Ifeoluwa Onifade is a trailblazer within the aviation trade, boasting over 15 years of experience in flight dispatch, aviation coaching, and journey consulting. Her journey started with a ardour for aviation, main her to earn certifications in air ticketing and reservation. On this interview with Tosin Clegg, she speaks on the aviation trade, her profession and being a licensed flight dispatcher and flight operations officer
How has your background in Mass Communication influenced your method to your work in aviation, notably by way of communication abilities?
Learning Mass Communication at Lagos State College has profoundly influenced my method to work in aviation, notably by way of communication abilities. This system offered me with a stable basis in varied communication theories, media evaluation, and interpersonal communication strategies. These abilities have been invaluable in my interactions inside the aviation trade, whether or not speaking with colleagues, coordinating flight operations, or participating with stakeholders. Efficient communication is important in making certain clear understanding, sustaining security requirements, and fostering collaboration amongst staff members.
Furthermore, my background in Mass Communication has outfitted me with the power to convey advanced info in a transparent and concise method, which is essential within the fast-paced and dynamic surroundings of aviation. Total, my schooling in Mass Communication has significantly enhanced my communication abilities, enabling me to successfully navigate the multifaceted panorama of the aviation trade.
You’ve transitioned from air ticketing and reservation to flight dispatching and aviation coaching. Are you able to stroll us by means of your journey and what motivated these transitions?
My journey within the aviation trade started with roles in air ticketing and reservation, the place I gained invaluable expertise in customer support and understanding the logistical elements of air journey. Nonetheless, I used to be motivated to discover different areas of the trade that provided alternatives for development and development. The transition to flight dispatching appealed to me as a result of it allowed me to work extra carefully with flight operations and play a vital position in making certain the protected and environment friendly conduct of flights. It was a pure development that aligned with my pursuits in aviation and my need to tackle extra accountability. Equally, my transfer into aviation coaching stemmed from a ardour for schooling and a need to share my data and expertise with others. I noticed a possibility to contribute to the event of future aviation professionals and assist form the subsequent era of expertise within the trade.
Total, these transitions had been motivated by a mixture of non-public curiosity, skilled development alternatives, and a need to make a significant affect within the aviation sector.
As a licensed flight dispatcher and flight operations officer, what are among the challenges you’ve confronted in your position, and the way have you ever overcome them?
Being a licensed flight dispatcher and flight operations officer comes with its share of challenges, for certain. One widespread problem is coping with sudden modifications in flight plans or climate situations, which may throw off schedules and require fast considering to resolve. To beat these challenges, I’ve realized to remain calm below strain and adapt to the state of affairs by prioritizing security and effectivity. Communication can also be key—I make certain to maintain everybody concerned within the loop and work carefully with the flight crew and different staff members to search out options. It’s all about staying versatile and proactive in a fast-paced surroundings.
You’ve had the privilege of shaping the futures of aviation professionals globally as an teacher. What elements of instructing do you discover most rewarding, and the way do you guarantee your college students obtain a complete understanding of the trade?
As an teacher, essentially the most rewarding side of instructing is witnessing the expansion and improvement of my college students as they purchase new data and abilities. I discover success in serving to them understand their potential and turn out to be competent professionals within the aviation trade. To make sure my college students obtain a complete understanding of the trade, I deal with creating participating and interactive studying experiences that incorporate real-world examples and case research. I emphasize sensible functions, vital considering, and problem-solving abilities to arrange them for the challenges they’ll face of their careers. Moreover, I encourage open dialogue and collaboration to help a dynamic studying surroundings the place concepts could be exchanged and explored. Total, my purpose is to empower my college students with the instruments and data they want to achieve the ever-evolving discipline of aviation.
How have your educational {qualifications} contributed to your skilled development?
My journey has been multifaceted, encompassing a pursuit of Masters Levels in each Airline and Journey Administration and Mass Communication. These {qualifications} have offered me with a complete understanding of two distinct but interrelated fields. The diploma in Airline and Journey Administration has outfitted me with specialised data within the aviation trade, together with airline operations, advertising and marketing, and strategic administration. However, the Mass Communication diploma has enhanced my abilities in communication, media evaluation, and public relations. Combining these areas of experience has been invaluable in my skilled development, permitting me to method aviation from each operational and communicative views. It has enabled me to successfully navigate the complexities of the trade, talk concepts clearly, and develop progressive methods to handle challenges. These {qualifications} have broadened my ability set and enhanced my capacity to make significant contributions to the aviation sector.
Balancing a profession in aviation, educational tasks, and household life could be demanding. How do you handle your time successfully, and what recommendation do you could have for others striving for the same stability?
Successfully managing the calls for of a profession in aviation, educational tasks, and household life requires meticulous planning and prioritization. I depend on environment friendly time administration strategies resembling creating schedules, setting lifelike targets, and delegating duties when mandatory. Moreover, sustaining open communication with relations and colleagues helps guarantee understanding and help. My recommendation for others in search of an analogous stability is to ascertain boundaries, prioritize self-care, and stay adaptable to unexpected challenges. Discovering concord amongst these elements of life is an ongoing course of that requires persistence, resilience, and a dedication to non-public well-being.
What impressed you to turn out to be a licensed Distant Pilot and Floor Teacher in america, and the way have these certifications enhanced your experience within the discipline?
The inspiration to turn out to be a licensed Distant Pilot and Floor Teacher in america stemmed from a need to broaden my understanding of aviation and contribute to its development. These certifications have enriched my experience by offering in-depth data of unmanned aerial techniques operations and the rules of flight. They’ve enabled me to impart invaluable insights to college students and colleagues, enhancing security practices and selling innovation within the quickly evolving realm of aviation know-how.
As somebody deeply concerned in each the aviation trade and academia, how do you see the way forward for aviation schooling evolving, particularly in Nigeria?
The way forward for aviation schooling in Nigeria will possible contain combining conventional instructing with fashionable know-how. There’ll be extra deal with sensible coaching and utilizing simulations to arrange college students higher. Collaboration between faculties and trade will improve to verify college students study what’s wanted in the actual world. Additionally, there’ll be extra emphasis on sustainable practices and addressing world aviation points like security and safety.
Lastly, what legacy do you hope to depart within the aviation trade, and what recommendation would you give to aspiring aviation professionals seeking to observe in your footsteps?
Within the aviation trade, my legacy could be marked by developments in sustainable aviation know-how and a dedication to enhancing security requirements globally. To aspiring professionals, I might advise gaining numerous expertise throughout varied sectors of the trade, networking with seasoned professionals, and staying adaptable within the face of technological developments and regulatory modifications. Moreover, prioritizing ongoing schooling and coaching to remain abreast of trade developments is essential for long-term success.