MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
April 2017
Steven Kamal-Eddine
Steve has been a pilot for 15 years, logging in over 7700 flight hours in numerous planes starting from single engine propeller planes to the super jumbo Airbus 380. Currently, Steve is a pilot for Emirates Airlines flying the A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner. Steve flies to over 40 destinations around the world!
Steve and his wife Mirna Farhat Kamal-Eddine are very active members in our community and supporters of Network 1017’s professional networking and mentoring program. We are very excited to feature him this month in our “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Mr. Steven Kamal-Eddine.
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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.
- Bachelors of Aviation Airline Transport at Swinburne University
- Airline Transport Pilots License – Multi Command Instrument Rating at National Aerospace Training with a Multi Engine Night Rating, Cockpit Resource Management, Dangerous Goods Certificate, Airport Reporting Officer.
- Peer Support Member at Emirates Airline
Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
Ever since I could remember I knew I wanted to be a pilot. The concept of flying was so exciting and fascinating to me. The feeling of freedom and having my office be at 40,000ft was my ultimate goal. Getting there was the hard part. Aviation is a competitive field with experience being the most critical part.
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and being a pilot has always been my dream. Their support was essential to my success. After becoming a pilot, I had the opportunity of meeting many other pilots that flew bigger and faster planes. Those pilots were my motivation and inspiration to keep elevating my career.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
After completing all my training in the city of Melbourne Australia jobs were hard to find with minimal experience. I was forced to relocate to a job in central Australia which is remote desert to build hours. I flew for a few years on minimum pay, working maximum hours operating a single engine Cessna 210 and conducting 18 sector mail runs to advance experience and hours. It was challenging work but well worth it seeing where it has led me.
After working for numerous airlines based in Australia and building my experience and hours to be qualified to fly the A380. In 2014, Emirates hired me as a direct entry on the A380.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In the next ten years, I see myself still working for Emirates Airlines.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
If you want to fly it has to be a passion! Becoming an airline pilot doesn’t come easy it is a very competitive field. It takes a lot of dedication, confidence and most importantly hours! It is all about the hours you put in. Pilots are tested and checked every 6 months so it’s a continuous cycle learning and perfecting as we learn something new about aviation every day.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
When I am not working, I am spending quality time with my wife Mirna and my children Julien and Isabella. I enjoy sports, anything adventurous and traveling with my family.
A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Mr. Steven Kamal-Eddine to admin@network1017.com
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