Pilot’s Digest: Tell us a little about yourself?
Deepak Sehgal: My name is Deepak Sehgal and I am an American citizen of Indian descent, currently working part-time for the Executive Transport Group in the luxury transport service business, working toward achieving my goal of becoming an airline transport pilot. Back in 2008, I secured admission for aviation and joined the Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, due to my father’s passing, I had to give up my dream at the time and go back to India. Once I returned to Vegas from India, I was still extremely passionate about flying and wanted to pursue my dream, but due to immense family responsibilities and certain challenges, this goal was further put on hold. Now, after saving resources and having worked hard to pursue this dream, my passion and urge to make this a reality are stronger than ever!
PD: How did you get into flying?
DS: When I was a young child, my cousins motivated and inspired me, as they were very successful airline transport pilots in India. I have always been fascinated by great heights and speed and have always experienced great calm and serenity flying high above the clouds. The magnificent and huge aircraft have always intrigued me and that is what encouraged me to one day fly these beautiful machines.
PD: Tell us how you went about choosing a flight school?
DS: To reignite my dream of pursuing aviation and becoming an airline transport pilot, I started off by conducting preliminary research on the internet. I dug deep into various sites to find relevant information. Youtube was also an exceptionally helpful platform that allowed me to discover a lot of information about flight schools, and that is how I decided that a flight school would be very valuable in helping me reach my goal.
PD: What made you choose American Flyers?
DS: I read about American Flyers’ Morristown, NJ location in an aviation magazine and since I am based in Woodbridge, NJ, this location was very convenient and comfortable for me. Upon doing more research, I found that American Flyers is one of the oldest aviation schools and has earned a worldwide reputation of being a premier flight school. I considered myself very lucky to have this amazing flight school within my reach.
PD: How much outside studying did you have to put in during your time with American Flyers?
DS: I have put a lot of time into going through all the literature provided to me by American Flyers because it is very interesting and informative for me to learn so much about aviation. Besides the books given by AF, I also try to read and study as much as possible whenever I find the time. With social media flourishing and the plethora of informative and entertaining YouTube videos, I have another great medium to turn to for new ideas and information to add to my knowledge base!
PD: What is your most memorable moment at American Flyers?
DS: American Flyers has provided me with the most professional and educationally sound training over the course of my time learning here. The flight instructors here are extremely patient, very kind, and welcoming to all learners and never leave a question unanswered! My flight instructor, Mr. Cesar Salazar has been very kind and patient with me throughout the course. My most memorable moment at American Flyers would be when I flew for the very first time with Cesar and experienced the great heights and speed of the aircraft.
PD: Looking back, what advice would you give someone interested in starting pilot training?
DS: If I could advise anyone interested in starting pilot training at a flight school and passionate about becoming a pilot, I would begin by saying that perseverance and hard work are the keys to success and achieving those dreams. I would also say that willpower and dedication are needed to reach the dreams anyone seeks because, without them, dreams can never become a reality. Finally, I would also recommend them to check out American Flyers as it is the best flight school and there are no doubts about that!
PD: What’s next for you?
DS: For now, my goal is to become an airline transport pilot and all of my energy is channeled into achieving that goal. I have always wanted to see myself in the smart uniform of a pilot, and I cannot wait for that to become a reality! I am ready to work diligently and do whatever it takes to achieve all that I have sought. After successfully completing my course and getting the license to fly, I want to fly all over the world!
PD: If you could fly anywhere, go to any flying destination, where would it be?
DS: I have always wanted to fly all over the world, not staying in one place. If possible, I would absolutely love to fly to India someday, because that is the country where I was born!