Never Stop Learning

Thank you and goodbye

Starting this month I've been assigned a new job at the Chancellery. However my links with UniKL MIAT is still there, as I will still be conducting one subject the Air Transport Policy. So I will be at the campus once a week, starting next Jan 2011 semester.

The new management team are with me for the last six years. I knew them very well and have confidence of their capabilities and motivation to bring UniKL MIAT to a new height. The have served UniKL MIAT excellently.

Wish everyone at UniKL MIAT staff and students all the best.

Signing off

AZ Mokhtar

UniKL 7th Convocation

This morning at PICC the 7th UniKL convocation was officiated by the chancelor. This year the convocation marks the first for UniKL MIAT.
The first batch of our Bachelor in Aircraft Engineering Technology graduates are receiving their bachelor degree from the chancellor.
Twenty- two of them will be out in the job market. Perhaps some may opt to continue their studies.
This is the moment all the program academics and staffers are waiting for. Feeling proud. My hope is that the graduates will one day be leaders and captains of the industry.

IATA Destination Zero for CO2 Emissions

The International Air Transportation Association, IATA, is an international organization that represents air transportation organization world wide. 


The organization recognizes the impact of air transportation in contributing to the global warming across the globe. 


Thus in this video below the association states their vision of working with various air transportation organization across the globe to achieve zero Co2 emission.


Regards/ Zahir

Boeing: Long-term market -- World Regions: Asia Pacific

Half of the world's new traffic added during the next 20 years will be to, from, or within the Asia Pacific region.

Boeing: Long-term market -- World Regions: Asia Pacific

Attached above is the link to Boeing long term market outlook report for the Asia Pacific Region. Since Malaysia is in this region we will definitely gain from such growth. The question is how do we capitalize on this strong growth especially in China and India? The opportunities for UniKL MIAT's students are abundant however it is not really on your door steps. One have to be adventurous to venture into the many segments of the aviation markets in this region. Our mission in UniKL is to produce enterprising global entrepreneurs.

Regards/ Zahir

Global airline accident review of 2009

Safety is the Aviation industry critical success factor. From training to ground operations and subsequently the flight operations: safety is very much emphasized. However in the last ten years the safety records has plateaued. This has brought concerns to various citizen groups. Attached below is an interesting article for all of us to ponder. Regards/ Zahir

Airline safety in 2009, judged by the number of fatal accidents, was a little better than the average for the decade. Better still, this first 10 years of the 21st century, taken as a whole, has seen the lowest accident rates in aviation history by a considerable margin.The bad news is that the constant improvement in safety that has taken place each decade since the Wright Brothers is now stagnating. This shows in the fact that, judging by fatal accident numbers, there was a step change in safety performance around the year 2000, but there has been virtually no improvement in safety in the 10 years from 2000 to 2009. Click below for more...

Global airline accident review of 2009

Helicopter market in Asia Pacific set to take off

Is there demand for helicopters engineering technology graduates?


Well it depends! The industry is bracing itself for growth in the next few years. You can read the article below and also the links to the article in FLIGHT GLOBAL.


But the industry is also selective. The want the BEST. As they too are demanded by their clients to deliver the best. Most civilian helicopter operators operate charter services.


Some charter their helicopters to oil and gas industry, which have a very strict demand for safety and reliability. They don't tolerate delays and grounding of aircraft that affect their production schedules.


So those in the helicopter program must understand this fact. You are good, the job will find you; if you are just marginal then you'll find the industry will close its doors, in spite of your paper qualification. It may sound to be cruel, but this is the fact of life in the helicopter industry.






Helicopter manufacturers are optimistic about growth in the Asia-Pacific region, despite the adverse impact on private helicopter orders during last year's financial downturn, believing that sales in key segments such as homeland security, military and search and rescue missions will continue to increase.Eurocopter, which has 2,000 helicopters in Asia Pacific, sums up the region as the "number one helicopter market in the world". Its fleet in the area makes up about a quarter of its worldwide total, says Norbert Ducrot, Eucocopter's senior vice-president Asia Pacific sales. "We have 52% of the Asia-Pacific market," he adds.

SINGAPORE 2010: Helicopter market in Asia Pacific set to take off

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Social Responsibilities of Air Transportation

1. Safety and security

Every year millions of people travel by air. Air safety and security is a vital element for travelers. Especially after the September 2001 incident at the World Trade Center.

Airlines, airports and the aviation authority have taken drastic measures to ensure air travel is safe.

Sometimes at the inconvenience of the travelers themselves. They have to follow strict body search at airports. Their hand carry luggage are subjected to thorough checks by airport security officers.

http://www.airsafe.com/

2. Environmental friendly

Aerospace industry and air travel are contributers of water, air and noise pollution. It also carry some dangerous goods as cargo on board the aircraft. Spillage of those dangerous goods like chemicals would have serious adverse effects on the environment.

The construction of airports, roads leading to it and other supporting infrastructures would damage the natural ecosystem if not properly manage. There is a requirement in most countries for an Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A) to be carried out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_and_the_environment

3. Disabled and reduced mobility people

The requirements in many develop countries for access to air travel by this group of passenger is being supported by their respective governments.

In USA and UK regulations are enforced to ensure airlines and airports provide easy access to this group of people. In Malaysia pressure groups in the form of NGO are championing their cause.

http://www.caa.co.uk

4. Education, Research and Development

Aerospace scientists are pioneers in many technologies. Innovations and new inventions are many. In quite a number of aerospace nations we will find strong collaboration between the industry and the universities. The smart partnership is a win win for both the industries and the educational communities.

http://www.erau.edu/

5. Medical and Health

The technology developed for aerospace systems are now being used in the field of medical engineering. New smart materials are finding its uses in many surgeries and procedures that help patients.

Satellites are helping doctors to communicate with other remote hospitals around the world. In fact the advancement in satellite communication are making remotely controlled surgery a possibility in this era.

http://ipp.nasa.gov/innovation/

6. Search and Rescue

During the tsunami disaster in Acheh Indonesia the air rescue had played a very significant role in saving thousands of life. Airlift of injured people, dropping of food and medical supplies are carried out by aircrafts and helicopters during emergencies.

http://www.cnn.com

7. Quality of Life

Aerospace technology had changed the way people work, travel, communicate and exchange information. One would not be able to function properly if we are deprived of the modern technology and facilities accorded by the advancement in aerospace.

8. Information and communication

Aerospace technology greatest contribution apart from flying is in satellite communication. Many people lives are now depended on the system. Flight navigation, Global positioning , Tracking of goods, Weather forecast, Broadcasting, Mapping and etc.

http://www.insidegnss.com/

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Teamwork

Last week UniKL organized the annual student games. As a branch campus UniKL MIAT, participated in all the games.

Before the team departed for the games, there was a small function where I flagged off the team (sort off!). My expectations were for them to do well and enjoy all the games; soccer, rugby, netball, volleyball, badminton, takraw, ping pong and bowling.

The UniKL MIAT team did very well. They were in the second place among all the teams. Our soccer team lost narrowly in the semi final. Losing 1-2 in the extra-time. If they were to win that crucial match, UniKL MIAT will emerged as the overall champion of the games. Well that's what competition is all about, there are winners and there are losers. Nevertheless I was very happy with the outcome. We did not win the games but we gained valuable lessons....

I was happy because off the following:

• The teamwork displayed by all the UniKL MIAT players were beyond my expectation. This will go along way for them. The teamwork competency is vital in the aviation field. As good teamwork enhanced safety.

• The desire to win stem from their internal strength. An inside out approach. This is also an important factor to make one a successful licensed aircraft engineer. Pushing oneself to complete the given task irrespective of the conditions or situations. Later on as an aircraft engineer they work in all sort of situations and conditions. Night, day, rain, shine.....etc.

• By participating in such game, where one have to mix with strangers from other campuses. Adapting to new environment. Sharing basic resources. The experience will also be an important, later on in their career. Where one have to work across different cultures. Speaking different languages. This is what an aviator will be facing at airports all over the world.

The games are important training ground where behaviours and characters are build and nutured.

This is indeed an important aspect of education one would expect if one enroll into institution like UniKL MIAT.

End/ Zahir

Bachelor of Aircraft Engineering (Hons)- Mechanical (BAET)

This is the first bachelor degree program offered by UniKL MIAT. The curriculum was developed by the academia, aviation authority and the industry specialists. Based on their experiences and industry inputs. Taking into consideration the gaps in knowledge of the total MRO requirements.

The first batch is due to complete their studies this month. And will graduate this october.

Their presence in the industry will inject some new perspectives to the MRO industry which requires highly skilled knowledge workers.

Even though the graduates have an engineering technology bachelor degree, they are still eligible to sit for the LWTR professional examination. However if they wish to be a professional engineer they need to enrol for part 2 with the IEM.

Wishing the first batch of UniKL BAET all the best in their careers.

Regards/ Zahir

The Bachelor in Aviation Management - Hons (BAvM)

Why do UniKL MIAT, an institution focused on aircraft technology, offers this program? 

This is a normal question that I received since we start the program. Many people asked and at the same time try to offer answers. Well among the answers they gave:

• Management programs are normally cheaper to provide
• Attracts more students to UniKL MIAT
• UniKL MIAT is trying to monopolizes the aviation training sector
• To balance up the P&L
• Getting more foreign students

The real reason for UniKL MIAT to offer this program is because we listen to the many voices of the industry. The importance of well trained personnel in the aviation industry is such that it will have a significant impact to the company's bottom line. Such knowledgeable and skilled personnel will definitely enhanced the productivity of the organization.

The  graduates of the program are able to contribute to the industry in the following ways.

• Able to respond to the rapid changes in the global air travel industry as they are well grounded in the principles of air transportation and able to forecast changes as they are skilled in the use of applied statistics.
• Confident in handling issues and complaints from customers. The curriculum utilized a blended form of e-learning and problem based learning. Students can quickly asked relevant questions thus making it simpler for them to seek informations and offer quick and reliable solutions
• The students are coached by many industry experts. As such their networking capital were invested even before they graduate.
• Aviation industry operations are very complex. from Airlines to Airports then to Air Cargo Logistics and other related integrated services. In modern operational management, managers are expected to be able to simulate such complexities and then develop models to effectively run the operations. Graduates from this program are well versed with computerized simulations and operational research modeling.
• And the graduates are being grilled from year one to year four on their oral and written English competency. And of course they are also taught the basic Mandarin language. This is what the industry demands.

Since many of UniKL MIAT lecturers came from the various segments of the aviation industry we are confident that the BAvM will exceed the industry demand. And this program will be UniKL MIAT's blue ocean product serving this very important niche market. 

As an institution of higher learning we too belief in continuous learning, thus we also offer this program to working people in the industry. There is already one intake of the part time students following this program.

end/ Zahir

Aviation Maintenance Magazine :: Certification and Training of NDT Personnel

Many students asked me what they should venture into after completion of their studies at MIAT? Apart from doing their LWTR (License without type rating issued by the Department of Civil Aviation). Well one option is to venture into the field of Non Destructive Testing. To know more I have linked an article from Aviation Maintenance Magazine, below.

Regards/ Zahir

The training, certification, and documentation of aviation maintenance personnel has been a longstanding concern of the industry. Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics, avionics technicians, and certificated repairman all have strict guidelines that must be adhered to regarding training, documentation, and experience. This is no less true for the nondestructive testing (NDT) specialist.

Aviation Maintenance Magazine :: Certification and Training of NDT Personnel

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Flight to Jeddah

I was on a long awaited leave recently, about three weeks. As most of the colleagues and students at UniKL MIAT are aware that before joining the university, I was serving the Malaysian flag carrier, MAS. In fact I retired from the company in the year 2004. So I still enjoy some flight privileges.

During the leave I and my wife went to Madinah and Makkah to perform the umrah. During the Kuala Lumpur - Jeddah flight I manage to meet the pilot, Capt. Zam. Since the flight time require a third member crew, so we have time to talk on many issues as his duty time was towards the last leg of the flight.

I took the opportunity to seek his opinion about what he feels about many young people liking to become a pilot. As I was curious to know from a pilot perspectives.

He felt a lot of them just dived into it without doing some form of analysis of the job requirements and availability of vacancies. Many who took the program are not aware that there are various types of pilots to serve the wide range of aviation industry. Many young people are probably most attracted by the prospects of becoming a flight captains with major airlines, which come with handsome salaries. But the fact is that the position of vacancies are limited. Airlines normally have their own pilot cadet program. So if one wants to land in good salaried job in airlines than it is important that they qualify into the pilot cadet program. And slowly grew with the job collecting the required flying hours.

However if you are the type who loves flying and are willing to work hard in the general aviation and other form of aviation services than there are still good prospects. But you must be willing to work hard, and have an attitude for high tolerance of uncertainty.

Before spending huge amount of money getting into pilot schools to obtain the necessary flying license from the Department of Civil Aviation, one should spend some time and effort to understand the aviation industry.

Capt. Zam felt his adventure into the flying business is very rewarding and would recommend to young people who are really interested to work hard and have a passion for the job.

I cannot agree more with his views, if you want it, then go for it...

UniKL MIAT is currently negotiating with few flying schools within ASEAN to offer a Bachelor in Aviation Technology with Flying. If the planning meets our criteria we will be announcing it within this year.

Best Regards/ Zahir

Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Apprenticeship is one way for someone to get their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's license. In fact during my time in the early seventies, that was the only way. I could still recall my father's reaction when I told him that I'm quiting college and joining an airline as an apprentice. Back then an apprentice would be equated like the automobile apprentice in the popular small town mechanics shop.

Life as an apprentice as I found out later is very tough. You have to work during the day and study on your own during the nights. And as the examination came closer, the more you spent waking up all nightlong.  But then it's worth it. When you finally get your license and begun practicing your privilege, the job and the environment was something difficult to describe.

One aspect of apprenticeship that is unique compared to the college life is the mentors that you have. You work in a specific team or sometime they called it a maintenance crew. They are like your family, taking care of your progression from a young apprentice to a skilled engineer. I will never forget my mentors. Most of them have passed away, but the memory still lingers on.  To named some...Harun Abbas, Abang Zainal, Abang Man, Pa' Hamid, Pa' Itam, Pa' Wan, Pa' Bakar, Johari, Akhbar Shah, Hasjaidi, Ismail Bujang, Cutter, Siva, Chong (who passed away in aircraft crash) and all the rest............

Without my mentors I wont be what I am today. That to me is the biggest difference between the apprenticeship and the college way of learning. And interestingly PBL is emulating that strength into the formal education system. In MIAT we are exploring its usage. I for one, would like my students to taste and feel the joy of learning as what I've gone through during my apprenticeship days.

Problem Based Learning (PBL)

The education process is one that is always adapting to changes with other social- technological developments. Science and technology are getting into the mainstreams of most vocations, compared to arts and literature in the last two decades. Today; the focus is on how people learn; rather than how you teach people. Students are the central of the education system rather than teachers or their schools. As such a lot of researches has gone into the sciences and arts of learning.

In this modern and well connected world, how do you teach?  Most students are well connected (wireless devices), with information at their finger tips. Chances are they already know a lot about what the teacher wants to teach. So can you blame the student when they felt bored with the teaching, as if its a rerun of the mid night movies.

While this is going on the graduates produced by many teaching institutions like schools, colleges, and universities entering the job markets find themselves inadequate to work. They have to be retrained. As if there are big gaps between the teaching, learning and working.

Thus comes PBL. A very radical approach to teaching and learning. New paradigm shift in education.
Shifting from:

• Teacher centered to student centered
• Learning through real life problems rather than lectures
• Seeking information rather than getting information
• Working in groups rather than individual
• Less formal
• Facilitator instead of teacher

Please visit the Republic Polytechnic Singapore web page to learn more about PBL.They are one of the leading institution on PBL in this region. I was there last year in one of the international conference on problem based learning.

I have started using PBL in my Bachelor of Aviation Management classes since Jan 2009. The result is very encouraging. And in the longer term more programs will be delivered in this manner at UniKL MIAT. This will eventually reduce the gaps between university and the industry.

Demand for skilled maintenance personnel

Recently the PM announced some incentives to the aerospace industry in Malaysia. He also mentioned that the country requires 16,000 new personnel for the industry. Currently the number of aerospace/ aviation graduates that are produced by all the universities and colleges is very much smaller that the demand. As such MIGHT and EPU have been entrusted to strategize with the training providers in producing the required numbers to support the industry needs.

We are not alone in facing this shortages. ICAO an international body states that in their industry research within just ten years time, global commercial aviation will be facing shortfalls of over 400,000 skilled maintenance personnel. The figures are inline with studies conducted by IATA, Boeing and Airbus.

Due to this imbalanced between supply and demand, we will see the market demand for MIAT's graduates will be much more in the next few years.

A student's view of airport facilities for the disabled.

One of my student, who is in his third semester of the Bachelor in Aviation Management wrote this in his learning log.....

In a group or team, everyone should give their best effort in order to achieve the goals that they have planned.Thinking about this makes me wonder how people work together until they could become so advanced in their lifestyle. We could see this in the 1^st world country where they have achieved high standard in their politics, economics, social, technology, legal and environmental aspects. If we look into this matter, how can a group of people differ from the other? How a country becomes so much advanced than the others? How the mentality of the members in the group or society is shaped until they could give their best in their work? Is it genetics that plays the role? Or years of country independence that makes people become so much different in different country? Or we could say that leadership that influences people? Or is it me that has done mistakes which influenced other people to commit the same mistakes? Could man blame God for all the sufferings in the world?

If we relate this to the aviation industry, I could say that it is our own fault that leads to the mistakes and problem that occurs. Recently, my group conducted survey to LCCT and KLIA to compare the facilities provided for the poor, elderly and disabled (PED) people. What I observed is that the facilities in LCCT for PED is really bad to the point that counter for wheelchair is closed and no one cares to attend people in need. The toilet is not clean and normal people use the PED toilet freely. In KLIA the facilities for PED much better but still the environment not friendly enough for PED to feel warmly treated by the service provided. Some workers do not even smile for the customer that they serve. I do wonder how in Japan they could maintain their service and cleanliness very well. Is it different how people think in Malaysia and how people think in Japan?

After all the thoughts that came across my mind, I realize that there is no room for me to blame others for I am part of the society and I am weak as well to change others even when working with my group members. We alone could not change the world but we need others to colour the world together. This life is a journey and I take what is necessary for me to reach destination.

By Ahmad Siddiq Hassan

Welcome

UniKL MIAT's hangar from petrolkar.blogspot.com

Welcome to my blog page. I hope to discuss matters related to the campus and aviation industry. The subjects of the blog are program offerings, student issues, academic matters and since we are an aviation related institute I will also discuss the aviation/ aerospace issues.