Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine October 2015 | Page 105
Explore | Interview
103
I think it is important to
always keep learning from
the experience of other
pilots, especially senior
pilots.
Solo flight
“A pilot never forgets their first solo flight,”
says Wenas. He remembers his first solo
flight, while studying at the Aero Flyer
Institute at Budiarto Airport, Curug,
Tangerang, as part of an 18-month
programme.
“It was a Cessna 172 training aircraft,” says
Wenas, grinning with a reminiscent look
in his eye.
“For our first solo flight, we had to fly around
the training centre a few times in a pattern.
Afterwards, we had to fly out of the flight
school airspace to the training station in
Serang. It’s a bit like the road test when
applying for a driver’s licence. The difference
is that you’re flying and there’s no instructor
next to you,” explains Cyril.
The moment immediately after passing
that first solo test is also unforgettable,
according to Wenas.
“We have a ritual following a pilot’s first
solo. It’s bit messy, but good fun and in
good spirits – the seniors dump used
aircraft lubricant all over you! It’s a rite of
passage and a badge of honour. When I first
enrolled in flight school, I had no idea what
it was like to fly. When I look back at the first
flight now, I’m still in awe,” says Cyril, who
enjoys golf and football in his free time.
Though it has been a while since he
last checked, Cyril estimates that by
now he’s logged around 4,500 flying hours.
In addition to flying Garuda Indonesia’s
commercial aircraft for domestic and
international routes, the young pilot
has also flown for Garuda Indonesia on
a humanitarian mission to the Fiji Islands,
which he counts as one of his most
memorable piloting experiences. Flying an
Airbus aircraft directly from its warehouse
in Toulouse, France, to Garuda Indonesia
headquarters in Jakarta was another career
opportunity that he cherishes.
A pilot’s biggest challenge
A pilot must face many challenges in
the air: being away from home, navigating
turbulent weather, leading and coordinating
crew members, and ensuring the safety
and comfort of hundreds of passengers
on every flight.
Yet Cyril believes that his biggest
challenge is himself.
“Being young, many say I might still [be] too
emotional, or that I might be overconfident.
I think it is important to always keep learning
from the experience of other pilots, especially
senior pilots; it’s also crucial to continually
gauge our own personal capabilities and
identify where improvements can be made.
A pilot needs to be in top shape physically
and mentally, his skillset must be
consistently sharpened, and he needs
to be able to think clearly and be accountable
when working together with his crew to
make the best possible decisions.”
He maintains that challenges are a constant
and preparation is the key to overcoming
them. Still in the early stages of his budding
aviation career, Wenas has a simple and
straightforward plan moving forward.
“I have chosen this profession and strived
to make my dream a reality. Now I have
a responsibility to do my best. As a pilot,
safety is my number-one priority on every
flight. This is my goal, every day.”
In commemoration of the Indonesian
Youth Pledge that took place in October
1928 – a youth congress proclaiming three
ideals of one motherland, one nation and
one language, 17 years before independence
was achieved – Cyril encourages Indonesian
youth to chase their dreams.
“Don’t be afraid to dream! Great
achievements beyond expectation are
actually possible as long as we persevere.”