Qatar's future leaders get hands-on military experience

Craig, who was a key member of the team of test pilots who developed Typhoon, one of the world’s most advanced and capable new generation combat aircraft, addressed the QLA students on his experiences as a fighter pilot in the UK's Royal Air Force and on the requirements and design development activities for what has become known as Eurofighter Typhoon, Europe's largest military co-operation project. 

One of the key principles of the QLA is to teach its students about leadership.  This plays a vital part in not only flying modern military aircraft, but also in a variety of day-to-day industries, including engineering.  Craig highlighted how leadership goes hand in hand with every day business life, from concept to manufacture to flying a complex aircraft, such as Eurofighter Typhoon. 

  “BAE Systems has a long history of leading in defence innovation and manufacturing, including combat aircraft.  As one of the Qatar Leadership Academy’s missions is to prepare its students to be the leaders of tomorrow, Craig’s talk yesterday showed the students how important leadership is, whether it is in industry, in the military or just flying a combat aircraft.,” said Simon Keith, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

  “We are pleased that this first event with the QLA was able to fit in so perfectly with its values and we look forward to strengthening our relationship over the next few years.”

The safety of the pilot is one of the most critical aspects of flying.   As part of the talk, students were shown the importance of safety and students were given the opportunity to try on a flying suit, helmet and life jacket currently in use by the Qatar Emiri Air Force.