They Help You Transition From Flight Simulators To Flying The Skies
Have you ever dreamed of feeling the rush of take-off, soaring through the skies, and the thrill of being in control of an aircraft? For Faris Iskandar Samat and his team at Aeroviation, helping prospective pilots transform this dream into a reality is not just a job – it's a passion.
The 30-year-old co-founded Aeroviation with his wife in 2018, with the goal of making flying affordable and accessible to everyone. They are the first in Singapore to offer training programmes for the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) from Australia. Soon-to-be pilots can complete the entire course (which includes accommodation, flights, and more) within just 18 days, and for less than $17,000 – that’s roughly half the cost of obtaining a local Private Pilot License (PPL).
Aeroviation students learn ground theory and practise flight simulation in Singapore, then set their sights on Australia, where they undergo 20 hours of intensive flight training before taking the crucial flight test. According to Faris, several graduates have even been recruited as cadet pilots for Singapore Airlines.
But it's not just about adult dreams taking flight. Aeroviation extends its wings to the next generation of aviation enthusiasts too. They offer classes for children and teenagers, grounded in a STEM-based curriculum developed by Faris' wife, an experienced early childhood educator. These young learners embark on a journey that goes beyond traditional education, where airport operations and air traffic control are brought to life through hands-on activities. They don pilot uniforms complete with epaulettes, as they progress up the ranks.
We speak to Faris and one of the school’s alumni, Nabil, about what inspired their passion for planes and flying, and how national service provided them invaluable skills which they continue making use of in aviation.
How did your love affair with aviation begin, guys?
Faris: It all started back in secondary school when my parents used to take me to Changi Beach for picnics. At that time, my idea of flying was all about doing flips and loop-the-loops. But as I grew older and started exploring flight simulators at home, I realised it was more about aircraft management, route planning, and crew resource management. This shift in perspective sparked my interest in aviation.
Nabil: I grew up visiting Changi Airport, where my mom worked at the check-in counter for over 20 years. I've always loved planes, not just for traveling but for the fundamentals of flying itself. I signed up for Aeroviation when I was around 21 years old, right after completing my national service (NS). With the RPC I took, I was able to secure an interview with Singapore Airlines!
Give us a sneak peek into Aeroviation's programmes!
Faris: At Aeroviation, we welcome aviation enthusiasts of all ages, starting from kids as young as seven. Our programmes include the Junior Aviators (7-12 years old), the Young Aviators (13-16 years old), and the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC), which allows you to obtain an actual pilot’s license. This programme is for those 15 and above; at that age, participants can fly the aircraft alone. Our oldest participant is currently 54.
What portion of the students at Aeroviation decide to pursue aviation seriously?
Faris: Some of our students who joined us back when they were in Pri 6 or Sec 1 have since obtained their pilot licenses – now they've grown taller and their voices have deepened! For our adult participants, we already have about 10 to 12 students who have begun their training with Singapore Airlines.
Visit Aeroviation's website for more deets on the Young and Junior Aviator Programme, obtaining an RPC, and the cool flight experiences you can try.
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