Forty-nine (49) aspiring commercial airline pilots and parents attended the Airline Pilot Career Orientation (APCO) Manila leg last 15 July 2023. The APCO is one of Alpha Aviation Group’s (AAG) corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate affairs, and thought leadership initiatives aimed at supporting individuals in their pursuit of becoming world-class pilots and aviation leaders.

Capt. Vicente Casibang II, AAG Philippines Accountable Manager, welcomed the attendees with enthusiasm, setting the stage for an event filled with possibilities and aspirations in aviation. He passionately shared the multitude of opportunities that await aspiring pilots, urging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Capt. Anthony Tan, AAGP Head of Training, also graced the event and took the stage to recount his remarkable journey in the aviation industry. From his ten-year stint as a flight attendant to his successful pilot career spanning more than two decades, Capt. Tan’s inspiring story served as a testament to the endless possibilities that await aspiring pilots, underscoring the significance of perseverance and determination in taking that first step in their journey towards one’s dreams.

FO Chuck Evan Concepcion, a graduate of AAG’s First Officer Transition or FOT Program, and Cadet Jose Miguel Lising, belonging to AAG’s Airline Pilot Program or APP 03-2022, also shared their stories of perseverance and determination in pursuing their aviation career aspirations. FO Concepcion related how AAG played a crucial role in furthering his dream of becoming an airline pilot, inspiring the audience to take flight towards their own goals with unwavering dedication. Meanwhile, Cadet Lising shared his experience initially from a position of uncertainty in choosing a career path, to eventually discovering his passion for aviation, emphasizing that it’s never too late to pursue one’s pilot dreams. He highlighted the importance of right timing and patience as key factors in achieving one’s aspirations.

A survey conducted during the APCO showed that 39 out of 49 pilot aspirants expressed their strong interest in enrolling in AAG’s APP. The poll also revealed the top five (5) considerations of aspirants in selecting a pilot school:

1. Technology (e.g. standard/quality of aircraft, simulators, classrooms, instructional equipment, other amenities)
2. Price/cost of training
3. Influence in the industry (e.g. partnership and network with airlines and other industry players)
4. Reputation in the industry (both of the company and its management and training teams)
5. Safety record (history of incidents/accidents)

In his closing remarks, Capt. Gaudencio Maniano, AAG International Center for Aviation Training or AICAT Accountable Manager, further inspired the attendees with his story of passion for aviation and perseverance in chasing one’s dream.

The APCO also featured in-depth discussions on various topics including an industry overview by Mr. Paulo Mallari, AAGP Marketing & Sales Executive; pilot aptitude and cadet assessment process by Ms. Shiela May Castor, AAGP Student Affairs Technical Officer; partnership between AAG and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in delivering the Graduate Certificate in Aviation-Asia Focus by Capt. Christian Louis Cabatic, AICAT Chief Ground Instructor and AAGP’s Study-Now- Pay-Later (SNPL) Programs in partnership with BDO and Air Cavaliers Credit Cooperative (ACCC). Cheerfully walking the participants through the discussions and the exciting quiz games in between was FOT Trainee Gen Ghis Chan acting as master of ceremonies.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group Press Release
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group