Insight Middle East and Africa is thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Ayesh Shanah, the Managing Director at Sarsan Aviation Academy, in this exclusive conversation.
Mr. Ayesh, could you please introduce yourself and elaborate on your role as the Managing Director at Sarsan Aviation Academy?
I am a former licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. I made the transition into training around 6 years ago. A couple of colleagues and I prepared a business proposal, found an investor, and Sarsan Aviation Academy became a reality. We have built it from ground zero into a GCAA CAR 147 approved organization. I oversee the entire organization and am also the accountable manager in accordance with the GCAA.
We’d love to gain an understanding of Sarsan Aviation Academy’s overarching vision and mission in shaping the future of aviation learners. Could you provide us with an overview?
At Sarsan, we aim to deliver the highest quality of training possible to the learners. We go the extra mile to incorporate different technologies, such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing, into the syllabus to give the learners a broader aspect of aviation. Our vision is to make every learner ready to enter the field of aircraft maintenance at their best and develop them into the best candidates for the workforce.
What sets Sarsan Aviation Academy apart from other aviation training academies in the region?
What sets us apart from others is our initiative given to the learner from the moment they join until they achieve their license. Even after that, we will do our best, having tied up with different recruitment agencies to assist as much as we can for job placements inside and outside the UAE.
Could you elaborate on the courses offered at Sarsan Aviation Academy and the specific areas they focus on?
We offer a comprehensive basic aircraft maintenance license program for three different categories: CAT A1, CAT B1.1, and CAT B2 licenses. All the courses consist of theory and practical components, and on-the-job training is incorporated within them to ensure the candidates are eligible, at the end of their course, to obtain their respective licenses.
Keeping up with the ever-evolving advancements in aviation technology and industry practices is crucial. How does Sarsan Aviation Academy ensure that its training remains up-to-date?
All our instructors undergo additional training to ensure they are up-to-date. Whether it is a type rating course, GENFAM on an aircraft, or any specific course that adds value to them while delivering the basic course syllabus.
Practical training and industry exposure are vital components of aviation education. Could you shed some light on the kind of hands-on experiences students receive during their time at the academy?
The candidates receive hands-on training and exposure in our in-house workshop, which is equipped with all the necessary equipment to provide proper training. Additionally, Sarsan has agreements with many major airlines to ensure that their on-the-job training is fulfilled on live aircraft.
Securing the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval is indeed a significant achievement. Could you elaborate on what this GCAA approval means for students and how it sets the academy apart?
Being a GCAA-approved organization means that our academy follows specific guidelines, and the quality of teaching and everything within the organization has to be maintained in order to uphold our approval. In short, it means that we have to keep and maintain a standard that satisfies the authority. This ensures the quality of our teaching.
CAT B1.1 and CAT A1.1 licenses might be of interest to many aspiring learners. Can you explain the differences between these two licenses and their respective career paths in the aviation industry?
The CAT B1.1 license is a type license, allowing the candidate to endorse a specific aircraft type on their license. On the other hand, CAT A1.1 is a task license. This permits the candidate to receive training on certain tasks within their organization, enabling them to sign off on those tasks. Both licenses are vital in the field and will enable growth and achievement. It all depends on the amount of effort you are willing to invest.
Sarsan Aviation Academy’s growth and expansion plans are undoubtedly exciting. Can you offer some insights into what we can expect in the coming years? Are there any innovative initiatives or projects on the horizon to further enhance the academy’s role in aviation training?
At the moment, we are working towards obtaining our approval from EASA and type rating approvals. Soon, we will be able to offer a full package to the learners to ensure they are 110% ready for the industry.
Finally, what message would you like to convey to potential students worldwide who are contemplating joining Sarsan Aviation Academy? Your thoughts could be invaluable in helping them make an informed decision about their future in the aviation sector.
To all the learners who aspire to be aircraft engineers, it is never too late to follow your dreams. Here at Sarsan, we will ensure that all your dreams come true and that you achieve your goals. We will be with you to teach, guide, and stand by you until you complete what you set out to do.