Dr. Savi Singh Arora (SS) sat down with Jaspal Singh (JS) who is a pilot with Virgin Atlantic. 

SS: You've been doing this for a few years, obviously you've got a history of learning to fly. Do you still get that fantastic feeling when you're up there. We, as passengers marvel of how this massive thing came off the ground. What a massive responsibility you guys have.

JS: I'm not just saying it because I'm sitting here: One being an airline pilot is just one of the best jobs in the world, two working at Virgin Atlantic was just a dream come true for me. I started off in the probation service, I always wanted to be a pilot and hopefully I'll inspire others. My dream was always to do long haul flights and particularly to work for Virgin Atlantic. It's got an iconic brand and the way they do things, I just felt my personality fit into that. I managed to get a job with them just over two years ago and I haven't looked back since.

SS: I just want to ask a little side question. Do you think the media represents a true reflection in today's society in terms of role models? Do you think they're a bit too focused on celebrity and not on real people with real jobs?

JS: I think that would be nice if they did focus on people with real jobs. If I speak as a Sikh airline pilot, there's not many of us around. There's literally just a handful of us. That hasn't been in the media at all but I've been part of this scheme this Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers program and my picture has been on the poster and various websites etc. We've had a lot of positive feedback as a result. I've talked at various schools and colleges and it's very nice to see a pilot but it's even nicer I think when they're not seeing the stereotypical pilot.

SS: What kind of questions to you get asked when you are at these schools.

JS: People have this genuine thing about aviation. Everyone gets excited about going on a plane. People are always asking, "What does it get in the air? How did you get into flying? What's it like when you get to your destination?" Obviously the first one people ask is "Can you get me a fist class ticket?" I can't do that. Actually I did get for my parents.

SS: Tell us a bit more about your education and career.

(to hear more of the interview click on the video below.)

 

Airline (28K)

Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers Programme – Pilot Training Special



Published on Nov 10, 2014


This week's Spectrum features Senior 1st Officer Jaspal Singh of Virgin Atlantic. He walks us through his amazing job and outlines the opportunity / initiative that Virgin are offering entitled the 'Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers Programme' - Details for 2014's entry can be found at: http://www.ctcwings.com/virginatlantic

 

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