On 16 March 2024, Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) held its first Airline Pilot Career Orientation (APCO) for this year at the AAGP Simulator Training Center in Clark, garnering a total of 215 aspiring commercial airline pilots and aviators, along with their parents. This orientation forms part of AAG’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate affairs, and thought leadership initiatives, aimed at supporting the development of future pilots and aviation leaders.

The event commenced with a dynamic series of discussions, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the aviation industry. Capt. Tito Zosa (AAGP Head of Training) kicked off the discussion with inspiring words of encouragement for the aspirants, emphasizing that every journey starts with a single step.

Col. Ruel Rombaoa PA (Ret.), the Managing Director of Alpha Real Consulting Philippines Inc. (ARC), took the stage to share valuable insights on the importance of a sustainable aerospace and defense industry for long-term socio-economic development.

Capt. Rizalindo Gigante (AAGP Synthetic Flight Instructor) was also present to provide attendees with an overview into the latest industry updates, market trends and opportunities for aspiring pilots.

The event also featured inspiring testimonials from Cadet Jules Michael Manalo (belonging to APP 01-2023 or Batch 66) and Capt. George Caña (PAL Express A320 Simulator Instructor; Owner & Founder of Yatzar Simulation), offering firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs encountered along the path to becoming a pilot. Cadet Manalo, currently taking up AAG’s Airline Pilot Program (APP), shared his personal journey to realizing his dreams, highlighting the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s dream of becoming a pilot. Resonating deeply with the audience, Cadet Manalo quoted: “Dreams without goals are just dreams. A dream I cannot kill is a dream I must fulfill.”

Meanwhile, Capt. Caña delivered an inspiring presentation on Airline Flying as a Fulfilling Career, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of the job, the investment of time and resources required, and ultimately, the fulfillment derived from this profession. Capt. Caña believes that in aviation, “there’s never a dull moment – each flight is a new adventure.”

Also gracing the event was Pablo Alvarez (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia, Associate Vice-Chancellor of Campus Operations) hailing from Singapore, who enlightened attendees about the partnership between ERAU Asia and AAG. Through this collaboration, aspiring aviators have the opportunity to further their education and career prospects through diverse educational pathways offered by the university in aviation, including master’s and bachelor’s degree programs.

In his closing remarks, Cristopher Magdangal (Group Chief Operating Officer) shed light on the current state of the aviation industry, highlighting the opportunities available for aspiring pilots and the importance of being well-prepared and competent to excel in this field.

In a survey conducted during the APCO with 86 respondents, the following factors for selecting a pilot school were identified:

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. Safety record (history of incidents/accidents)
5. Reputation in the industry

Other highlights of the APCO included an engaging panel discussion/Q&A session, discussions on cadet admission process and pilot aptitude by Shiela May Castor (AAG Student Affairs Technical Officer), AAG’s Corporate Profile by the Marketing & Sales team, educational tour around AAG’s facilities, and interactive quiz games.

Source: Alpha Aviation Group
Photo Credit: Alpha Aviation Group