An Exclusive Interview with Pilot Abdulaziz AlShoail
A passion of flying with the ambition to become a successful Pilot
Pilot Abdulaziz AlShoail (Instagram A/c: abdulaziz_alshoail ), who is based in Kuwait, worked hard to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He has a degree in mechanical marine engineering, works as a seasoned sales executive, and loves flying airplanes. In his professional life, he wears two hats:
Sales Director – He is in charge of eight business units in Kuwait in the Energy Products & Services division of a multinational American company in the oil and gas industry.
Commercial Pilot & Pilots Instructor – Founder of the aviation training consultancy “Eager Pilots,” which has conducted Kuwait’s first EASA aligned PPL ground school and six “Basics of Aviation” workshops.
He started working in upstream energy 17 years ago. He improved his leadership, procedural, safety, and analytical skills by overseeing high-stakes technological projects. Simultaneously, his lifelong passion of flying prompted him to obtain a Commercial Pilot License and a Pilots Instructor License, which enabled him to teach new pilots and fly for pleasure. Pilot Abdulaziz, who has a strong enthusiasm for flying, started his pilot training in 2012. After receiving his Commercial Pilot’s License in 2017, he went on to receive his Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor Licenses.
Q.) Please share your career achievements.
Pilot Abdulaziz: “My greatest accomplishment is the success of my students.”
Other accomplishments include:
Dual-track excellence – Aviation and Energy. While working in the oil and gas industry full-time, I obtained every important pilot’s certificate, including the Instructor and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Managing both jobs has improved my leadership and time-management abilities.
Mentorship that produces airline Pilots – The majority of the dozens of prospective pilots I have taught since starting my “Basics of Aviation” workshops in Kuwait are currently employed as First Officers and, in some cases, other positions on Middle Eastern and worldwide airlines.
Extensive international ferry- flight experience – I have flown a lot of Tecnam-series aircraft on ferry flights since 2017. I have delivered new aircraft from the Tecnam factory in Italy to:
-Saudi Arabia (multiple repositioning missions).
-India (Ahmad Abad), on a route that crossed roughly 12 airports and air-traffic regions worldwide.
My operational exposure to various weather, airspace, and regulatory contexts was expanded by these flights.
Regional ambassador for aviation training – At several aviation shows in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, I represented my Saudi-based flight school, from which I graduated, fostering regional ties and advancing top-notch pilot training.
Q.) You have a strong enthusiasm for flying. Could you elaborate?
Pilot Abdulaziz: It seems to me that aviation is ingrained in my DNA. In 1992, when I was nine years old, I saw my father, an aircraft engineer with Kuwait Airways, oversee the maintenance team under a Boeing’s wing. The aroma of jet fuel, the exact choreography on the ramp—those visuals solidified the dream of flight in my mind.
I set an ambitious objective that year, but my unwavering perseverance got me from the classroom to the cockpit. I found my second passion—Teaching—while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in marine mechanical engineering. I frequently helped classmates understand difficult mechanics by demythologizing them. My approach as a pilot instructor was later influenced by the addictive delight of transforming something “difficult” into something comprehensible.
Q.) How do you describe your life as a Pilot instructor?
Pilot Abdulaziz: I run an aviation “Lab” on the ground:
1. Prepare every lesson by updating the material to reflect the most recent rules and case studies.
2. Teach students in interactive learning environments where they address real-world problems rather than only taking notes.
3. Coach one-on-one to overcome individual hurdles during “hangar hours.”
4. Debrief & refine after every session, adjusting material the way pilots tweak flight plans.
5. Balance this with my role in the energy sector, both of which require the same level of safety.
Q.) During your ferry flights, was there ever a situation where you had to deal with a difficult situation?
Pilot Abdulaziz: Yes, definitely. I can still clearly recall one such instance. Shortly after takeoff, I had an engine failure while flying a ferry flight from an international airport. It was one of those situations that challenges every aspect of your training, intuition, and mental stability. I had to evaluate the situation instantly, make a quick choice, and perform a safe emergency landing; there was no time for delay.
Q.) What do you think most pilots struggle with during their selection and training to become pilots?
Pilot Abdulaziz: Aspiring pilots frequently encounter a number of difficulties throughout the selection and training process. Preparation is one of the most important. Many people underestimate the range and depth of knowledge needed, including mental and emotional preparedness in addition to technical skills.
Remaining Composed under Pressure is another significant obstacle. The training environment, particularly during check rides and evaluations, can be tough. Maintaining composure, thinking clearly, and performing consistently under pressure requires a great deal of inner power.
Another significant obstacle is Time Management. It takes planning and discipline to balance theoretical studies, flight hours, simulator sessions, and personal obligations. If you don’t manage your time well, you can easily feel overburdened.
Q.) What are the advantages of being a Pilots instructor on the road to a commercial pilot career?
Q.) In your opinion, what is the most fulfilling aspect of working as a pilot instructor in Kuwait.
Q.) What, in your opinion is the most significant aspect of excellent coordination between captain and co-pilot?
Pilot Abdulaziz: Effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) built on:
Q.) What advice would you provide to students pursuing a commercial pilot license?
Pilot Abdulaziz: My advice is:
Master the basics early— improve your communication, discipline, and English skills.
Treat every flight like a check-ride; discipline pays dividends.
Invest in human-factors training—CRM and ADM are airline buzzwords.
Stay healthy and multilingual—English IFR phraseology is mandatory; a second language is a bonus.
By: Rida Khan (Aviation Author)
Instagram A/c: aviationauthor.ridakhan
