The Young Passionate Aviator Looking For Second Chance Of Hope

It has been my dream to be a pilot ever since I was a young boy. I would watch planes and helicopters take off and land from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo located close to where I grew up. I was a member and a project coordinator of our school aviation society and I took part in many aviation-based workshops and events organized. Furthermore, I have served as a cadet in National Cadet Corps, Sri Lanka, and won band camp western championship year 2012 medal and badge, won Hermann Loose De Soyza Competition in the year 2012, participated in Junior Leadership Course – 2012, participated in honor of guard ceremonies, participated National Independence day Ceremony 2011. Last but not least I was awarded the “Certificate of Merit” for my services rendered towards the Royal College Cadet Band in the year 2012. My father was a Sri Lanka Air Force war veteran, so I grew up with a love for aviation. I have pursued my career in Aviation by getting employed as a Cargo Agent with Emirates. Also, I am a member of Resilient Pilot (resilientpilot.com) which gained me access to many individuals from the aviation community who has helped greatly and given me advice. I have also tried to develop myself professionally by studying Masters of Business Administration at, University of Wolverhampton; UK online. My ambition in life is to return to Royal British Army Air Corps as an Officer Pilot in Rotary Wing Aircrafts and follow my father’s roots under the commonwealth recruitment category. While I am working with Royal British Army I would like to assist the next generation of aviators to pursue their dreams. Although I am the sole breadwinner of my family, I am motivated, and I strive to complete my flight training and to better support my family. Hence, I seek assistance from the Great Britain Government, Aviators, UK Veterans, current members of the defense force with the hope that you will be able to assist me in my search for flight training and joining the British Army. British Army is an innovative leader in the military industry and trains cadets under world-class training in Sandhurst, and I would be thrilled to represent British Army through Army Air Corps by delivering hard-hitting and effective support to ground forces during the key stages of the battle, reconnaissance. From high above the action, observe enemy forces and pass information to troops on the ground, use a fearsome combination of maneuverability and firepower, rescue operations, and MEDEVAC & CASEVAC operations and cooperation with the aircraft team and elite troops.

If I was to receive this opportunity and assistance, it would be greatly beneficial for me to start my training with flight training under the British Army Air Corps which will be the first step in achieving my end goal of becoming a military pilot. Within the training period as an Officer Cadet, with the aid of this support, I will complete my academic, military training, and flight training towards joining as an Army Air Corps as Military Pilot. I will gain exposure to the field of aviation and acquire the competencies required of becoming a professional. This support will ease the financial burden I have and the skills I obtain with this training will also be greatly beneficial for me in completing my master’s degree which I am presently reading for. I will also develop connections in the field of aviation between peers, instructors, and other professionals which will also be of great support for my career development. I will continue my employment with British Army during my training to save the funds needed for my future training and education. I am also signed up to a pilot development program with Resilient Pilot where I am getting mentored in pilot competencies in order to better equip myself for my future flight training. My aim is to be a military pilot and work with British Army Air Corps. So winning this great support from British Army and you would enable me to really begin this process.

Over my six years of experience as an Aviation professional, I have worked for five highly reputable international airlines (FITS Air, Mihin Lanka Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines) and have achieved tangible success in customer satisfaction and efficiency. I have significant experience in several areas of Aviation operations including customer services, cargo operations, Inflight catering services, and ground handling. As such, I have a good big picture understanding of how the Aviation teams work together to ensure safety, efficient and effective operations.

During my time at Emirates Airlines, I was recognized by my team for the commitment and pioneering efforts to help maximize revenue generation under challenging circumstances. Appreciation Letters were received three times consecutively from Mr. Jassim Saif (Emirates Vice President Cargo Commercial – West Asia & South East Asia) for creditable and commendable service rendered despite the Pandemic situation of Covid -19. Letters received dates: 21th Jun 2020, 05th May 2020, and 23rd Apr 2020. Received Najm Appreciation Award from Emirates Group on 30 Mar 2021. An officer pilot is the one of frontline members of military operations on the battlefield, and as such, it is my professional goal to offer exceptional service that reflects the high standards set by the Royal British Army.

At Emirates Airlines, I have handled increasingly demanding responsibilities with finesse. Over my experience of 06 logged years in both International and domestic flights, I have provided personalized service to my customers while aiming to go beyond all expectations and ensure that my customers receive the best possible service. On a daily basis, I work with freighters and passenger flights at a time and coordinate with my teams in the aircraft and airport to depart flights on time beginning with aircraft arrival.

 My immediate priority is to complete my entire flight training and to obtain all the qualifications required to start my career as an Officer Pilot in British Army Air Corps. Then, I wish to join the Resilient Pilot mentoring team as a volunteer mentor and guidance coach for my students in becoming professionals with skills and knowledge. Within the next 10 years, it is my desire to start voluntarily a fund named “The Dream Flyers Fund” to help struggling students like myself in realizing their dream. Also, with my colleagues, I wish to start a mentoring group to guide aviation enthusiastic youth especially in rural parts of both countries. I will work towards always trying to be better at what I do by educating myself and expanding my knowledge to the best of my ability. Obtaining this support and assistance will mean the world to me and I am certain that my success story will be of great motivation for many passionate yet struggling aviation lovers like myself.

The responsibility of taking care of my mother, brother, and sister fell upon me in 2015 making me the sole breadwinner of the family. I was very young to take on such a task, but I carried myself to somehow not let my family down. I gained employment with Emirates as a Cargo Agent to financially assist my family. At the same time, I started my master’s degree in Business Administration to further enhance my education. I wouldn’t let these circumstances avert me from my final ambition of becoming a qualified and professional pilot. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have with Emirates. But my income is not sufficient to take care of my family and to save up for my flight training simultaneously.

Hence, I am seeking your assistance and I am looking for my Sponsor/host /guardian in order to join British Army Air Corps.

--Quoted text from army recruitment portal---

''The sponsor should be in the UK legally, and be able to provide you with accommodation during your stay in the UK. Your sponsor will be contacted to confirm that they’re willing to sponsor you. You’ll also have to give us a copy of your sponsor’s passport and utility bills.''

--Unquoted Text--

With my strong track record and personable character, I am confident I would make a valuable addition to the British Army Air Corps. I would happy to discuss my all details in an in-person interview/meeting with my sponsor/host/guardian. You can reach me at 0094715910400/0094768047240 or by email at devinda_dissanayake@yahoo.com or devindadissa1903@gmail.com. Thank You and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Furthermore, Please support my post by sharing, commenting, reacting for better reach among LinkedIn family.

Best Regards

Devinda Dissanayake