GEORGETOWN: Teenage trained helicopter pilot

GEORGETOWN: Captain, Azam Ally, who created history by being the first person to receive his training and certification in Guyana. Previously, aspiring pilots had to secure helicopter training overseas. On Wednesday, Ally’s historic achievements were honoured by way of a simple ceremony hosted in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Works, where he was presented with his ‘license to fly’ by Senior subject Minister, Juan Edghill. “I feel very honoured,” Ally said, upon receiving his certification. Reflecting on his journey, Ally said that he had always admired the field of aviation, and was determined to pursue it when he grew up. “Also, I always looked up to my brother, who is just a year older than me. He is a pilot too, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Ally said.

Ally started his aviation career in 2019 as a trainee aircraft mechanic in the aircraft maintenance department of Air Services Limited. After a successful stint, Ally was assigned to the rotorcraft maintenance programme, which provided him with the foundational knowledge of rotorcraft maintenance. In 2020, upon completion of one year in maintenance, Ally was given the opportunity by Captain Mazahar Ally to begin training as a helicopter pilot. His training commenced on August 3, under the tutelage of Captain Buddy Chance, a veteran helicopter pilot, and one of two approved helicopter flight instructors at Air Services Limited.

Ally successfully accumulated 50.2 hours of flying, 12.2 of which were done solo.

Ally’s next step is to pursue a licence to fly helicopters for commercial purposes. Such trainings are not yet offered in Guyana, and would have to be done overseas.