Dhaarinesh Balkisoon: Soaring from Trinidad and Tobago to the Skies Above
From the turquoise waters of Trinidad and Tobago to the runways of Daytona Beach, Dhaarinesh Balkisoon’s aviation journey began in 2022 – but not without its turbulence. “I encountered a very rough start which almost made me fall out of love with aviation,” he reflects. But fate had other plans. A chance overhearing of a conversation about Phoenix East Aviation would soon change everything.
Curious and hopeful, he reached out to the school. “I was warmly greeted by my admissions officer, Penny Farmer. She was extremely helpful and reassured that PEA wouldn’t give me the same experiences I encountered in the past, and indeed, she was 100% correct.”
As the first pilot in his family, Balkisoon had no prior connection to aviation. After finishing high school with no clear direction, he knew only one thing: “I definitely wanted to do something adventurous.” A heartfelt conversation with his best friend Alex, who was pursuing his Commercial Pilot License at the time, was a pivotal moment. “After that conversation, I became convinced that this would be something I might want to pursue.”
Two months later, he took his first discovery flight and everything clicked. “I was no longer convinced. I was certain that this is where my heart lies.” Starting his training at PEA, Balkisoon admits to feeling nervous. “I was super nervous about whether I would be able to adapt to the crazy nature of the training environment because of the stories I heard.” But he quickly found his rhythm. His most memorable moment? “Definitely obtaining my Commercial Pilot License, and just having that feeling that I’m now a Commercial Pilot, wearing those four bars.
Dhaarinesh now holds a Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII) ratings. He’s currently working as an instructor at PEA, and learning every step of the way. “Even to this day after obtaining my CFI rating and working at PEA, I learn something new everyday.”
His advice to aspiring pilots is simple yet powerful: “Just go for it! Life is too short not to take opportunities and chances. You’ll never know if this career is your passion unless you actively try to pursue it.” To current students, he adds, “Never give up! Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but strength is built through adversity. In the end, everything will work out – it always does.”
As for Dhaarinesh Balkisoon’s future? The skies are wide open. He hopes to one day fly for a major airline. “Not exactly sure which airline yet,” he said with a smile, “but the end goal would definitely be Emirates.”
Are you interested in learning more about Phoenix East Aviation and looking to begin your flight training? Contact their Admissions Department by emailing info2@pea.com for more information!
