Taking to the air

Are you one of those people who want to literally spend your time with your head in the clouds? Those interested in pursing this adventurous profession, don't really have to fly out now… You've got the perfect place, right here, to give wing to your dreams!

The only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Asian Aviation Centre (AAC) was established in 1985, and offers a lucrative future in aviation to any one with an interest in a future in the skies.

The institution offers courses in different areas which include commercial piloting, aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering and design. "The interest in this field has increased greatly since the development of the airline industry in Sri Lanka, so much so that other countries in the Asian region, including India, Nepal and Maldives, though having training centres such as this one, prefer to send their students to Sri Lanka to pursue the courses we have on offer", says Ms. Avanthi Wanasinghe, the Manager of Marketing and Promotions at the Asian Aviation Centre.

According to her, the Asian Aviation Centre has an added advantage over its counterparts in other countries, in that it is the only centre which offers courses in collaboration with Kingston University in the UK, and it is far less expensive to study in Sri Lanka. Students at AAC will follow a two year course in Sri Lanka, and complete their third and final year in the UK. Payment can be done in monthly installments.

Ms. Wanasinghe explained that each batch comprises 15 students, and that six batches enroll in the commercial piloting license each year and two batches (in April and September), enroll in the other courses, adding that although many wish to pursue the course, 15 students per batch is the maximum possible capacity, and that those who do not make the first intake will have to wait for the next.

Students who are interested in enrolling in the courses on offer will need knowledge in GCE A/L Mathematics and Physics, and two basic courses are also offered to pre A/L students, as technicians.

It is also encouraging to learn that this once predominantly male profession has seen an increasing interest among girls, and applications over the past few years have indicated a rise in the number of girls interested in pursuing this field. In fact there are two Sri Lankan female pilots, and they were both trained by AAC!

The Asian Aviation Centre conducts an annual five day seminar during school holidays, at its centre in Ratmalana (Asian Aviation Center, Colombo Airport Road, Ratmalana). The seminar is open to the public, and it creates awareness as to the wide range of opportunities presented to those interested in a career in aviation. The next seminar will take place from the December 10 –14. "It is very important that we create awareness of the vast potential in this field, especially its growth over the past few years", says Ms. Wanasinghe.

So if you think you have what it takes to be a potential pilot or aircraft engineer, and a good head for heights, consider AAC as the best launching pad for your career.Any one interested in enrolling at AAC should pay a visit to its marketing office at No. 14, Trelawney Place, Colombo 4, or call 4510303-4 for details.