Aviation is just like one big clubhouse where you get to meet all sorts of interesting people with so many tales of their flying experiences and adventures from the air-side.
There is really so much to learn from other professionals in the game and I happened to connect with one such aviator through a mutual friend.
Ladies and gents, here's Captain Makonnen Brook hailing all the way from Abyssinia aka Ethiopia with an amazing story of his journey in aviation.
He is a passionate aviator and an avid biker as well.
Captain Makonnen is a pilot at Abysinnia Flight Services, a private charter company based in Ethiopia.
So first and foremost Captain, do tell my readers about yourself.
I'm Makonnen Brook, a 30 year old pilot and I currently work for a private charter company called Abyssinian Flight services and pilot training academy in Ethiopia for two years now, and loving every minute of it.
I've always been avid on flying and being in the aviation industry for years, and I live that reality.
Living it and loving it all the more.
What inspired you to start flying, at what age did you start your training and where did you do your training?
I've always been keen to fly. My mother tells me that it's the one thing that has been on my mind since I was three. It has always been in me. So many things have tried to take this passion from me. I got the chance to make the dream a reality when I was 22 years young and I learned where I work now,
Abyssinian Flight Services and pilot training academy.
How has you journey in aviation been since you first set foot in a training aircraft to the aircraft you currently fly?
My journey has been such a great one, and I'm really thankful to God and family. I remember tearing up on my first day in ground class. It was so hard to believe I was where I was at that time, and I was amazed and just overwhelmed. When I first took off with a Cessna 172, my whole world changed. Always thankful and enjoying every minute of it when I fly the Cessna Caravan now.
Could you describe some of your best and worst experiences in the air?
Well, to keep it short, my best experience will always be the day I went solo. It was exhilarating and not to mention very spacious in that 172. I was on top of the world, a feeling you can't forget. No instructor breathing down my neck. It all worked out for my benefit.
The worst would be having to orbit on my solo navigation in rain near terrain during my training. The ATC was giving priority to bigger aircraft. All I could do was remind myself to avoid two radials and trust my instruments. Got out of that weather, but it was my first. I won't forget that ever!
What important lessons have you learnt in your time as a pilot. These could be aviation related as well as crucial life lessons.
I've found that having a great instructor (I was fortunate to have two) is such a huge and crucial role in aviation. They were wonderful, always keeping me in check. Having an understanding instructor is key. The obvious thing would be to know your aircraft; limits and all. Always figuring something new and studying four month in advance for finals was the best decision I've ever made. It made me focus more on my flying instead of having to stress for theoretical exams.
Considering that aviation on the African continent has been showing promise with defunct airlines being revived, or existing companies in the process of acquiring new fleet and new routes are there any words of encouragement or nuggets of wisdom you would like to give to the young upcoming African pilot?
Well, since I'm not in an airline yet, I do believe that the only way you can gain experience is letting yourself go through the ups and downs in becoming a seasoned pilot.
Alot of the time, fresh graduates expect red carpets and gold member cards for jobs to start coming your way. Sadly it doesn't, and getting your hands dirty seems to be a problem because of that ego. Getting those hours up no matter the cost and always having a positive attitude is key.
Being in an environment that allows you to dream and reach higher, setting up yourself with people in a "I can do it" attitude really helps. Even if they don't exist, be your own fan.
Do research. Any job that gets you higher in the aviation food chain is what your mind should be thinking. It's tough out there. No one is gonna hand you your dream. You have to know what you want, get out there and grab it. It really sets you up for on coming opinionated criticism from every angle.
Doors will open up if you do your part.
I once came across two important words of wisdom; it goes: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" and the other "You want to get somewhere you haven't been before? You have to do something you haven't done before!!!"
African skies are opening up. It's only a matter of time before you get that chance of a lifetime. Just keep on keeping on. Never give up.
Lastly, any parting shot?
Well, I've said too much already, but one thing I would like to add is, if you become a pilot to run after the money, it'll eat away at you. Flying is an art that is yet to be perfected and known. An endless experience class.
We just keep learning new things all the time.
We are just guests in the sky.
Let the passion take over, the money will come chasing after you, not vice versa.
Safe skies!
And here's the Captain with none other than Morgan Freeman. How cool is that!!! Perks of being a pilot.
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