Trainee Pilot
Prepare a flight plan and complete a safe flight simulation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in a Cessna 172 following your planned route.
Section A: The Brief
Careers can start with one email, here's yours.
Welcome to the Trainee Pilot experience!
I’m Alan from Astranda, and I’ll be your mentor for this experience. You’re stepping into the role of Trainee Pilot for Solara Airlines. Your mission is to chart your flight plan, check the weather, calculate fuel, and then take off in an online simulator to complete your journey. The team at Solara Airlines has provided a video (see attachment) showing the Dubai to Abu Dhabi route you’ll be planning and flying. Watch it before you start your work so you can see what your flight will be like!
Remember to aim high, stay on track, and present your work professionally. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
If you have any questions or want feedback, I’m just an email away at alan@astranda.com.
Regards,
Alan
alan@astranda.com | Head of Partnerships
File: DXB-AUH-Simulator.mp4
Section B: The Job
Step into the role.
Trainee Pilot
Level: Entry-Level
Duration: ~8 Hours
Result: Performance Report
Role Description: Plan routes, check the weather, and make sure the plane is safe to fly.
Key Performance Indicators: Measured by your ability to plan, comply with safety requirements and perform a flight simulation.
Key Deliverables
By the end of this experience, you will have created:
Here are some key details to key in mind as you work:
Why is this important: At Solara Airlines, flight preparations and simulations ensures safety
Tech stack: Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, ChatGPT, Flight Planner Database, GeoFS
Common challenges to avoid: Skipping small steps that seem unimportant
Expert tip: Double-check all elements before flying to ensure safety
Section C: The Workflow
Phase 1: Flight Planning
Step 1.1 - Pre-Flight Preparations
Flight Plan
As a Trainee Pilot, you will need to prepare a basic flight plan. This is a clear map that shows where the plane will go, how long the flight will take, and how much fuel is needed.
The team at Solara Airlines have asked you to create a plan for one of their most popular routes, Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in a Cessna 172.
Your first step as a Trainee Pilots is researching the distance between departure and arrival airports and how long the flight usually takes in your airplane.
Before preparing your full Flight Plan, you must also check the weather and calculate how much fuel is needed for the journey. These two things can affect how smooth and safe the flight will be. For this step, colleagues at Solara Airlines suggested you:
Check the weather:
Go to UAE National Center for Meteorology, weather.com or Google Weather and look up the weather for Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the date you plan to fly.
Write down the temperature, wind speed, and if there are any storms, sand, or clouds expected.
Estimate flight time:
Search “Dubai to Abu Dhabi flight time” on Google or use AirMilesCalculator.com with a Cessna 172 (LINK).
Write this down for your flight plan.
Estimate fuel:
Research the number of liters a Cessna 172 needs per hour.
Multiply that by the flight time to get your total fuel.
Add an extra 10–15% for emergencies or delays.
Many Trainee Pilot at Solara Airlines use UAE's National Center of Meteorology to check the weather as it gives detailed reports per airport.
Source: National Center of Meteorology
As a Trainee Pilot planning a simulated flight, you can create a basic flight plan using a template you have created. A colleague at Solara Airlines has suggested you use Flight Plan Database (LINK) to create a plan. Once completed, download the JOSN file. When you start your simulated flight, you can upload this so your route will show on the map.
Source: Flight Plan Database
After researching all the details, prepare your Flight Plan on Google Docs, including:
The details of the route between Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
The weather forecast between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Your estimated flight time and fuel amount
There are other online templates (LINK) available that are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. Once you have a template, you can upload it to ChatGPT to help fill it out but just make sure to double-check all the details afterward.
Flight planning is one of the most important jobs a pilot does before takeoff. It helps make sure the plane has the right amount of fuel, follows the safest route, and avoids bad weather. Good planning keeps everyone on board safe and makes the flight smooth from start to finish. For junior pilots, learning how to plan a flight teaches responsibility, attention to detail, and how every small decision can make a big difference in the sky.
Cessna 72 Pre-Flight Inspection
Before any flight, pilots carefully inspect their aircraft to make sure everything is working correctly. This step is called a Pre-Flight Inspection. Even small things, like a loose screw or low fuel, can affect safety so pilots always check every detail before take-off.
Source: Fly with Pedro
Solara Airlines have requested you create a new Cessna 172 Pre-Flight Inspection form with simple directions for other trainee pilots to follow. Your colleague has shared the following points to help:
Open Google Docs and create a Solara Airlines Pre-Flight Template.
Title your document: “Cessna 172 Pre-Flight Inspection – Solara Airlines”.
Create a visual of the Cessna 172 with labels for all the main parts.
Create a checklist that includes these main sections:
Exterior check: wings, fuel caps, tires, and lights
Cockpit check: switches off, seat belts secure, instruments clear
Fuel and oil check: confirm levels and look for leaks
Control surfaces: move the yoke and pedals to test controls
Safety equipment: fire extinguisher and first-aid kit
For each section, add one short instruction in simple language for another trainee pilot — for example:
“Check the right wing for dents or cracks.”
“Make sure the fuel cap is tight.”
“Move the control stick left and right to test movement.”
End your document with a short note that says:
“Aircraft ready for pre-flight approval – signed by Trainee Pilot {{Your Name}}.”
Pre-flight checks are one of the most important safety habits in aviation. Every real pilot follows a checklist before every flight. Learning this early helps you develop focus, patience, and care for detail, which are all essential for safe flying.
Phase 2: Simulated Flying
Step 2.1 - Flight Simulation
Fly Planned Route
As a Solara Airlines Trainee Pilot, you must fly from Dubai (DXB) to Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in a simulator to an acceptable standard. Research and complete basic training for flight simulator GeoFS online so you can understand how to complete your flight in a Cessna 172.
Source: Virtual Flying
Here are some basic instructions for your simulated flight:
Go to https://www.geo-fs.com/
Click on "Fly!"
Click on "Aircraft", scroll down, and click on "Cessna 172".
Click on "Location", then "On Runway", and then "Dubai International Airport (DXB)"
Click "NAV" to show the map. Click "Flight Plan" at the top. Click the folder icon ["Open flight plan file (JOSN)] and upload your JOSN file from Step 1.1. Your route will show on the map.
Click 9 on your keyboard. The plane is now moving! Wait for a while, until the plane is in the middle/after the middle of the runway. Slowly click the down arrow key until the plane is off the ground.
Using the arrow keys or mouse, turn the plane until it is straight and level in line with your route to Abu Dhabi.
Click A to turn on autopilot.
Using the arrow keys, line the plane up with the runway, and pitch it down. Turn on spoiler, gear, brakes. Click 9.
After you are near the runway, press 0. Then slowly press the up arrow and land the plane.
Click e to turn off engine.
Source: GeoFS
As a Solara Airlines Trainee Pilot, you must practice your flight several times. When you are confident in your ability, fly from Dubai (DXB) to Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and use your screen recorder or a phone camera to record a short clip (30–60 seconds) of your takeoff, mid-flight view and landing.
Flight simulations let Trainee Pilots practice flying in a safe environment. This experience allows Trainee Pilots build confidence, improve focus, and get ready for the skies at a low cost. Before they ever fly a real plane, pilots spend at least 100 to 200 hours training in flight simulators. Even experienced airline pilots use simulators every few months to stay sharp and practice emergency situations.
Deliverable Due
Step 2.2 - Flight Performance Report
Post-flight Debriefing
Every pilot in Solara Airlines reviews their flight after landing to see what went well and what could be improved. This helps them become safer, smarter, and more confident the next time they fly.
In this step, you’ll write a Flight Performance Report for your Solara Airlines journey from Dubai (DXB) to Zayed International Airport - Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH):
Open Google Docs and title your report “Solara Airlines – Flight Performance Report.”
Write one short paragraph about how your simulation went:
Was your takeoff smooth?
Did you stay on your route?
How was your landing?
List one challenge you faced during your flight (for example: wind, staying level, or turning).
Explain how you fixed it or what you would do differently next time.
Deliverable Due
Congratulations on completing the Solara Airlines Trainee Pilot Experience!
You’ve completed real pilot-style tasks that show how aviation professionals prepare, plan, and reflect before every flight. Specifically, you:
Created a Flight Plan for the route from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Completed a Weather and Fuel Checklist to ensure a safe and efficient journey
Flew a Flight Simulation using an online tool to experience what it’s like in the cockpit
Wrote a Flight Performance Report reflecting on your flight and what you learned
This is exactly how real pilots train — by planning carefully, flying with focus, and reviewing each flight to improve their skills. You’ve shown strong attention to detail, patience, and responsibility — all key qualities for a successful pilot.
Once you submit the work and receive feedback, you can add it to your CV or LinkedIn under Projects as “Astranda × Solara Airlines - Trainee Pilot”.
Quick reminder, please follow the Submission Guidelines below to finalize your completion.
This is a meaningful step toward a career in law. We’re proud of your progress, and you should feel confident knowing you have what it takes to keep moving forward. Keep stacking achievements and experiences that set you apart.
Regards,
Alan
alan@astranda.com | Head of Partnerships
How to Submit
Submit your work, get feedback, certificates and more.
Submission Guidelines
Put everything in one folder
Name it:
Astranda_[ExperienceName]_[YourFullName]_[School]Include your docs, slides, videos, images, and any source files.
Upload to Google Drive
Open Drive → New → Folder (use the name above) → upload your files.
If your work is in Google Docs/Slides/Sheets, make sure each file has a clear title.
Set sharing permissions
Right-click the folder → Share → General access: Anyone with the link → Viewer.
Important: Do not require sign-in and do not give edit access.
Double-check by opening the link in an incognito window—if you can view it without logging in, you’re good.
Enter your details below:
How to Submit Your Work (via Google Drive link)
Put everything in one folder
Name it:
Astranda_[ExperienceName]_[YourFullName]_[School]Include your docs, slides, videos, images, and any source files.
Upload to Google Drive
Open Drive → New → Folder (use the name above) → upload your files.
If your work is in Google Docs/Slides/Sheets, make sure each file has a clear title.
Set sharing permissions
Right-click the folder → Share → General access: Anyone with the link → Viewer.
Important: Do not require sign-in and do not give edit access.
Double-check by opening the link in an incognito window—if you can view it without logging in, you’re good.
Copy your sharable link
Right-click the folder → Copy link.
Email your submission
Subject:
Submission: [ExperienceName] – [Your Full Name] – [School]Body: Paste the link and write a professional email including these details - Name: [Your Full Name], School: [Full School Name], Experience: [ExperienceName], Drive Link: [paste your view-only folder link]
Final checks before sending
The link opens without “Request access.”
All files load and play (videos, slides, etc.).
File names are clear and professional.
No personal data you don’t want shared.
Receive feedback
We will examine all your submitted materials
We will reply with your Performance Report and Certificate of Completion via email within 7 days
We will also share your next experience to continue your progress towards your dream career
If you want to try a different career path, please email alan@astranda.com.
Tips
Large videos? Upload to the same folder (don’t attach to the email).
Multiple versions? Keep only the final in the root folder; move drafts into a “Drafts” subfolder.
Keep a backup copy for your records.
