King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

  Secure Your Mask First: The Essential Art of Financial and Personal Self-Preservation We often see heartbreaking news stories of elderly individuals abandoned on roadsides or left in precarious situations, despite having once possessed wealth and raised families. Many of these individuals spent their life's earnings on their children’s education, weddings, or business ventures, only to find themselves without a safety net when their own strength faded. While it is natural to blame the "unthankful child" or a "failed system," there is a deeper, more systemic lesson to be learned about personal sustainability. To truly help others, you must first ensure you are not a casualty of your own generosity.   The Aviation Rule for Life In aviation, the safety demonstration is mandatory for a reason. If a cabin depressurizes, the instruction is clear: “Secure your own mask first before attempting to assist others.”   This is not a suggestion of egoism; it is a...

What really makes flying safe?  A retired aviation professional shares insider truths about aircraft safety, pilot training, and risk perception in air travel. This source addresses common misconceptions surrounding aviation incidents and flight delays, aiming to provide an informed perspective.  

 

 

As promised, the aviation week is here.  

 

Compared to the present set up Katunayake Airport was a little shack like in the early 80s when Tony & I joined aviation. Like me, most of my other batch mates were straight out from college and into their first taste of money from a pay cheque. But Tony was a few exceptions and his previous employment too was the same location, so he knew every nook and cranny the little shack which was like treasure trove to most of us. We were privileged enough to get clearance to have access to all areas including most sterile areas. I still remember him taking some of us to those areas and advising us the Dos & Don’t in those highly sensitive areas like a big brother in protective mode knowing well that some of us were brash, ignorant and stupid. After the initial training of 6 months, he opted one path and I another but we remained in contact and friends. A few years later, he got an assignment in one of the Middle Eastern airport and so he left shores. I do not know what it...