Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com is pleased to present our dedicated team of instructors – Meet Craig Colby, an experienced aviation professional.
Sofema has been delivering high-level regulatory training since 2008. As we continue to grow, we strive to get to know our customers, so we can meet their needs in the best possible way. This goes both ways, and that’s why we want you to learn more about our team.
Get to know the SAS Instructor Craig Colby – an aviation professional with over 35 years of working experience.
Craig Colby is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The instructor is experienced as an A&P mechanic, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Director, Facilitator, Medevac Modification Project Consultant. He has an Inspection Authorization License, FAA Airframe and Powerplant License, FAA Private Pilot’s License, Thailand DCA License, and is also fluent in spoken Thai. Craig is a founder and Managing Director of US Asian Aero Services.
Craig Colby has delivered numerous training courses on behalf of Sofema – See a photo from the Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance & Ramp Train the Trainer – 4 Days course that was delivered to Turbine Auro in Mjets Facilities, Bangkok.
We asked Craig a few questions about his experience in working with Sofema
- Initially, what inspired you to start a career in aviation?
It started when I was a very young boy. My father took me outside at night with a pair of binoculars and I looked into space for the first time… The feeling of knowing there was so much more out there was overwhelming. I grew up in a great time for aviation, NASA was sending rockets into space carrying space-capsules, Niel Armstrong set foot on the moon, there was talk of space stations and space shuttles. The X-15 was a plane rocketing into space. Aviation and space travel was all over television with shows like Star Trek and The 6-Million-Dollar Man, combine that with the aviation heroes of the first and second world war, chivalrous knights of the air dueling in machines high above the earth. There was enough going on to inspire any youth for a lifetime. I still feel inspired every time I look up at the sky.
- What motivates you as an aviation instructor and what is the best part about being a Sofema trainer?
What motivates me as an instructor is seeing the future of aviation in front of me and knowing I can influence them in a positive way. Seeing individuals excited about aviation and my being able to provide them with information to help them achieve their aviation goals. Finally, to enjoy when they become engaged in the learning experience and to see that look of comprehension and satisfaction in their faces. What I value in Sofema is the breadth and currency of the information available and the widespread audience they reach. Sofema is truly a global aviation institute.
- Which aspects do you find most rewarding in your career?
Being able to fly! Feeling free and comfortable in the air knowing that not only am I free to enjoy the experience but I’m also flying safely and in compliance with regulations. The other is contributing to the success of so many young people pursuing their dreams in aviation through the role of aviation instructor.
- And what challenges have you faced along the way?
The normal challenges that many feel in life such as money and time but the most significant challenges are people. There will always be some people that are just wired differently. The solution I have found is not the art of persuasion but the art of knowing how to learn. Education is knowledge, knowledge is wisdom. Wisdom provides the best alternatives when working with others.
- Besides Aviation, what other areas pique your interest?
Travel, fitness, cooking, and outdoors. Combine them and some of my most relaxing moments are on a beautiful coast anywhere in the world sharing a local dish with my girlfriend.
- Lastly, what will you advise people who dream of a career in aviation?
When you are sure that you have your eye on your goal set it one step higher! Challenge yourself, study, stay current and engage with others above and below. That level of involvement brings great confidence, satisfaction, and sets the foundation for success. Keep your dreams alive.
About Sofema Aviation Services
Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com and our sister company Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com provide classroom and online training for regulatory and vocational training fully compliant with EASA requirements. Over the years we have helped many thousands of aviation professionals gain a deep understanding regarding both the regulatory environment as well as competence building vocational training. By Early 2021 we have issued over 30,000 certificates of course completion to our delegates. 550+ Classroom & Webinar courses are currently available together with over 250 courses available online through our sister site www.sofemaonline.com
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Next Steps
If you want to know more about our services, visit our websites Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com & Sofema Online www.SofemaOnline.com, or email us at team@sassofia.com.
Tags:
classroom training, Maintenance Director, Maintenance Supervisor, Meet our team, Meet the team, SAS Instructor, SAS Instructor Craig Colby, SAS training, Webinar training
