Aviators from Trinity paid a visit to the Openskies Aviation School, a well renowned aviation school in Sri Lanka, on the 2nd of August, 2019. 24 members from the Trinity College Aviation Club attended this event along with their master-in-charge Mr Uththiya Wijesinghe.
The group was warmly welcomed by the Chairman, Director and the crew to the Openskies ground school in Panadura. The visit commenced with the following procedures:
- A brief introduction about the Openskies Aviation School by Mr Dineth Fernando (Director)
- A lecture on general aviation and pilot licenses by Mr V. Elpitiya (the flight instructor)
- A presentation on aircraft maintenance engineering by Mr N.J.B. Niyarepola (AMO manager)
It was also nice to have Mr D. Jayasinghe, who is an old boy of Trinity and a former member of the Aviation Club, sharing his experience at Openskies with the group from Trinity.
A fun quiz
A quiz was held by members of the Openskies after Miss Dinithi Fernando’s introduction on ANZEC. C. Liyanage, M. Abeywardana, T. Senevirathne from Trinity placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the fun quiz and they were rewarded by the Chairman, Mr. M.D.H. Fernando.
The visit to the Openskies Hangar
After getting refreshments and souvenirs from the ground school the group was escorted to the Katukurunda Air Force Base where the Openskies hangar is located. At the hangar, the group received the opportunity to see several aircrafts and to experience many things they learnt from the ground school lectures.
The members of Openskies Mr S. Sarkar, Mr V. Elpitiya, Mr Ruchira, Mr D. Jayasinghe and the chief engineer taught the young aviators about flying and engineering. The group fortunate enough to see the preparation of an aircraft for a flight.
All the members of the Aviation Club were honoured to be a part of this visit as they gained a lot of knowledge and an enjoyable experience. The Aviation Club extends it gratitude to Openskies for granting them this rare opportunity, facilitating the Trinitians with wonderful hospitality, and spending their valuable time with the group.
The Club also thanks the Principal, Vice Principal, Headmaster and the master in-charge for making this visit a possibility.
About Openskies Aviation School
Openskies Flight Training offers a unique opportunity for both Sri Lankan and International students to commence their aviation training programs. Having trained pilots for more than a decade and having two bases across Sri Lanka, students are given the distinct advantage of flying in aerodromes which are different from one another. Openskies offer various programmes related to pilot training, aircraft maintenance organisation (AMO), and aircraft management. Those who wish to read more information about Openskies can browse their official website: http://www.openskies.lk/
Comments from the participants
Since this was my first field visit, I have no words to explain the fun we had and the knowledge and experience we gained. Most importantly, the way they taught us was marvellous and also the quiz they had, it was amazing! I’m also thankful to Mr Darshana Mahasen and the committee as the Vice President of the club. – Thejith Seneviratne
It was so unique, we had a great time and it was very helpful. We had a wonderful experience, which will stay in our memories forever. I thank Openskies for their kind gesture! – Chanakya Liyanage
This was my first aviation visit and honestly, I haven’t gone on an educational excursion like this. I learned so many things. It was very useful for my future and I enjoyed the visit. Thank you Openskies!! – Isuru Weerasinghe
It was a great moment to see a hangar for the first time in my life and I learned so much from that day. Also I’m very thankful for the hospitality we were given. It was enjoyable and also educational so I think it was a great day for all the Trinity Aviators. I’m also thankful to the coordinator who made this event a success. – Nimhan Peramunage
