Passion For The Skies
- Ariff K.
- Oct 15, 2018
- 6 min read
They say it is every child's dream. Little do they know how much it really means to take every small step of the way to realizing that dream. Back in those younger days, every single machinery caught sight constantly struck a whole lot of curiosity. It was really about knowing what it was and how it worked. Growing up were simply tough days with so much ambition in play. It was always about wanting to be everything that was operable, be it a cab driver, train operator, bus captain, ship captain, you simply name it. I'd be kidding you if i say that throughout my growing up years, there wasn't a clue of what i wanted to become someday. To cut it short, there was everything i ever wanted to become because of the fascination i had for the capabilities of machines. Being just a kid back then, it was very much a phase of discovery and everything that came into fascination had every spark of interest that came along with it.
Wasn't too long before i got on my first ever plane ride. Since then, always wanting that window view seat. It was at that moment, the discovery of such a unique machine was made, a pretty rare sight to know one that can maneuver on ground and yet be able to primarily soar through layers of the atmosphere. That moment, it got to me. The roaring of the engine's thrust as it propels forward and make its lift off from the runway tarmac. Climbing gradually to the expected altitude as it levels off. That day simply marked the beginning of a new light till this date. No, it wasn't because i was all so fascinated over that first plane ride, amongst every other machines I've fancied, but this was entirely different in all ways. It gave me a completely new outlook of travelling and machines apart from a common cab and a public bus on congested roads, or a train rolling down the rail. To me, it wasn't just any other machine, it felt like i had a certain connection for planes.
Curious to know more, i pretty much went on a journey of discovery in aviation. That interest was bound to go a really long way, often found myself sitting at the airport overseeing the viewing gallery, just simply spotting planes. You know how it always does seem to get less appealing with time when you're too caught up doing something for the longest time, it just didn't felt that way. It never got boring even one bit despite the hours just staring and watching each and every plane go by. Every single plane that went pass my sight constantly got me all hyped up about it. I once asked myself, was this passion a coincidence from when i was born?
Let's take a walk down memory lane. A crucial period during which my mom was expecting me, it came with a risk of anticipation. Family was abroad in the moment, and as much as the weather wasn't in favor, signs of entry presented itself. Slotting that flight back from India to Singapore in full anticipation for which the days were clearly narrowed and numbered down to when i was due to be brought into this world. Rather interesting to know that the most recent activity done prior to my arrival was to be taking a flight back home in the mother's womb. I came into this world, December 17th. That came exactly ninety-two years from after when the famous aviation inventors, the Wright brothers, made the world's first ever successful flight with complete control of their powered aircraft. No doubt, a day full of rich history in the eyes of aviation may seem like a huge coincidence, but just maybe this was made to happen for all the right reasons.
Growing up, the airport was like my safe haven. The feeling just by being near planes got to me every time but to be flying on one during vacation trips, was simply the next best thing. Growing up in full amazement of planes and the thought of one day being able to be in control of it from the cockpit will be the biggest dream envisioned and achieved. Could hardly recall a day that went by since without the dream etched at the back of my head fueled by the will my heart desire. That was how it was for me, growing up looking skyward but living life like many ordinary kid, a life without hardships would be a white lie because no doubt, many would tend to see the rainbow side of a person's success more than the devotion it clearly took to get there.
This passion and interest was only made known to the family more vividly during the early phases of mandatory education and simply to say, the only lingo you'll ever need coming from them would be their endless support. No i ain't talking about the aspect of wealth since you would already have known that to realize an aviator's dream would mean a huge debt of investment worthy of risking. I was merely referring to their countless blessing and devotion that they're willing to partake just so you would have enough space to be ready and work skyward to realizing the dream. What came after were simply stories of real life examples, for those who had similar liking for the field that either made it big or had to take up an alternative path. Recalling clearly how i had an educator who taught me about the world in the eyes of geography wishing he had the opportunity to fly, he came to be my first icon of inspiration as he spurred me to reach for the stars ever since. Having not been certified as a qualified fighter pilot during his flight training days, he was still equally delighted to have discovered that i have such interest he once had.
A whole lot of homework and research was done on getting there, it was no overnight thing. Understanding the process and steps needed to be fulfilled was especially critical, it has to be clear right up in your sleeves when you really want it very badly. That got me numerous opportunities to better realize what i had targeted for myself. Having passion for the skies wasn't sufficient, the desire to really want it and the self-dedication and devotion needed for it speaks a better picture. From then, i took flight for a chase. How a liking turned into a passion and to an aspiration.
Growing up, the only way i could have a taste of some form of realism was through simulation. Constantly being caught up on flight simulators, be it at home, conventional public Boeing and Airbus simulators or in school lab sessions. It was just part of progressing and discovering. You simply don't get the ultimate prize so easily, but it has to start somewhere and there it was for me. Next moment i knew, was sitting in the cockpit of a Cessna, performing my first ever takeoff roll down the runway. Right after, it was all heaven. Pursuing flying licenses was just one of many. There was never going to be the right words to express the feels of flying on my side but i am very well sure that this is what i want to do.
Meeting pilots who are already in the field including those who have retired, has provided numerous opportunities to better understand the industry. It never gets old, with everyone boiled down to the same realization of why flying has been the calling. I've loved it since the day I've had my eyes on it, and this should be a reminder of why i'm into aviation from the very beginning. So where am i now, you might ponder? It's all been well planned out and to really be able to chase for the skies with ease will be when i am done with my final phase of studies.
To get there, a whole lot of determination and patience is required and of course, a whole lot of support from the right people. For me, the sky is home and i'm sure time will soon get me there. If you ever thought it was that easy chasing for your dreams, you would rethink again once more but if you're so certain, you'll never need to think twice for sure.
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