Yazan Alkhaldi (Instagram A/c: pilotalkhaldi) is a Jordanian pilot who holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and has four years of engineering experience. In 2022, he earned his pilot’s license and flew the Embraer E1 and E2 fleet before switching to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He has accrued over 1500 flight hours throughout this period, all of which have fueled his enthusiasm for flying.
He has had a strong interest in aviation since he was a young kid, and this interest led him to seek a career in flying. To him, flying has always been more than just a job over the years; it’s a combination of accuracy, accountability, and the realization of a lifetime dream. As he pursues his flying career, he is proud to be a part of an airline that represents his country internationally and hopes to inspire future generations of pilots.
Q.) Describe your very first flight as a pilot. To and from where was your first flight?
Pilot Yazan: The first time I flew as a pilot was on November 2, 2022. I flew aboard the Embraer E1 (E175) from Amman, Jordan, to Baghdad, Iraq, and it was an absolutely unforgettable day. It was both exhilarating and humble to take charge of a real commercial route while sitting in the cockpit for the first time. The flight out of Amman went smoothly, but as we took off, I could feel the weight of duty. As I entered Iraqi airspace, I took a moment to process the fact that I was actually putting years of preparation, practice, and training into action.
It was an iconic approach to Baghdad. That landing signaled not just the conclusion of a flight but also the start of my career as a pilot.
Q.) What made you decide to become a pilot?
Pilot Yazan: Being a pilot was always my dream job, so I chose to pursue it. From a young age, I was fascinated by aircraft and the concept of flying. Traveling the world, experiencing other cultures, and taking on the challenge and duty of securely transporting passengers across a variety of places are all made possible by my profession.
Q.) What should a pilot bear in mind when flying to the skies?
Pilot Yazan: A pilot must constantly strike a balance between safety, situational awareness, and following the rules when flying. This entails careful pre-flight planning, including examining the weather, aircraft condition, fuel, and weight restrictions. The pilot has to keep an eye on the instruments, remain mindful of other aircraft, communicate effectively with air traffic control, and be prepared for any emergency while in flight. Effective navigation, fuel management, and smooth aircraft control are essential, with passenger comfort taken into account when appropriate. Lastly, thorough landing preparation and post-flight debriefing guarantee future flight safety and preparedness.
Q.) If, as a professional pilot, you achieve all your objectives. What do you hope to contribute to the aviation industry?
Pilot Yazan: As a professional pilot who has accomplished all of his goals, the next step would be to improve safety, efficiency, and innovation in the aviation sector. This could entail pushing for improvements in aviation technology and sustainability, sharing operational experiences to enhance training and procedures, and mentoring the upcoming generation of pilots. Furthermore, encouraging a culture of professionalism and accountability, supporting research in human factors and flight safety, and helping to develop best practices would all help to raise industry standards and make air travel safer, more dependable, and more sustainable for all.
Q.) What do you think traveling is all about?
Pilot Yazan: A pilot’s journey is a special fusion of responsibility and exploration. Pilots, in contrast to ordinary tourists, observe the globe from the cockpit as they navigate various airports and airspaces and see landscapes unfold from above. In addition to providing opportunity to sample various cultures, cuisines, and settings during layovers, travel has become a professional routine that involves frequent movement between cities and nations. In addition to flexibility, self-control, and safety, the subtle joys of flying—like watching sunrises from 41,000 feet, feeling the excitement of takeoff, and enjoying the global connectivity that aviation provides—are equally significant. In the end, flying is a career and a personal journey for pilots, who use each flight as an opportunity to learn about accuracy, perspective, and the human experience of flying.
Q.) In your opinion, what traits should pilots develop in order to stand out among the many applicants for the same position?
Pilot Yazan: Along with good communication, teamwork, discipline, and adaptability, pilots should also develop great flying abilities, excellent decision-making, and situational awareness. Their love of flying and dedication to lifelong learning also make them unique.
Q.) During your flying career, what was the most significant change you witnessed in aviation?
Pilot Yazan: The biggest change I saw in aviation during my career was the speed at which technology was developing, especially the transition from analog to fully automated glass cockpit systems. Pilots’ roles shifted from manual operators to systems managers as a result of this transition, which increased flight safety, efficiency, and navigation accuracy while necessitating ongoing education and adjustment to new digital tools and processes.
Q.) Do you have a favorite route to fly? A vivid memory of something you remember seeing from the air during a flight?
Pilot Yazan: Yes, definitely! Since Toronto had some genuinely remarkable sites, it was one of my favorite flight routes. I recall flying over Greenland on the way there, its enormous ice sheets extending eternally below, a stunning reminder of the size and might of nature. I had the amazing experience of seeing the aurora, a shimmering dance of green lights over the night sky, for the first time from the cockpit on the way back. It was breathtaking to see that from above the clouds; it encapsulated the wonder of flight.
Q.) What do you want every traveler to remember when they get on their next flight?
Pilot Yazan: From the standpoint of a pilot, I want every passenger to keep in mind that professionalism and safety come first. Every flight is supported by a group of skilled experts who strive to provide a safe and easy travel experience. Furthermore, I hope they understand the intricate coordination and accuracy required to transport them safely from one location to another. Above all, I want them to enjoy the rush of taking off, the beauty of the planet from above, and the chance to visit new locations while having faith that every aspect of the trip is meticulously planned for their comfort and safety.
Q.) Any suggestions for future pilots?
Pilot Yazan: I always advise aspiring pilots to: master your flying skills, maintain discipline, communicate clearly, and never stop learning.
By: Rida Khan (Aviation Author)
Instagram A/c: aviationauthor.ridakhan
