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By age 18, Neel Khokhani was a flight instructor, and by 22, he founded his own flight training school, Soar Aviation.
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Being in possession of an audacious career goal or two is an admirable trait. In fact, many might say that the only way to reach them is to have them. It certainly worked for Neel Khokhani. Since he was 16 years old he wanted to start his own airline, and quickly decided that becoming a pilot was the way to get there. “I had my pilot’s licence at age 16: I was flying before I could drive a car,” he says. By age 18, Khokhani was a flight instructor, and by 22, he founded his own flight training school, Soar Aviation.
Six years on and Soar Aviation has a 60 per cent share of the flight training market in Australia, training around 600 of the 800 pilots that graduate in Australia each year. His timing couldn’t have been better; there’s currently a global shortage of pilots. Of course, not everyone is built to be a pilot. “Pilots are usually very passionate about what they do. They don’t usually wake up one day and decide to do it,” says Khokhani. Pilots need to be good with science and mathematics, although Khokhani says the level is achievable. “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist; as long as you understand the concepts.”
To ensure study is workable for those who are keen on switching careers, Khokhani’s flight school has built a successful partnership with Box Hill Tafe in Melbourne. “Students do theory after hours during the week at Box Hill Tafe and fly on the weekend with Soar Aviation,” he says. “It’s been incredibly successful.” Still, regardless of when they study, for aspiring commercial pilots there’s plenty of work required. There are seven exams involved in gaining a commercial pilot’s licence, covering everything from navigation to aerodynamics, weather conditions and of course, the actual practical skills.
As for afterwards? Neel Khokhani says the airlines prefer younger graduates, but that the general aviation industry welcomes pilots of all ages. For those dreaming of entering the major airlines, Virgin Australia has several entry streams for its pilot positions. The airline has been running a pilot cadetship program since 2012, however, some pilots come directly from civil or military backgrounds. “[Our civil pilots] could have experience with other airlines … smaller regional airlines flying turbo prop aircraft or general aviation flying smaller aircraft in more remote parts of Australia. We also have a significant number of former air force pilots,” says Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 check and training Captain Matt Taylor.
Reference Link – Neel Khokhani - Soar Aviation Airplane Delivered During Avalon 2019 In Australia Flying on a good idea Neel Khokhani, CEO Soar Aviation How a young immigrant who was sacked after offering his boss advice did the unthinkable... and is now worth $66MILLION at the age of 30
