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.”