Capt Gulab Singh

I was never sure why my friend always called me Mr. Lucky,

 I use to wonder we all go to same school,

Studies with the same teacher and do the homework but cause of my rich family background I was envied by most.

They use to comment -that I have all the property of my father, I am secure and I don't have to work hard and struggle like the way they will have too.

 I will get it all from my father. They will be the one struggling.

Anyway that was their point of view. What none realised is the responsibility I hold in my shoulders, and beside they will get a chance to begin from the scratch, they can learn step by step and also can afford to make mistake and correct, but for me, being the son from the royal family, everyone's expectation was way higher. Nobody considered even once that I can be anything less than my father and

 I too can have my own dreams to chase.

But I learned early in my life, that not only my family but rather our entire town expected me to be adept and handle my father business like everyone else in family with mastery and precision.

So I obeyed the destiny and came up with my father after finishing studies. As per our tradition I was married at early age.

I kept on following my duties and went on working hard day and night, considering this as my sole aim in life.

At age of 32, I was successful; I loved my family business and was attached very much with everything my family owned,

Yet I was somewhere not happy, as I should, I was proud of everything we own but still I felt an emptiness inside.

Finally I took courage and shared idea with my wife about my greatest dream of childhood, which was lost somewhere in growing .I, told her that-“I always aspire to become a pilot one day. But looking at the need of mine in business with Baba I kept the dream hidden to myself.

Always thought it’s not the right time. First I will finish up my duties and then live for myself.

But I think now life is uncertain, if I will keep waiting for the right time I might never fulfil my dream,

So thought of seizing the moment and do it now.” 

She encouraged the idea, and said me to proceed with it. I was greatly touched by her response because I have thought of sharing this idea with my father, with my

Mother and even with her so many times but was never able too. What she said in response is something I can never forget.

She said-"Why not! Of course you should go for it. You have achieved so much in life and you took your family business so high and have been a wonderful partner, I would like you to live for yourself too. Pursuing your hobby won't take your business down; rather the happiness and energy it will generate in you will take your business to greater heights. We are most productive, when we are happy and involve in activity we love. I will support you."

So that day I took the decision to go for achieving Commercial Pilot License.

With our family business of Heritage hotels, it was not that easy to go and get trained.

I searched the nearest flying club and got enrolled in Rajasthan flying club for my training.

But time was hard on me. When my flying started, club got closed.

I also tried in Karnal and Delhi flying club, but they all also got shut. It was frustrating, but I wanted to complete my training. Finally I came to Madhya Pradesh flying club. Here I completed my Commercial Pilot Training. After receiving my CPL I went to USA for my multi training.

Flying the planes really gave a new meaning to my life. I became more energetic and enthusiastic. Flying became such an essential part of me that now I always wanted to be around planes.

I somehow managed to be an RT officer in my city airport handling our business along.

I was in seventh cloud the day I got selected as co-pilot in Air India. I felt as king of the world, with the power to fly the greatest machine which I always wanted too. But I felt to reality soon, when I realised my dreams will be unacceptable to the family and business we own. I won’t be able to work from my city. I was sad. But then I thought getting a CPL is itself a big victory in my life. I can anytime go to the flying club and fly. After that I gave myself completely to my business. Expanding the chain, organising them, conducting events, and publishing to attract the tourist. Life went on around hotels and time went on like slipping sand from hand.       

Our hotels soon became centre of attraction for tourist from country and abroad, as a result of my policy and offers. We were focusing most on services, we started with our hotels taxi and while getting the people from airport or railway station ,our man in taxi would ask about all liking and disliking of the person and family ,then message by phone to staff regarding, so we could choose room and decorate as per choice, focusing on favourite flowers, colours .

After that food was the next priority, I use to call certain house makers female, who were expert in local food, pay them well and they too would happily join where they can earn too without giving many hours. This ladies were specialised in cooking, no cook could beat them, my customers from outside loved it.

I was enjoying my business, everyday was different like landing an aircraft, you could never judge until you do it, coming with new challenges all the time, call it bumpy or smooth. All I knew was to keep my throttle full, keep giving my best. Whenever I felt low I use to relate my situation with a flight and how we manage there without delay taking situation in full control. You have to take some action in flight, that’s the best and even worst part of flying.

“So in life”, I thought.

I wanted to attract even VIP’s to stay in my hotel.

Once we were contacted by “Cruise by local” from Canada.

They wanted to book rooms, and will be shooting in all over Rajasthan showing all the places in the states and highlighting the cultural history.

And it will be broadcasted all over the world!!

I and my entire team were overjoyed.  This is what we called VVVIP.

As they landed in Jaipur airport, we had our team to receive them.

They were team of six people.

They were generally out busy for shooting and did appreciate our service.

I came with my entire family on the day decided for shooting our hotel.

All my staffs were dressed in their best without even me instructing so.

Everyone wants to come in T.V, I thought.

We were earning good publicity, thanks to them.

They were white as milk, spotless skin; both males and females were equally admirable. Not everyone present there could catch up with their accent.

My people were providing them with the best facilities.

They wanted to go to Jag Mandir palace in Udaipur.

But there booked morning flight got cancelled due technical issues.

It was there second last day in country and they badly needed to go,

As there arrangement in Udaipur was already made and their entire planning for visiting places on scheduled would be effected.

I wanted to help them; I called a helicopter company which denied.

I told them it’s an issue for the image of country but he ignored.

I was calling everywhere I can as I have assured them to help.

But to no avail, even tried with flying club for Cessna but same answer.

It was frustrating to see a foreign soul disappointed with my countries management.

We managed a jeep for the team which would take 6 hrs, but that was the only choice. They left but I could see everyone dispirited.

I wanted to take an action, immediate action.

I went home in early hours and slept with the thought that I will resolve this situation.

When I got up it was dinner time.

I went to dining and was glowing like tower..Of course I mean ATC beacons.

My wife asked –“what is the matter with you; when you entered home you appeared so dull and are beaming with energy now”.

I have decided; I said.

What have you decided-she asked looking confused.

I will get my own helicopters.

What!! She was startled.

She asked again,” are you saying it sarcastically or you are actually out of your head”.

“But Sweetheart I mean it, imagine owning a helicopter would save so much of our time, it will be dynamite for my business and a piece of attraction with tourist”, I said enthusiastically.

She asked with an unconvinced tone -“How much does a helicopter cost?”

“Good question let me Google it”. I checked on net and said –“somewhere around 13 to 15 Corers ₹ .For maintenance costs, fuel, parking and other costs I will have to consult”.

My wife gave me a sceptical look, she did not appeared very convinced nor did my other family members. My family always believe in being affluent, living luxurious life, but owning a helicopter was miles from their craziest dream.

I had a strong feeling that this decision of mine is right and will be a positive change beside I could recall how my grandfather was opposed with the idea of hotel chains in his time.

I immediately went to my flying club, shared my idea and inquired about the right person to reach for the guidance of the procedure and requirements. I got a positive response and they guided me well. After studying the market of helicopters in India I realised it is actually a major field still explored only by few, and can bring a radical change in my business. I planned how I will be using it for all VIP guests, how it will aid in my business trips. With time I discovered many other fields like using it for rich guests, also giving it for rent during election, crop spraying.

Best part was there were very few competitors and I wanted to establish a standard for all.

My experience in business and deep love for aviation kept me going. I studied all the requirements of DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and home ministry. Went on full stream to get all the approvals. It took me more than a year and myriad rounds to DGCA office, Delhi, to cross the obstacles, fulfil their requirements and to get all the licenses cleared.

It was challenging but I was so determined, that I was enjoying the journey, the harder it got the more I wanted to achieve, Flying has that thrill in it and it kept me alive.

My business did suffer during that phase but I knew in long run this will take us higher.

As time passed, things started shaping in our favour. I got leased helicopters, got arrangement for money, and after initial struggle things automatically started falling in the place. I started getting support from my family as well.

On top of it , the attachment and love I felt for my work increased exponentially .Today I feel proud to announce that my company Saarthi airways owns wide range of helicopters and aircrafts .We are involved not only with my hotel guests but also for Air taxi operations, medical evacuation , air ambulance ,political flying ,films shooting , aerial photography.

My personal, social and professional life has witness an exponential growth since I got involve into flying.

I feel elated to see my customers satisfied and confident with the flights.

When I look back and see my journey I now know that starting a helicopter company was one of the best decisions I took.

If asked to summarize my life in a line I would say –“Follow your heart, go for your passion and success will be yours.

Sky is the limit.”

Books

P - Productivity S - Speed R - Relevancy   
Price: $20.00 USD. Approx. 22,870 words. Language: English. Published on August 23, 2013. Category: Essay.
How to Take Off Your Professional Career from an Average to Exceptional with the Hidden PSR in You. A Book By working CEO and Manager with Day to day and live Examples How to Fight with Global Recession. By Shekhar Gupta Surbhi Maheshwari

Published: Aug. 23, 2013
Words: 22,870 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781301432448

 Be an Aviator Not a Pilot

is a story of Pilots in Aviation who are unable to cope. This is not a book to teach you how to get into an Aviation School or even how to live like a Pilot. In fact, it describes how one can become a Successfull Aviator not just an Airplane Driver [ So called Pilot ] with very small changes in life. Also Why abroad trained Pilots are better Aviator and Why FAA, CASA, CAAP, CAA are better civil Aviation Authority then DGCA.
by
Shekhar Gupta
Ankisha Awasthi 

Be An Aviator not A Pilot    
Price: $1.99 USD. Approx. 4,750 words. Language: English. Published on July 24, 2013. Category: Fiction.  As A Fact Out Of Every 1000 Pilots Only 1 Pilot Becomes An Airline Pilot, The Book Is All About Those 999 Pilots Only.

PilotsCareerGuide

Pilot’s Career Guide 
Price: $20.00 USD. Approx. 25,040 words. Language: English. Published on July 13, 2013. Category: Nonfiction. 
International Airline Pilot’s Career Guide Learn Step By Step How to Become an International Airlines Pilot By Shekhar Gupta And Niriha Khajanchi

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336260

Cabin Crew Career Guide

Essay » Literature

Published: Aug. 26, 2013 
Words: 2,160 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781301001965