My Experience as a John Saull Scholarship Recipient by Abenazer Tasissa
Read below of what Abenazer Tasissa, our 2025 winner experienced..
My Experience as a John Saull Scholarship Recipient
Attending the Aviation Safety Investigation course at Cranfield University was an incredible experience for me, both professionally and personally. Being selected as the recipient of the 2025 IFA/Cranfield John Saull Scholarship made the opportunity even more meaningful, and it is something I truly consider a milestone in my aviation career.
The course itself was an intensive five-day program focused on aviation accident and incident investigation. From the very beginning, it was clear that the program was carefully designed to balance theory with practical experience. Rather than simply attending lectures, we were encouraged to actively participate, discuss ideas, and apply what we learned throughout the week.
One of the most memorable aspects of the course was the investigation simulation that ran across the five days. Participants worked in teams as investigators, gradually examining evidence and information as it became available. This simulation-based approach made the learning process both engaging and realistic. It allowed us to experience how complex aviation investigations can be and how important teamwork, structured thinking, and careful analysis are in determining the factors behind an event.
The course covered key areas such as accident response, evidence collection, investigative interviewing using structured techniques, human factors analysis, and the development of safety recommendations. The practical exercises were extremely valuable because they allowed us to apply the concepts immediately in the context of the ongoing investigation scenario.
Another aspect that made the experience special was the diversity of the participants. Professionals from different parts of the aviation industry came together, bringing their own perspectives and expertise. This created an environment where we could learn not only from the instructors but also from each other. The discussions during group tasks were often just as insightful as the lectures themselves.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the instructors who led the course, including Marc St-Laurent and Abdul Abushalla. Their knowledge, experience, and engaging teaching style made the sessions both informative and enjoyable. The entire team at Cranfield created a very supportive and professional learning environment that made the week truly memorable.
Being awarded the John Saull Award meant a great deal to me. Beyond the opportunity to attend the course, I was deeply touched by the support I received from IFA and the John Saull family. From the beginning, they were incredibly supportive and helpful with my stay and the arrangements related to the program.
What made this support even more meaningful was that it continued even when my travel plans unexpectedly changed. Due to ongoing situation affecting flights, I had to extend my stay longer than originally planned, and the understanding and assistance I received during this time meant a lot to me. Their kindness and genuine care truly reflect the spirit behind this award and the aviation community it represents.
This experience also reinforced something important for me, aviation safety investigation is not simply about identifying what happened during an accident or incident. It is about understanding the deeper technical, operational, and human factors that contribute to events and using those lessons to prevent them from happening again. Ultimately, the goal is learning and continuous improvement across the aviation system.
As someone working in the aviation industry, the methodologies and perspectives I gained from this course will certainly influence how I approach safety and operational challenges in the future.
I would strongly encourage anyone working in the aviation industry to consider applying for the IFA/Cranfield John Saull Scholarship. Opportunities like this do not come often, and the experience is truly invaluable. It is more than just attending a course, it is an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow within a community dedicated to making aviation safer.
I am deeply grateful to everyone involved in making this experience possible, and I will carry the lessons from this week with me throughout my career.
