A light aircraft approaches for landing during Al Khor Fly In. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

The annual staging of the Al Khor Fly In is an indication of the growing interest on aviation especially in the Middle East, a senior official of the Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) has said.
Dr Saeed al-Sulaiman, director of Academic Affairs/Registration, QAC, was talking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the 8th Al Khor Fly In, which opened yesterday at the Al Khor air field.
“Here you can see people bringing their own aircraft, from jet to smaller and lighter planes,” he said. “This shows how aviation is spreading in the world especially here in the Gulf, in the Middle East.”
The two-day event features light aircraft like autogyros, weight-shift microlight planes, Cessna planes and helicopters. This year, two new PC-21 fixed wing trainer planes flown by pilots from the Qatar Emiri Air Force are among the main attractions.
QAC, the Civil Aviation Authority, Boeing, Qatar Airways, and other companies are also conducting activities for visitors at their stalls in a bid to create awareness on aviation among children.
Al-Sulaiman said that knowledge on aviation is also spreading very fast especially with the advent of modern technology.
“There are no limits on knowledge. I call this the revolution of technology because it will make everything possible,” he noted. “I also feel manufacturing of small aircraft is going to increase.”
The senior QAC official pointed out that aviation plays an important role in every country since aircraft are used for various purposes such rescue (or emergency), medical and tourism, among others.
Despite the challenges, he believes that aviation will also continue to create many opportunities not only for residents in the country but in the whole region as well.
“A lot of people want to fly and buy an aircraft in the future,” he said. “Aviation is available to everybody, it is easy and not complicated.”
PC-21 instructor pilot Rick Williams echoed the statements of al-Sulaiman saying they are currently training pilots for the frontline.
He stressed that part of their vision is to produce not only highly qualified civilian pilots but also to open a college for military pilots.
With more pilots, Williams said they will be able to fill all the planes that Qatar Air Force has been purchasing.
“The efforts in opening up these colleges are actually going to be able to put us world class, aviation training wise. Qatar will be number one I am sure, in no time,” he added.
About some tips for aspiring Qatari pilots, he said: “I want them to join the Qatar Air Force and tell me they want to fly fighter jets. In that way we can train them and impart proper, efficient, safe training and eventually they will be flying in the front line for their country in the most advanced aircraft.”
PC-21 fixed wing trainer planes arrived in the country in October last year and were showcased during the Qatar National Day, according to Williams.

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