Behind the wings: Siv Chandrakumaran, LTC and ATO Manager

Meet #DreamTeam's Sivaram Chandrakumaran, LTC and ATO Manager

What's the secret behind GlobeAir crew's passion for BizAv

Sivaram, better known to the #DreamTeam as Siv, started with GlobeAir in September 2017 as a First Officer and quickly grew to the rank of commander in May 2019. Due to his experience from his internship at Flight Safety International, he completed the required hours quicker than average. With a long experience in the Business Aviation sector, Siv is an excellent example exhibiting endurance and turning "passion into profession".

We were able to get an exclusive interview with one of our most highly recognised Commanders. We hope you'll get to know Siv's passion behind flying with this interview.

When did your passion for aviation begin?

From a young age, the spark in the ignition was there

Like many aviators, my passion for aviation began at a very young age. The sight of these large pieces of metal floating around the sky was fascinating to me. I joined the Air Cadets in North London when I was at High School, where I attended two evenings a week.

I had the opportunity to fly light piston aircraft and managed to fly my first solo flight on a powered glider through a sponsored scholarship by the Royal Air Force. From this point, I was certain I wanted to be a pilot.

What is your current role at GlobeAir?

Safety and training is the top priority

I am currently a Line Training Commander (LTC) at GlobeAir and the Learning & Development Manager of our Approved Training Organisation (ATO). I have also recently joined the Training Department assisting them with the day to day running of our pilot's training and focussing on ways to enhance safety as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Specialist.

How does your role interact with the other departments?

Constant engagement is necessary to achieve excellence

I am constantly in contact with my training and flight operations department colleagues. I work closely with the Nominated Person of Flight Operations and Crew Training (NPFO/NPCT).

I am regularly reporting to the Accountable Manager. I am also in close contact with our Operation Control Centre (OCC) when dealing with the logistical planning of the crew training.

How does COVID-19 impact your job today, and how did it make you grow?

Adaptable and resilient to change

For me, COVID-19 has become the new normal, and anything other than this feels strange. I was lucky enough in a way to have been flying throughout the whole pandemic. It was a challenging experience, especially during the prominent peaks and hard lockdowns with constantly changing regulations. However, our entire team worked hard through the pandemic to help all those who needed to travel and repatriate during these difficult, uncertain times.

GlobeAir is an international family, do you agree?

Multicultural #DreamTeam sharing a passion for Aviation

GlobeAir is undoubtedly diverse in culture as we have colleagues from over 21 different countries. My ethnicity evolves from Sri Lanka, and I was born in France, but I have lived in London for most of my life. It’s great to have such a vast mix of colleagues with different languages and backgrounds.

Why is training so fundamental for pilots?

Earning your trust by providing the highest safety standards

Pilot training is crucial to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone involved. Being a pilot sounds fun, but with it comes great responsibility, and training is one of the best ways to mitigate many risks within the cockpit environment.

What are the challenges and the rewards of your job?

Challenges bring rewards to maximise experiences and create possibilities

There are days at GlobeAir, which can be challenging, dealing with things like bad weather, air traffic control slots and a last-minute change of plans. However, we are well trained to deal with such circumstances, ensuring we follow the highest levels of safety.

Along with challenges arises rewards, and one of the most rewarding moments is when we fly into one of many unique airports such as Samedan and Innsbruck, where our flying skills, experience and knowledge are put into full practice.

Opening the door to our passengers, revealing the beautifully scenic valley in the alps, with snow-covered tops and the sun shining down on us, is one of the most rewarding feelings of a safely completed mission.

Where do you see the future of Aviation going?

Fly greener towards for a more sustainable flying experience

Business Aviation is an essential part of travel for everyone, and the future focus now is to improve the sustainability of Aviation. GlobeAir is already deep down into our #WeArePlanetA program, which focuses on our carbon offset programmes.

Sustainability is essential for our future generations, and I am thrilled GlobeAir is proactive and actively taking care of this aspect.

Which destination can you recommend?

Southern Europe is a gateway to picturesque settings

I am an avid sun and beach lover, so I would highly recommend anywhere to the south of Europe, especially during the summer months. I am a great fan of the Balearic Islands in Spain and the beautiful island of Sardinia in Italy, as the weather is generally excellent with delicious local cuisine, especially fresh seafood.

These destinations provided panoramic views surrounded by pure blue water in one direction and endless beauty on the other.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

A family man at heart

I am 32, married and a father of two. My daughter is two years old, and my son is seven months old. We all live in our home in South London, close to our family and friends. Many challenges arise with such a young family. However, the excellent work-life balance that GlobeAir provides with our roster works perfectly for us.