Inside Story - Pilot



Scott

Age Range
26-35

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I started off as an apprentice aircraft engineer with Logan Airlines and I did that for eight years. Then one day the company put up a notice for internal sponsorship looking for pilots. I went through the selection process and they partially sponsored me.

How long have you been doing the job?
I've been flying for three years with British Airways Express.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
I'd always wanted to do this job but I never thought I'd get the opportunity and then the opportunity presented itself to me, probably a bit by accident.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
The company sent us for a lot of testing - psychometric and aptitude testing to whittle down the numbers basically. After that, I had to go across to the Isle of Man for an interview in front of a panel. Then there was the medical from the Civil Aviation Authority down in Gatwick, which cut the numbers right down to about eight of us. We went to Prestwick to do the initial 12 weeks while the college assessed us to see if we would be able to complete the course. After that I came away with a Commercial Pilot's licence.

What does the job involve?
It involves navigation, assessing the weather and talking to people on radio and on the cabin as well, which is quite unnerving at times, especially if you're late! You've got to decide how much fuel you want to take bearing in mind the weather, how far you're going and the number of passengers as well.

Describe a typical day at work.
I arrive at the airport an hour before the flight departs. I get the weather for where we are and where we're going and make sure everything is satisfactory for the flight. Then myself and the captain go through the planning of the flight, discussing the flight arrangements. We order the fuel and British Airways organise that for us. Half an hour before the flight we check the airplane out and do all our pre flight checks on the aircraft. Then myself and the captain decide who's going to fly that flight - either him or me. We go through all our checks and once the passengers are on board we start the engines and taxi to the end of the runway. We then take off. Next we fly to wherever we're going and land there. We offload passengers and take on more fuel if we need it and just basically do the whole thing again on the way back.

What do you like most about the job?
I just love flying. It's such a great feeling. You get spectacular views and the scenery you see is just unbelievable. Every day is different and so you get a different challenge every day because the weather is different. The flying is the thing I like most.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Nothing

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
I had support from my family. They always said whatever you want to do just do it..

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I did 8 O Grades and one Higher Grade. I left at 17.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
I'd have liked to study physics and chemistry. Maths would have been useful for the training itself.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
No, although I was sent to the British Aerospace Flight Training School at Prestwick when I got my job. People all over the world go there to train to be pilots.

What was your first job?
It was washing cars at Arnold Clark.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
This is definitely the most challenging job.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I think this is it. I'd like to go on and fly bigger jets although the job is basically going to stay the same. I'd maybe work on long haul flights.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Get a good school education and if you show an active interest in flying that helps.

Any comments?


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