From CABIN to COCKPIT

I still remember my time as a cabin crew, as if it happened yesterday. I have been a cabin crew, not thinking in the least that I ever would become a pilot. It was an unreachable dream, and I didn’t allow myself to dream this big for a while. But somewhere between, serving passenger after passenger and feeling like I am not challenging myself enough, I knew I had to take the leap of faith. I shut down the voices in my head telling me “You’re not smart enough for this” and “You’re not brave enough to leave the security of a job” AND JUST WENT FOR IT!  It is the best decision I've taken so far.

If you’re a cabin crew, looking to take up the next challenge in your life, this article is me nudging you to take that BIG step.

What works in your favor?

#1   You are already adjusted to the timings: Being an experienced cabin crew, you might take this one for granted and think it is no big deal that you can sleep in the day and stay up at night, have no fixed eating schedules and can adjust to new surroundings every day. Believe it or not, this is the one thing pilots struggle with the most. Where does that put you? In a position where you have one less thing to worry about.

#2   You have help all around you: I had decided to pursue flight training 3 months into my job, and having signed a contract for two years, I had to stick around for that time. That gave me 1 year and 7 months to lay the groundwork for my flight training. Every flight, when possible, I would go up to my flight deck crew and pick their brains about the best schools, the process of flight training, how much finances I needed to complete my training, the DGCA regulations…and the list goes on. Most people love sharing their experiences and contacts that make your process really smooth.

#3   You have the motivation right in front of you: When you take a huge step like this, you need to have your WHY figured out. My WHY was simple, I wanted to reach my full potential. However, if you are working a hard job and studying on the side, you tend to lose sight of your WHY. But thanks to your job as a cabin crew, you have the motivation in front of you EVERY DAY… the cockpit! Every time I saw the cockpit, my eyes lit up and this yearning to sit there became stronger.

#4   You can fully or partially fund your flight training: Having a well-paying job before you start your flight training will help you financially to avoid taking loans or taking only a partial loan. My advice? INVEST INVEST INVEST! Set aside your short-term spending and keep your eyes on the prize.

#5   Many airlines re-hire their ex-employees: Many airlines encourage their cabin crew to build their career. This can set you apart from freshers and land you that job sooner. Ask around in your circle and set up a meeting with your manager to learn more about your options.

Your next steps…

Figure out your WHY: This is where I begin, before taking any important decision. What is your WHY? The reason for all your efforts. Is it more money? Or to see your family proud of you? Or is it a means to reach your ultimate potential? Without your WHY, you’re going to be lost in tough times.

Set a timeline: If you only decide to do it and don’t decide “when”, you’re never doing it. Set a reasonable date by which you need to have all the groundwork in place. You need to set dates for your Class 1 medical, the timeline to study for the DGCA papers, and which attempt of the DGCA examination are you planning for.

Apply for a computer number: A computer number recognizes you as an eligible candidate for appearing for the DGCA examinations. Apply for your computer number as soon as practicable, as this process takes anywhere between a month and 3 months.

Consider your age: While I am a strict believer of age just being a number, in aviation this becomes a constraint for a lot of us. While there is no specific age restriction according to DGCA, airlines do set age limits while hiring Junior First Officers. These limits typically range from 30-40 years of age.

Consider clearing DGCA papers while working: This will be the harder route to take, but a much safer route. My advise is to stick with your job until you have cleared all your papers. Clear one or two papers at a time (exams are conducted every 3 months).  I highly recommend taking tutoring from a myriad of ground classes in major hubs like Mumbai and Delhi. Some of them offer online classes and recorded lectures.

Have the “talk”: I could not have imagined taking this journey without my family’s support. Your family having your back will be the strongest weapon in your arsenal. Have a talk with them regarding your plans to pursue this and get them on the same page. But before you do this, make sure you have all the research backing you need.