PBIS Alumna Story: From Chemistry Class to the Cockpit

Since leaving PBIS, the journey has been quite challenging but rewarding at the same time. I’m currently at the Czech Technical University in Prague, studying to become a professional pilot. Right now, I’m working through the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) programme. It is a heavy workload, but I genuinely enjoy subjects like Principles of Flight, where we get into the actual physics, aerodynamics, and mechanics of how an aircraft stays in the air. Though the course is quite challenging, I think the motivation behind all of this comes from the first time I was at the controls of a plane, and I knew this was what I have always wanted to do.

Were the subjects or experiences at PBIS that nudged you towards aviation?

I started at PBIS back in November of 2015. If you were to look at my favourite subjects back then, you might not have expected me to be where I am today in the aviation industry. I really enjoyed chemistry and stuck with it throughout from Year 7 all the way through to Higher Level in Year 13. I think one of the most enjoyable experiences I have from school is when I was in the forensics club. We were able to perform a full-scale forensic analysis for a fake murder mystery, and that was just fun.

How did you first become interested in aviation and pilot training?

As I was taking chemistry in the IB, I realized how I could relate the subject to flying. I did my Extended Essay on how the principles of green chemistry can be applied to the manufacture and disposal of aircraft de-icing fluids. It's a pretty heavy subject, but when I focused the research on aviation, I found that it made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable for me. I was also able to use my CAS time to complete my first pilot's license.

How did you find the transition from PBIS to university life?

The transition into university was definitely challenging. The entrance exams were quite difficult, and only 15 people were accepted into the program. Once the classes started, I had to adjust to 12-hour school days with almost no breaks in between. We even had a single lecture that was mandatory and lasted for seven consecutive hours, and an additional four hours of maths every single day. There is a lot of work to do in the ATPL program, and you really need to be on top of it all. Having done the IB really helped me prepare for that. The way I manage my time now is essentially what I had to learn to do when I was doing the IB. I even still use the referencing skills I learned from my EE. Another area where I felt that PBIS really gave me a massive head start was in my English. Having been at PBIS, my English was good enough for me to pass the ICAO aviation English exam at the highest level possible.

What achievements are you most proud of so far?

If there is one thing that I am most proud of so far, it would be the successful completion of all the courses in my first semester of study with high grades. Most of the students failed to complete the courses, while six students did not even begin the second semester. Since the courses involved the study of three different mathematics courses, and a lot of aviation theory, the successful completion of the first semester of study is a significant academic achievement.

What motivates you as you look towards your future career in aviation?

When you are working with these kinds of hours, you need a pretty good reason to keep moving forward. For me, the reason I get out of bed in the morning is the fact that in just two and a half years, if I'm lucky and I work hard enough, I can be flying a commercial plane.

What are your long-term goals in aviation?

Thinking about the future, the ultimate goal for me is flying the Airbus A350. By the time I reach that point in my career, the A330 will likely be out of commission or fading away, and the A350 is exactly the plane I would love to fly one day.

What advice would you give to current PBIS students?

That university is hard. Of course, it all depends on the university you choose to attend. I definitely took a hard route, and I know not everyone will choose that route. But a lot of people will not be prepared for the amount of work that you're going to do. You need to learn to sit down and get through it now within the IB program. It's not talent that will get you through your first year; it's the discipline that will actually get you through your first year. Also, don't do your homework the first time it's due. It's the only way you will survive when the workload doubles.