The journey toward becoming a pilot often begins with a childhood fascination, and the same rings true for our latest Alumni Spotlight feature, Almas Baigozhin. We sat down with Almas to chat about his journey, from flight training at FTEJerez to the left hand seat of an A320 aircraft.

 

 

Before attending FTE, Almas studied Academics of Aviation for 2 years at Almaty University in Kazakhstan, where he started studying for his ATPL exams. However, when Air Astana opened applications for their fully funded Ab-Initio Pilot Programme, aimed at anyone aged from 18 to 34, he jumped at the chance to apply. That successful application took him to FTE in 2018, as part of Course 185.

The quality of training was complemented by the multicultural environment, where students from all around the world lived and trained together. This diversity enriched his experience, providing a global perspective that is invaluable in the aviation industry, and Almas is able to draw parallels between this aspect of FTEJerez and Air Astana, where very often you can fly with people from many different countries – something that he finds very rewarding.

Almas characterised his time at FTE as challenging, but one that was incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable. He noted that one of the biggest challenges he faced FTE was tackling the more technical subjects in what was his third language, but through the relevant support networks available at the school and his prior experience studying for the ATPL subjects, he was able to complete ground school and move into the flying phase, which he recalls as some of his favourite times at the school.

Since completing his training and joining Air Astana, he has recently finished his command course on the A320, alongside the friends he made at FTE, finding that the advanced systems onboard Air Astana’s modern fleet of aircraft helped ease the learning curve.

Looking ahead, Almas remains enthusiastic about future moving to the left hand seat, and offers his advice to anyone wishing to join Air Astana either as a cadet or via the direct entry route. Emphasising the importance of preparation and resilience, he encourages new cadets to embrace the multicultural environment of schools like FTEJerez and see every challenge as an opportunity to learn. If you would like to hear more about Almas, please feel free to read his interview in full below.

 

 

How did FTE prepare you for life at Air Astana?

“7 years on I’m still finding and using pieces of information I learned in ground school – it’s all relevant!”

Being surrounded with people from all over the world at FTE is very similar to life at Air Astana. You are constantly flying with new people from different backgrounds, it’s very rewarding. This, and the fact that 7 years later I still use little pieces of information I learnt in ground school – it’s all relevant!

 

What do you do outside of flying?

In Almaty there are mountains. Every day off I spend in the mountains either skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or hiking in the summer. It is so important to recover from the job and clear your mind.

 

What has been the biggest challenge of your journey so far?

Ground school phase 1 was difficult. Discovering how to learn a subject, what to take notes on, what not to write down – it was confusing. Especially doing it in what was my third language. I used to write as many translations in my books as I could.

 

What was the most enjoyable part of FTEJerez?

“The school is just the best. The journey, living and flying in Spain, the people you meet – I will remember it forever”

The flying phase, without a doubt. Flying in Spain was so beautiful, you could enjoy not only the process of flying but also the amazing views out the window. It was like a movie. As soon as I was finished with ground school and started flying I felt like the happiest person in the world. I still look through photographs to remember what it was like.”

 

What was your standout moment of the training?

My first Cross Country flight – going to a new airport that I hadn’t visited before, trying to learn joining procedures during the flight. At first I got lost but I found a castle on the map and was able to navigate my way to the airfield. It felt like I had really accomplished something.

 

What was it like to finally fly the A320?

It was interesting. I had to learn not to fly it like a Piper, but more like a Diamond. You have to think about where you want the aircraft to be in 2-3 seconds time, not immediately. I realised it is very easy to control. It’s a really great aircraft to fly

 

What advice do you have for prospective Air Astana cadets or applicants?

“Study hard, but also play hard. You are there for a short period of time only, so make the most of it”

Study hard – that has to be the biggest thing. But also play hard. You are there for a short period of time, you have to make the most of it. We used to take the bus to places like Rota, Cadiz and Sevilla. It’s important to get off campus and take yourself away from the mindset and stresses of the school and flying.

In terms of the application process, just try to be as prepared as possible. Air Astana take cadets from all around the world, so it is very competitive. FTE prepares you well, but there are verbal, mathematical and situational examinations before you even get to a sim assessment. Do what you can to learn about the aircraft you’ll fly in your type rating.

 

Parallels drawn from FTEJerez and Air Astana

“It’s such a multicultural company, just like the school. You can speak with people from all over the world, it’s amazing”

 

 

If you or someone you know would like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series, please reach out to us at president@fteturbojet.com or careers@fteturbojet.com.