THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Augustine Jaideep Joseph, who flew MiG fighter jets in the Indian Air Force, left his job and went to America with the dream of building his own aircraft. His first job there was washing planes and refuelling helicopters.
Augustine also washed the planes of Lance Air Company, the manufacturer of the world's best pilot training planes. This 57-year-old native of Valiyathura, Thiruvananthapuram has bought the same company after 25 years. This is the first time that an Indian is owning an American aircraft manufacturing company. Augustine lives in California.
Augustine's love of flying started at the age of five. He used to go to the fence of the Thiruvananthapuram airport on his bicycle and stand with his eyes fixed on the sky. After schooling at Loyola and pre-degree at the College of Arts, he did a pilot training course at the National Defense Academy followed by a one-year course at the Air Force Academy. Successful completion of the course with President's Award.
Augustine flew MiG aircraft and helicopters and became a pilot officer including in Kashmir. He became a fighter pilot trainer as well. With 15 years of service, he took voluntary retirement in 1998 as the Chief Operating Officer of Thiruvananthapuram Air Force Base in the rank of Wing Commander and flew to the US with a dream of aircraft manufacturing. His mother Roma Joseph provided him support.
Augustine lived by washing aeroplanes until he got his pilot's license in the United States. After obtaining the license, he started a helicopter charter company and a pilot training academy called Advanced International Aviation in 2010. In 2013, he started JetX Aviation, a company that sells airplanes. The US government also has an agreement with JetX to buy the aircraft. The company that started with two people and has more than 2000 employees today. Lance Air was acquired from its US owners for a huge price in September.
Not losing hope even in a wheelchair
Once Augustine's helicopter went out of control over a volcano in Hawaii. He rescued eight people by crash landing. He broke his back and was in a wheelchair for three years. Even when the doctors ruled that he could not walk, the dream of flying inspired him. During that time he earned master's degrees in aviation and business administration. His family includes his wife Nancy Joseph (Hospital Nursing Manager), children Theodore Joseph (Software Engineer) and Gabriela Joseph (Software Engineer).
I will come back after launching Lance Air's division in India - Augustine
Lance Air
