Ruba Khallouf: The Syrian Engineer with Big Dreams

Growing up in Syria, the path to becoming an Aeronautical Engineer was an uncertain and untrodden one... Ruba Khallouf outlines how she has broken the mould and achieved her aviation dreams at Chamwings.

Aeronautical Engineer! I often see this phrase accompanied with a look of amazement when I introduce my profession.

At the age of fourteen, I did not have the dream of flying as many do. I did not see a plane, nor did I travel in one, but a mysterious passion seemed to grow within me. This passion did not disappear, it deepened, and more so when my high school teacher asked me what I wanted to become. I answered him without thinking: “A Pilot.” 

Flying was not easy, especially at the time and in my country Syria. Obtaining a pilot's certificate was difficult, and still is. The idea of entering the field of aeronautical engineering was far from my family's initial thoughts. Those around me may not have heard of it, it is a field far removed from the minds of students in Damascus, especially girls. This meant the need to travel to another governorate to study the field I wanted, but my sister, with her unlimited support, was by my side. Supporting me and looking at me with pride, telling me: ‘The path of the distinguished. You rarely find it crowded’. Then I was able to convince my family, and I started university.

It was a journey full of challenges. Each year, the image of the sky and flight did not leave my imagination, despite the difficulty of what I went through. After I graduated from university, I began a new journey, the journey of searching for a job, or scholarships that would help me complete my studies. That period represented entry into a mysterious world after university, a world that carried the frustrations of searching for the right opportunity. I began to prepare to enter a new world, relying on God’s help and my efforts to research and investigate topics in the world of aviation.

During this six-month journey, I had to reinvent myself, redefine my goals, and redesign my strategy. I had to train my mind to face the frustrations of rejection and write the story of my dream in every scholarship application I submitted. At a time when I was feeling tired and confused, I received news from my friend who works for an airline company that there was a place to apply for work. So, I rushed to apply, and it became the first step in my journey. 

During my work in the company as a flight operations engineer, I encountered challenges and experiences that added new energy to my dream. I was able to train on engineering systems and programs that study aircraft performance and analyse their performance at every stage of the aircraft’s flight from take-off to landing. I was trained to monitor aircraft weight and balance, which helped me understand the importance of proper aircraft weight distribution to ensure flight safety. 

Aircraft manuals are known as an important reference for the pilot during their flight. I was trained to study them and understand their important information to ensure the safety of the plane and its passengers. In addition to being part of a team working on developing an application that helps the pilot complete important data for the flight and train the pilot to use it. This experience contributed to me developing skills in teamwork and communication. Also to better understand the pilot’s needs and challenges.

As an aeronautical engineer, I am often asked about the challenges of the field. If you are considering a career, especially in aviation, here are some of my top tips… 

The world of aviation is full of wonders, so if you are fascinated then dive into the world of aviation, this field is the perfect place for you.

Don't let stereotypes hold you back; engineering is open to everyone, regardless of gender.

Stay curious: technology is constantly evolving. Keep learning and stay up to date with the latest developments.

Connect with mentors who share your passion; experienced guidance and support can be invaluable.

In a rapidly evolving world, supporting women in aviation and engineering remains crucial. I believe this is best supported by organizing periodic workshops in schools and universities, where successful female engineers are invited to share their experiences and inspire female students. Mentorship programs could also be created that link girls with professionals, allowing them to receive practical advice and direct support.

To enhance these efforts, partnerships can be established with educational institutions to develop the curriculum to include more aviation and engineering related skills. In this way, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for women in aviation and engineering.

During my journey in aeronautical engineering, I haven’t been influenced by a single person, but many. Every person I have met, from my teachers at university, to my colleagues at work, has influenced me in one way or another. Even if the information I took from them was simple, it was enough to enrich my thinking and add something of value to my understanding of the world of aviation.

But I was not satisfied with studying engineering alone. I began to participate in flights as an observer from the Flight Operations Department as part of our work. My dream for the future is the perfect combination of my two passions: engineering and aviation. I see myself contributing to the advancement of aviation technology as an engineer. At the same time, I get to experience the excitement and freedom of flying as a pilot.

In the end, I am grateful to God for what I have achieved, and I appreciate myself, who never imagined that my study of aeronautical engineering would be the first real step in the world of aviation. I feel extremely happy when people, especially girls, write to me asking with amazement, enthusiasm, and pride: Did I really study aeronautical engineering? Can we really do that? They make me feel proud of what I have achieved for them as girls. Of course...we can!