons for being a pilot is different from another persons', and yes, since I am already a pilot, and don't have to enter the blog competition to become one, I shall not blog about it here :)

Hahhax...Alright. I will believe that one day I will be messaging you Capt Dominic one day with a AirAsia email address.

Just like what Dato Sri Tony Fernandes always say "Believe the Unbelieveable, Dream The Impossible, And never take 'NO' For An Answer"

Dear Capt Dominic, when i read your blog,your thought,it was inspired me to become a pilot...captain,I'm really really wants to become a pilot like u..currently i'm study in mechanical engineering and it is only one year left before i graduate..captain,can u show me how the way?before this, i applied from MAS so many times but i failed.huh..captain, i'm really needs your help in order to make my dream become reality..thanx a lot

Hmm... Well, I do not know the reason why you failed, so it is pretty hard for me to suggest/show you the way. With this limited information that you WANT to be a pilot, tried but didn't make it, I can only say, TRY and TRY again. I hope you have entered a blog for the competition as well.

Whatever happens, whatever your destiny is, do your best. I believe, if I am not flying today, I will still be as successful and do great in whatever I would have done otherwise because I will put my best effort into it. So should you, and everyone else. We live life once. Do your best!

Rgds,
Dom.

Hi Mr Dom..
I feel so proud to see all the pictures above.

My dream, as what others said too..is to become a pilot. Although I'm a girl but I am a girl with a strong ambition.
It's take a hardowrk and I already face a failure and all..but that will never make me stop trying.
My idol is Moana..she's an airasia pilot too..

and seeing that pictures above, you with another female pilot..look hopw confidence she is..and how bright all of you smiles..somehow it makes me think ..

SOMEDAY, I WANNA BE IN THAT PICTURES TOO AS A PILOT..

wish me luck.

Hello Hamimah,

Golden rule - Never give up! So, yes, your positive drive will bring you success!

Good Luck! :)

Cheers,
Dom.

Thanks Mr Dom.
For your encouraging words. Sometimes it's easier to give up but I will tr again and again and again..
age is not limit isn't it ?
I mean I'm still 22. Is it too old already ?
haha


by the way, hope to see more of your entries.

hello capt. dom how are u?
like other i also crazy to become a pilot
but i have a problem, one of my finger was cut off caused by an accident. i have consult with the aviation medical doctor in kl and he said that i can still pass my medical checkup and also get the cpl license but the risk is that the airlines might not take me for a job. is it true?

Dear Mohamad,

If you have a valid licence and meet the requirements, I don't see why you should be rejected because of your finger. I know of a crew who had his finger tip cut off from an accident as well....

Best of luck :)

Dom.

a million thanks capt dom ^^

Hi capt dominic,
Just curious if it's better to take up an engineering course or PPL to apply for cadet pilot intakes. And which engineering course would be the most relevant? thanks in advance, and looking forward in being your co-pilot in the near future..

Hello Maminder,

Well, if you want to be a pilot, and prepared to take up PPL, I would think that that would be the correct path. However, if you are worried that you might not make it as a cadet, and would like to take up engineering as a backup, then engineering it is...

There is no course relevant to your quest in becoming a cadet pilot as the entry level does not require any additional academic qualification(s) apart from the minimum required :)

Best of Luck!
Dom.

Captain, will AirAsia be buying any Airbus A380 in the future?

Captain, the pilots working for AirAsia will be flying for AirAsia routes. Then will they be flying for AirAsia X routes if they ahve A320 and A330 rating?

What about those pilots who does not have A330 rating? Will they still be flying AirAsia X routes?

yup, because i missed out and got b4 for physics in my SPM but i gave it a go for the 'wanna be a pilot' competition and besides my mum wants me to at least get a diploma.. Taking a PPl might be financialy possible, although CPL will be out of my budget and i would have an advantage than other candidates as i would have flown a plane... thanks for ur reply

Hmmm... I don't know... do you think we should? Can it be justified to suit our operations?

Kong Sun,

In order to fly a particular type of aircraft, a pilot would require a type rating. The law only allows one type rating per licence at anyone time. However, due to commonality in the flight deck, Airbus' aircrafts allows what we call a Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ) - which allows a pilot to hold more than one type rating (fly more than one type of aircraft - i.e. either two of the A320/A330/A340).

Hope that then gives you a clearer picture. Pilots don't fly a particular route - it is a common misconception. We fly a type of aircraft. And wherever that aircraft goes, we go. And so, for the pilots who doesn't have a A330 rating, they can't fly the A330. Routing can vary and change.

Confused? Me too... :)

Maminder - have you thought of resitting for your Physics?

Well i'm not sure. But maybe A380 can be use for long-haul flight. Maybe for a more strategic location where more passenger will be onboard.

But if AirAsia would to buy A380 then i dont think it would suit.

Nope i can't retake that paper.. U are only allowed retake for maths, bahasa malaysia and english paper and usually people who fail the subjects are the one who retakes them..I can however retake the paper in STPM.. But i decided to get a diploma and have taken electronics and engineering course, and then i will persue doing a degree course in aeronautical engineering while applying for the cadet pilot selection in the near future with my diploma .. My dad asked me to take up the aircraft maintainance course as it's related to planes but i feel it's more towards the engine and outer part of the plane, so more like a mechanic for planes and thus not related to what i am interested in, and that is flying a plane.. so am i doing the right thing? Or shall i complete my diploma and then get a PPL and apply for the cadet pilot? (i am sorry if i hurt anyone's feelings, and thank you soo much capt. dominic for your time in answering my question, i really appriciate it.. pls inform me when there are new intakes for the cadet pilot for AirAsia in the near future.. thanks again for your generosity and guidance)

Not really confusing. Understand a bit a bit la. Thanks for explaining captain dominic

lol, yup..

capt dominic, can u pls give ur opinion to my question? tq

Manminder,

It would be difficult for me to give you an opinion as this is a rather subjective and individual matter. There is really no right or wrong, and you, and only you can evaluate between the two - after doing your reserach on them of course.

I suggest you speak to engineers from both field and seek thier opinions. From observation, between the two, I've only known maintenance engineers who has made the switch to the pilot seats. As a maintenance engineer, you learn a lot about the aircraft systems, which will come in handy for your technical knowledge as well.

Good luck.

Dear captain dominic, do you know many batch of cadet pilots will there be for one year? Well i know the 1st batch group has gone for the exams.

Dear Manminder,
If I may speak, and hopefully Mr Dominic doesn't misunderstand me for being rude, but I think I might be in a better position to advice you about the Aircraft Maintenance part.
First thing you need to know and not get misled is that, with your diploma in aeronautical engineering, isn't of any use if you want to be established as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Reason because to be a maintenance engineer, you need to get an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License from the Malaysia's Department of Civil Aviation. And to acquire that license, you have to be trained in an approved Part 147 organization (Approved Training Organization by DCA)and have a minimum of a few years of engineering work experience.
The training typically takes a minimum of 4 years plus to get your basic license called "License Without Type Rating".
Even with that, you can't work on any airliners yet. As you have to get an aircraft type rating to be able to work on a specific type of plane. And to get that, you usually have to have the airline to sponsor your type rating course, which I think it's a huge obstacle in Malaysia if you're not already sponsored by an airline since day one.
If you're really determined to be a Aircraft Maintenance Engineer by self sponsoring at this trying economic times, my best advice is to finish your diploma/degree, join an airline and be a mechanic. At the same time, go collect your work schedule(Job experience written down in official documents) and then apply if the airlines has any internal openings if you are lucky. If not, you just have to do everything yourself on your own(Which consists of making time on your own for studies and self sponsoring your financial needs).

And if you are still contemplating on whether you wanna be a pilot or an aircraft maintenance engineer, let me put forward this to you again. Be VERY VERY VERY certain on what you want and don't ever listen to parents recommendation. Don't make the same mistake like I did last time. Because I can say this. Unless your parents is well versed with the aviation industry, only trust yourself, do your own research and ask reliable people who are working in the industry. Because aviation industry is very different from other field.

You should read up on my short-listed pilot blog competition by the post name of "So you wanna Be a Pilot : The Road Not Taken".
And if you're wondering why I want to join piloting now instead of finishing my engineering programme, the reason is because I've already acquired all the necessary basic airframe and engine knowledge, plus an Airbus 330 type rating course. And even if I get the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License, it will only be valid for 2 years. Of which, if I don't carry out any maintenance work on aircraft for a minimum period of 6 months within that 2 years, I can't renew my license, and I'll only be as good as a SPM holder. With the exception that I know a lot about aircrafts. =P

So to put it in terms if you don't understand the stuff I mention to you above, you only have one thing to do. It's to decide on being either a Pilot or Maintenance Engineer. Never a Maintenance Engineer then Pilot.

Hope it helps you..
Cheers!




Benjamin Siew Wan Siong

Kong Sun - I don't know leh... but if I do bum into the person in charge, I'll ask him about it. :)

Benjamin - thanks for the write up. Like I told Manminder to talk to some engineers, I think your reply is great! But 'don't even listen to your parents'? hahahaha... ok ok, after reading on I understood why and that it was only for this case... hahahaha... Thanks for sharing the info. I think this will definitely help our friend.

Suddenly your 4th Dec post became popular. It was dead like for a month. Everyone wants your power Mr Dominic =D

Thanks captain dominic. Wow a female captain coming soon? Cool

Yes. From what I know, all formalities have been done - the upgrade interview process and all other internal promotion process we have in Air Asia. The last time I checked, she has passed the final interview and should be starting her upgrade training soon.

She was a commander before in her previous company, so it is about time she gets back her four bars. I have flown with her a couple of times and she is good. She has been with Air Asia for awhile now.... and I shall not reveal more till it all happens :) Just wish her luck lar!

That's cool so cool. Cant wait to see the picture of the 1st female captain of AirAsia. Am i right? The 1st right?

Dear Captain Dominic, would like to ask from you some advise.

What must we concentrate on more for the Academic test? For example on the Maths, English Language, Physics and IQ paper?

Hmm... I believe it's the first lady captain for Air Asia...

I've not seen those paper. In fact the last time I saw them was years ago during my intake - so, sorry, can't help you there. It's not difficult. It's all logical questions...

Good luck :)

Capt Dom, I would like to ask u that does AirAsia X pilots stayover for a day or two before flying back ?

Hello Kong Sun,

Depending on the destination, yes, we do have nightstops at various destinations... :)

Good luck for your interview!

Haha. I see. How long will the night stop be? Thanks Capt Dom

Depends...

Well Capt, if the a flight both the pilots are admitted with food poisoning and they are really unable to take control of the flight and there are no other co-pilots around, then who will take control to make an emergency landing?

Wah, Kong Sun, if I do your interview, I will surely not ask you this tough questions wan... why you ask me all these difficult questions wan? :P

Technically, this will not happen, as we have rules to follow; both pilots are not to eat the same food, and both pilots are not allowed to eat at the same time. This is to prevent the scenario you described.

If it does happen? Well, it would be really too subjective to answer you as it would depend on many other factors, are the pilots totally incapacitated and unable to be in their seats? Are there other pilots amongst the passengers?

Statistically, the chances for it to happen, due to the rule I mentioned is very slim. That is why also, pilots are given the task to stay healthy, eat healthy. Do you also know that pilots are NOT encouraged to donate blood because of this?

Really? Hahaha. I'm preparing as many questions now if in case I manage to get to the interview.

Since you've said that not so difficult questions will be asked then that is great. I can cut down some of my spot questions. haha

Anyway, are we allowed to ask for a "jumpsit"? As in be in the cockpit from takeoff till landing?

well, i donno about the jumpseat..
i've so far got to be in the jumpseat once for the flight that i took with air asia from the penang airport to the lcct few months ago..
It was the kind Captain B and First Officer D that granted my wish..
haha..

too bad that they only allow me to be in the jumpseat after the take off, which means, I only got to enter the cockpit after the plane has taken off from the runway..

Well... according to rules... Jumpseat travel, after 9/11 is no longer allowed for itnernational flights, and subject to various regulations for domestice operations.

AirAsia only allows jumpseat travel for staff, with permission from the Director of Flight Operations and Commander of the flight. For your case, you might want to write in to ask for an exemption...

:)

wao..
i must be very lucky then...

How do we write in for a jumpseat then?

I didn't know donating blood will make you unhealthy
And I was aiming 30 packs by the age of 30 hehe. Not encouraged doesn't mean I can't right? =)

Yeah...very lucky CK a.k.a Clark Kent..
Next time you wana go for another jumpseat ride, try sky diving....=D
that's where you jump off directly from your seat into d open skies..
thriller..hahaha.=D

Btw, Capt. Dom, have you tried sky diving before?

Nice post from everyone especially Dex and Capt.Dominic. I was missed out from this column "A peek into my life for a day" because previously I was busying with my preparation for my final examination and assignments. I hope to meet Capt. Dom one day and have a long long chat( about aircraft and your experience) hehe....if you don't mind.Well, basically most of the questions I want to ask Dex's has do us a favour. I personally have one question. Let say, if the co-pilot realise that there is some problem occurs with the judgement of the Captain's during the flight but the Captain's thinks that he is making the correct judgement so how will this issue should be solved?Follow the Captain's decision?or the other way?I guess this tough question might be asked during the interview. So I hope to get some professional advice from Cap. Dom. Thanks in advance..

Cheers,
Weng Hooi

hahaha... skydiving? No... not in the near future... I always believe in going up and coming down the same way - so I go up in me plane, and I come down with me plane, not dive out of it! I don't have the guts - hahahahaha...

Jumpseat.. well, I guess when you are called up for the interview, you might want to then ask for it then... hmm... not really sure since all of you are technically not employees... if something pops up, I will let you guys know about it...

:)

So it's about guts. Dats a fair ans capt...But still u can add more to ur life's experiences. hahahaha... juz kiddin. Im not d devil tryin to tempt u into doin it. hahaha
I i do hev d guts 2 skydive...
well i am sayin dis cuz im on d ground wif gravities suckin 2 my feet like a magnet...
It wud b a diff thing, nevertheless, to jump into d open skies...might piss in my pants perhaps. geezman. hahahaha

So capt, during flight can I just ask the air stewardess to ask the captain to allow me for a jumpseat? Or what are the ways to write in? can guide?

Kong Sun,

I suggest you ask the person in-charge who contacted you for the interview for a jumpseat request, as I mentioned, you will need the approval from the Director of Flight Operations.

:)
Dom

Hi Dom.

Im 31 this year and I did my SPM in the year 1997. Subsequent to that I have completed my diploma in Electronics Engeneering. Since then, I've been working as an Product Engineer and Computer Systems Engineer for an American giant. Will I still be considered at Airasia for pilot and will my SPM results carry any weight?

Hello Ramkumar,

The basic requirements to qualify for the Cadet Pilot Training Programme are as follows:
a) Malaysian citizen, aged between 18 and 28 as at date of application;
b) Either:
Passed SPM (or its equivalent that is recognised by the Malaysian Government) with at least A2 in English and Mathematics and B3 in Physics taken at one sitting. (Those from the Arts stream should have at least an A2 in General Science);
or
Possess a Diploma/Degree in Engineering or Science-related disciplines with CGPA 3.0 and above and at SPM level scored at least a B4 in the subjects mentioned above taken in one sitting.
c) Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia both written and spoken;
d) Must be physically and mentally fit with good eyesight (visual acuity of at least 6/60 without optical aid, correctable to 6/6 and not colour blind. Should be able to successfully pass a medical examination up to a Class 1 standard conducted by a Department of Civil Aviation Authorised Medical Examiner (DAME);
e) Minimum height of 163 cm (5ft 3in); and
f) Be prepared to sign a training bond with a surety.

So, with that, if you are looking to join as a cadet, your age is not on your side, however, as a prerequisite for entry into flying school, if you do it on your own, then yes, I believe your SPM is needed and still valid. Best to check with the flying school...

Best of Luck

Dom.

Capt Dom, if I were to get other scholarship to study for my CPL and Frozen ATPL then will I be able to work for AirAsia and ask AirAsia to sponsor my Type Rating?