An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir January / February 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 30 | PEOPLE OF THE DF, AIRMAN SUJAN KHANAL INTERVIEW BY CPL MARTIN BENNETT Can you give me a brief description of your career so far? I moved to Ireland in 2014. I enrolled in Mullingar Community College and did my Leaving Certificate in 2016. A PLC QQI Level 5 in computer application and technology from Mullingar Community College followed in 2017. Then I went to IT Carlow from 2017 to 2020 to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems. I joined the Defence Forces on September 21, 2021. My 3-star training was completed in April 2022. On completion, I was assigned to No 402 Avionic before being assigned to No.4 HQ Centralised Technical Services because my qualifications were better suited for the position. It is a challenging and rewarding position, with lots of opportunities to travel to different parts of Europe for maintenance work or skill development courses. I recently completed a CAMP system training session in Paris and an EASA Part CAMO training course in Amsterdam. I am currently serving in Centralised Technical Services as an Airman. What made you decide to join the Defence Forces? Lt Col McGetrick, OC No.4 at the time, gave an online career session for IT Carlow, where I learned about the different career opportunities available through the Irish Air Corps. I applied for the Direct Entry Technician position. What was your proudest day in the Defence Forces so far? My proudest moment in the Defence Forces was when I completed 3-star training. Our friends and family were invited to the passing out parade. We performed foot drills and arms drills inside No.1 Hanger all of us our No. 1s. It was a beautiful sunny day. On the Ramp, CASA, Learjet-45, and helicopters were parked. We took several pictures with our colleagues, NCOS, and parents there. My parents were delighted and proud of me. What was your most challenging moment so far in the Defence Forces? The most difficult aspect of serving in the Defence Forces was learning Irish commands and accurately pronouncing them. Because English was my second language, I did not study Irish in school. I did, however, conquer this via consistent practice. Can you give me a brief description of a typical day in your job? My daily duties include updating flight times and updating components on aviation management software. We check coming-due inquiries every month for all the aircraft to keep ourselves and AMEs informed of any upcoming maintenance. Creating work orders for scheduled maintenance. Make sure all the components have proper documents attached. Ensure that the Navigation Database and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) are updated as scheduled. What is your favourite quote? ''Focus on good efforts and not on the rewards'' (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter 2 verse 47) What is your favourite film? Avatar What is your favourite book? Bhagwat Gita (It is a history of the Indian subcontinent and a Hindu religious book, that discusses duties and life.) What are your goals for the future? Improve my skills and advance in my career. Take additional courses and training. I am currently enrolled in an Aircraft Technical Services Level 7 course at TUS Limerick Institute of Technology. Airman Sujan Khanal is currently undergoing his Potiental NCO's cse.

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