From Engineering to Aviation: Praveen Silvadas's Journey to the Skies

While most engineers dream of building machines, Praveen Silvadas had his sights set higher — he dreamed of flying the skies. His transition from learning complex systems to soaring above the clouds is a story of bold ambition and boundless curiosity.

Praveen's journey began in 2011 when he followed in his sister's footsteps by enrolling at Multimedia University (MMU). He started with a Foundation in Engineering programme and soon became captivated by the fascinating world of robotics. By the following year, he decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation Engineering, drawn to its blend of technology and innovation.

Little did he realise the experiences he would have at MMU were not just shaping his academic path, but setting the stage for an unexpected career shift to the skies—where his true passion for flying was about to take off.

Praveen’s journey as a pilot began in 2018 as a trainee, where he spent nearly four years before becoming a Second Officer in 2023.

Building Blocks of Learning at MMU
MMU has become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s higher education sector, gaining recognition through various accolades, including placements in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and hands-on learning, MMU has consistently nurtured graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of their chosen careers.

Praveen’s time at MMU Melaka reflected this ethos, providing him with a supportive learning environment and access to excellent facilities, especially the well-equipped engineering laboratories, library, and sports grounds where he spent much of his downtime.

The lecturers stood out for their approachability and expertise, always open to helping students directly with concerns or project guidance. Additionally, the university offered free peer tutoring classes in the evenings which Praveen found useful for mastering challenging subjects.

MMU played a key role in developing the skills crucial to Praveen’s career. “One of the skills I picked up was time management, as I had to balance classes, assignments and club activities, which helped me prioritise my tasks and finish them on time.”

His learning went beyond textbooks as hands-on projects like the electronics assignment, where he and his teammates worked on creating an automated highway lighting system, was invaluable. Through troubleshooting, and trial and error, they experimented with different methods to make the system work, sharpening his problem-solving abilities. With constant encouragement from lecturers to think outside the box, Praveen developed a mindset that empowered him to approach challenges with creativity and persistence.

As an animal lover, Praveen volunteers with organisations such as My Pets Haven.

Taking Off: A Journey into Aviation
Praveen's fascination for flying took root in 2013, during his very first flight on an aircraft. Growing up, overseas travel wasn’t something his family could afford, so when his sister surprised him and their mother with a trip to Cambodia, it became a pivotal moment. As the aircraft lifted off, he was captivated by how something so massive could soar through the air, banking and yawing with precision.

For someone who had always loved the mechanics of driving cars and riding motorbikes, this experience ignited a new passion. From that point, Praveen immersed himself in the world of aviation, devouring videos and learning everything he could about aircraft. “When I shared my ambition to be a pilot with my sister, she advised me to finish my degree first,” he says, a piece of wisdom proving to be a key turning point in Praveen’s journey.

After graduating in 2017, the following year, he took a bold step toward his dream by applying for the AirAsia Cadet Pilot programme. After the rigorous selection, he secured his spot in the MultiCrew Pilot License programme at CAE Kuala Lumpur. His journey kicked off with an intense seven months of ground school, diving into 14 subjects where a passing mark of 75% was essential. “The ground was a little tough as all the subjects were new to me,” he says. “I spent so much time studying daily and doing questions to understand the subjects better.”

Once he conquered the ground papers, it was time to take to the skies. Praveen flew to Melbourne for the practical flying phase, where he needed to log 10 hours of solo flying and 65 hours with an instructor in a single-engine aircraft. The initial flights were a thrilling mix of excitement and nervousness, as he quickly grasped the stakes of flying without a backup engine. With the guidance of supportive instructors, he sharpened his decision-making skills, especially when faced with potential in-flight failures. After eight months in Melbourne, he returned to Kuala Lumpur for extensive simulator training on the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, tackling complex systems and emergency scenarios head-on.

Following a successful skill test with a government-authorised examiner, Praveen completed an endorsement flight, executing six takeoffs and landings at Terengganu Airport. Only after passing this final challenge was he awarded his first MultiCrew Pilot License for the Airbus A320 — a triumphant milestone in his aviation journey that brought him one step closer to the skies he had always dreamed of conquering.

Praveen Silvadas is currently a First Officer at AirAsia.

Fueling the Passion for Flight
As a First Officer at AirAsia, Praveen emphasises that aspiring pilots in Malaysia need at least five credits in their SPM exams, with airlines often looking for strong grades in physics and mathematics. “Personally, I believe that as long as you have a positive and striving mindset, anything is achievable.” Praveen knows this firsthand; he initially struggled with his SPM, failing to secure enough credits for university admission. Undeterred, he retook eight subjects and graduated with impressive grades, eventually entering university and completing his degree. His journey proves that dreams are within reach if you refuse to give up.

In his role as a pilot, Praveen faced various challenges, particularly when he first started. “Managing my workload and stress was overwhelming when I joined as a trainee for the Airbus A320.” However, he learned to navigate these pressures by maintaining a calm and positive attitude.

Now, new challenges arise, such as flying into unfamiliar airports, each with its own landing procedures. Praveen must manage speed and altitude to ensure a safe landing, highlighting the importance of mental calculations in his daily tasks. The learning never stops in aviation; he continually gains knowledge from experienced captains and embraces every opportunity to grow in his role.

One of the best parts of his job is the thrill of takeoff and landing, which often come with its own challenges. However, the breathtaking views which allow him to see the clouds and iconic landmarks like the Twin Towers and Mount Kinabalu make it all worth it.