"Meie inimesed": elektroonika lektor dr. Sikandar Khan

How long have you worked in the Estonian Aviation Academy?

I joined in May 2021, and so it’s been more than a year that I am with the Estonian Aviation Academy (ELA). 

How did you find Estonian Aviation Academy for yourself and what was your previous job experience?

Previously, I was working in Tallinn University of Technology (Taltech) towards obtaining a doctorate degree in Information and Communication technologies (PhD in ICT) and as part of it I was carrying out R&D activities in the scope of IoT. It is when I reached the final stages of my PhD degree program, I applied to the Estonian Aviation Academy and got lucky to have been offered the position of Electronics lecturer in the Aeronautical Engineering department.

What is the most exciting part of your current job?

Thanks to my association with the Estonian Aviation Academy, now I know so many things about the aviation industry, in general, and particularly aircraft engineering, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft piloting. The most exciting part, for me, was to have flying experiences in LAK-17 sailplane and then co-piloting the Cessna-150. Visiting Magnetic Group on and off to see the real-giants from Boeing and AirBus getting their technical care is also an amazing experience.  

What things can be found on your desk in the office?

Apart from my laptop and screens, its mostly student’s projects and reports. A cup of coffee whenever I am in the office. Most often, gifts from ELA family that awaits my arrival in the office. (That’s the best part)!  

Imagine it is the year 2050 – how would be the aviation evolved by that time?

Personal air vehicles were once considered utopian fantasy. But as of today, UAVs are ubiquitous and the technology is much more mature that we ever imagined. While there is still much to be done especially regarding their limited battery life-time, I see future mobility taken over by easy-to-fly and easy-to-maintain private and personal UAVs. 

What suggestions would you give to your 18-year-old self today?

If I could go back in time and suggest something to an 18-year old Sikandar, I would suggest him the same path that got me into the Sikandar of today. All those decisions that I took and all those paths that I chose were the best choices that I made in those timings and those circumstances. For me, there are no regrets in life. 

What is your book recommendation – please explain briefly why exactly this book?

I would recommend 2 books, and they are my all-time favourites:

a) 1984 by George Orwell: The main theme of the book is to portray the dangers of totalitarianism i.e., the extreme level of state control that happens under a truly totalitarian regime and how such a governmental system impact society in general and its individuals in particular. I, personally, believe that Orwell predicted many of the fascist regimes of today back in his time. 

b) Animal Farm by George Orwell: The main theme of the book is class, control and corruption. Orwell explores the idea of power-elites taking control of things and making their way to corruption. Many of the characters in the novel are eventually corrupted by the power they have, to exploit the less-equals and enjoy the perks. I believe Orwell predicted many of the modern-day institutions and organizations back in his time. A must read for all.