On the spot

Aus Pilot is an ex-corporate ladder climber who decided to carve out a different career path before hitting 48, when the roulette landed on a different number for him. Huh!

Where did you grow up?

Ipoh, of course! Those who know me would know. 5 Jalan Brockman Camay Park, New Pasir Putih; to be exact. As far as I can remember it was the only house I grew up in till I was 19. I have fond memories of the house.

Strongest childhood memory?

I remember wondering in the "bush" with some older friends, playing guitar, singing songs, and having sardine out of a can; pretending to be on a picnic. The "bush" was just a reserve near my house with tress and overgrown lallang infested with leaches and God knows there might have been snakes there as well! There was a stream there and we used to catch little fish out of it and keep them in jars .....

What would you accept for payment apart from money?

I am willing to barter for goods I need or want! Maybe a 40" Full HD LCD TV? Or a flight simulator experience? Or an all inclusive trip to Oskosh or Uluru?

What does love feel like?

There are no words that can adequately describe love except the words in the Bible .... "love is not selfish, it is not harsh ....." etc. Love feels like the comfortable sofa in my living room where I nap, it feels like my writing when I put my thoughts down, it feels like memory that takes me back a long time ago, and it provides me a shadow when I am alone. Still I find it hard to describe .....

What would be your last meal?

A meal of KFC, deep fried prawns, beef rendang and rice with my family and friends.

Do you need much sleep?

Yes! If I don't have 8 hours of sleep I feel terrible in the morning. But a hot shower and a cup of coffee will usually cure it. Nothing refreshes me more than a long nap of at least one hour or a cat nap of 10-15 minutes if I can't afford one hour. I often doze off watching telly at in the evening and then I will be wide awake for the rest of the time till bed time.

When was the last time you danced?

Ooh! Too long ago! It feels like 1985?

What is your most treasured possession?

I like to say it's my Piper Meridian with G1000 avionics but I don't have it yet! I would say my family ..... but they are not a possession.

What is your unappealing habit?
Procrastination, of course!

What is the most important lesson life had taught you?

Work hard and be smart. Luck comes to the people who work hard. And life is short so live every day as if it is your last, as you are the solo pilot in this journey (no one there sitting next to you helping you fly your airplane)!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The earthly possessions I have are the result of working hard and investing smart. I like to believe I can shore up heavenly possessions as well. Then I am satisfied.

When were you happiest?

Having my family and friends around me, and knowing that I have done a great job flying my plane.

How would you like to be remembered?
A nice guy, a caring and helpful person, a good brother and son, a loving and responsible partner, a real friend in need.
If I was given $50,000 I would buy ....

A share in a 4 place airplane. Single engine, 200 HP, retractable plane. That will be awesome.

If I was given $50,000 I would invest in .....

Art. I think art is soothing and inspiring as an object. And I think a good art piece is a good investment.