Date:19/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/19/stories/2007021902090500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

High hopes for new recruits in aviation industry

Says Shabbir Ahmed Siddiqui, leaving for United States for his training with American School of Aviation.

"I was very keen right from school days about becoming a pilot." Siddiqui who did his Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy had shed 35 kg to realise his dream.

"I was overweight at 120 kg," he admits.

Jyothi who completed her Intermediate is awaiting her US Visa clearance to join the training programme and chose to be a pilot as she rates it as the satisfying and lucractive career.

Nauman Ahmed, did his schooling in International School, Jeddah and Intermediate from Narayana Junior College.

About his choice to be a pilot, he says it is the right decision at the right time as the boom in aviation sector has begun.

" I always dreamed to be a pilot even as a kid and am passionate about flying. My parents did have apprehensions initially but I convinced them". After all most of the accidents take place on land, he points out.

The psychometry tests are to analyse the personality traits and decide how best a candidate can react in a critical situation, he adds.

Sachin a student of Sri Chaitanya said no other career would give an opportunity for an 18-year-old to earn Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.5 lakh a month apart from a chance for adventure.

All of them got a provisional letter of employment from Kingfisher Airlines and will join it after training.