Staff Profile - Abdul Majed Alawir, Flying Instructor

“I always told myself that with a positive attitude you can reach a higher altitude.”

This mantra by Abdul Majed Alawir has helped him survive war in Syria, a gruelling migration process and the challenges of settling in Australia as a refugee with no English to achieving his dream of being a pilot and now working as a flight instructor with UNSW Aviation. 

“My passion and dream for aviation started when I was a kid. I always told my father I wanted to become a pilot. I used to watch cartoons featuring pilots and fell in love with it.” 

When the war started in Syria in 2011, Abdul’s home city of Hama was devasted by airstrikes, closing schools and cutting supplies of water and electricity. In 2012 his family fled to neighbouring Lebanon, where they stayed for two years and underwent a gruelling process to qualify for a humanitarian visa to Australia.

In 2014, when Abdul was 14, the family arrived in Australia to start their new life.  “It was the first time I had been in an aeroplane,” said Abdul.  “I told my brother this is what I want to do”. 

Australia felt like a new home to Abdul as he was able to feel safe and secure again.  It was a new country and a new opportunity for him to pursue his dream of being a pilot. However, he had obstacles to overcome.  For a start, he couldn’t speak English. After spending six months learning the language, he commenced Year 10.  In high school, everything was different and difficult.  Due to the war, Abdul had left his education back in Year 5 and had not gone to school since, effectively missing out on Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 of schooling. 

“People would ask me about my dreams and I would always say that I wanted to be a pilot. I remember other kids laughing at me because I couldn’t even speak English well,” said Abdul. 

The careers advisors told him he needed physics and maths and he started to look into pathways to become a pilot.  “The university stood out to me as it had a high reputation and standards and their partnership with Qantaslink was attractive,” said Abdul. This became my goal. I focused on getting an ATAR and worked every day on my English language skills. 

“I knew I had to pick up the language to succeed in my career path. I got my first job at McDonald’s, which helped me with communication,” said Abdul. “That was my real opportunity to learn the language and integrate into society. I loved Australia so much and that's what motivated me to keep trying." 

Abdul completed high school and attained an ATAR score of 88.70, and after passing an interview with the then Director of the UNSW Flying Operations Unit, Mr Brian Horton, Abdul succeeded in earning a spot at the University of New South Wales, where he studied a Bachelor of Aviation in Flying.  

He said he knew the challenge would be double but he used the same method to succeed – he worked hard and late into evenings to learn and be ready for every phase of training.   “I am really grateful and thankful for the all the staff at the Flying Operations Unit as I couldn’t have done it without their support,” said Abdul.  

On finishing his flight training and graduating with a Commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument Rating and frozen ATPL, Abdul decided to undertake an instructor rating.  

“I know how difficult the pathway was for me and I wanted to give back. I wanted to help other people to show them that if you have a dream, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your dream if you have the right attitude,” said Abdul.  “I also enjoy teaching”.  

“The high standards, teaching methods and quality of staff at the FOU all pushes you to be a better pilot and a better person,” said Abdul. “In terms of flying, the way I was taught has set me up to be the professional pilot I am today. We have been shaped to excel and always strive for excellence,” said Abdul. 

Abdul now works as a Flight Instructor with the UNSW Flying Operations Unit. “Thankfully,  here I am, back home at the uni,” he said. His goal is to fly for Qantas or Qantaslink in a few years. 

And what is his advice to prospective students with a dream to fly? “Work hard, and always have a positive attitude. I always told myself, with a positive attitude, you can reach a higher altitude,” said Abdul.