Singapore-based Aeroviation Co-founders Faris Iskandar and Nur Fadhilah Shuib says as autonomous aircraft become more prevalent, aviation students will need to have solid problem-solving and coding skills to become well-rounded aviators.
Aeroviation opens its doors to Aviation students with a grand opening of its new aviation training centre in Kallang, Singapore this month.
The expansion marks a significant milestone as it nearly tripled its capacity to accommodate up to eighty students simultaneously.
At 5,000 sqft, the new headquarters contains thirteen rooms, including four classrooms, four flight simulator rooms, one meeting room, one lounge, one activity room, one staff room, and one instructor lounge.
While their core programs remain steadfast, CEO Faris Iskandar says that they are passionate about introducing programs such as drone pilot licences and comprehensive education covering various facets of the aviation industry.
“We aim to continually refine our curriculum to ensure it remains relevant and impactful for our students,” says Iskandar.
In line with Aeroviation’s mission to empower young aviation enthusiasts, the headquarters is set to become a hub for public forums. These forums will provide a platform for aviation aficionados to engage with industry professionals. From exploring the latest advancements in aviation technology to receiving invaluable career insights and gaining firsthand knowledge about industry operations, these forums promise to be vibrant spaces for learning and networking.
Reflecting on the journey towards the new headquarters, Iskandar says their enterprise is about investing in talent supply for the aviation industry.
“This expansion underscores our commitment to meeting growing industry demands and reinforces our dedication to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals. Our skilled aviators are poised to make impactful contributions to the aviation industry, particularly with the impending development of Changi Airport’s Terminal 5,” says Iskandar.
We asked Iskandar how the future of autonomous aircraft will open up the market for aviation, and training opportunities for wannabe pilots.
According to Iskandar, their dedication to understanding the implications of emerging technologies, particularly autonomous aircraft is reflected in their course pedagogy.
“At the moment, we are focused on single-propeller airplanes and autonomous flight concepts for aspiring aviators. This reflects our commitment to making aviation accessible to everyone and lays the groundwork for a future where autonomous aircraft play a significant role,” says Iskandar.
Iskandar says that integration of autonomous aircraft into aviation will require substantial changes in industry-wide pedagogy.
“We believe that training programs will evolve to incorporate coursework focused on autonomous flight principles, sensor technologies, and human-machine interaction. Practical training will gradually include simulation exercises and hands-on experience with semi-autonomous and autonomous systems,” says Iskandar.
Through his years of experience, Iskandar says that he has observed that many young learners exhibit a genuine interest in aviation after enrolling in flying lessons. He noted their innate curiosity, citing their exploration of complex topics such as the instrument landing system.
“As autonomous aircraft become more prevalent, there’s a growing need for skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to code and repair these vehicles. This aligns with Aeroviation’s goal of preparing future aviation professionals for success in a rapidly evolving field. Even in a future dominated by autonomous flight, students trained in these skills will remain valuable assets to the industry,” says Iskandar.
Notes from the Editor: Established in 2018, Aeroviation integrates flight simulators and Virtual Reality technology to enhance learning, fostering a supportive community for aspiring aviators. Aeroviation’s headquarters is located at 30A Kallang Place, #01-02, Singapore 339213.
