Question 1

How long have you wanted to be a pilot?

Accepted Answer

From a very early age, since I was about 7. It has always been so clear to me what I have wanted to do in life and that's become a professional airline pilot. When I was younger my parents would take me to the airport and we would watch planes all day long. When I was 14 I joined the Air Cadets and had my first flight. I worked and worked and then finally after I was 20 I started my flight training.

Question 2

What licence do you posses?

Accepted Answer

I hold an EASA (https://www.easa.europa.eu/)(European Aviation Safety Agency) ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence). The ATPL (https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/Regulations/ATPL/Airline-transport-pilot-licence-(ATPL)-common-requirements/)licence consists of a CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence), ME/IR (Multi-engine with Instrument Rating), ATPL Theory, as well as an MCC (Multi Crew Cooporation course). I also have PBN (Performance Based Navigation) and the UPRT (Upset Prevention Recovery Training), and the Flight Instructor rating added to my licence: with the ability to teach PPL, CPL , IRI, FI and Night ratings. With my airline experience I am Type Rated on the Boeing 737-300-900 series aircraft, including the MAX.

Question 3

Where did you do your flight training?

Accepted Answer

I did my flight training with FLYBYSCHOOL (http://www.flybyschool.com/)based in Burgos in Spain. I spent 17 months going through theoretical and practical lessons in order to gain my licence.

Question 4

How do I become a pilot?

Accepted Answer

If you are wanting to become a pilot the first thing I recommend you do is get a Class 1 Medical (https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/Applications/Medical/Apply-for-a-Class-1-medical-certificate/)- if you are unable to get this then unfortunately you are unable to become a pilot. Secondly do your research. There are a lot of flight schools out there and they all offer different things, find a school that suits you and gets you to where you want to be. Study. Becoming a pilot isn't the easiest process in the world, it takes a lot of hardwork and most flight schools actually have entry assessments in order to get in. And of course the biggest obstacle is financing it. You will probably find that to become a pilot can cost you between £60,000-£120,000, but don't let this stop you. There are plenty of ways around this; get a job, ask for some financial help, do some fundraising, ask some of your local charities for some help, and even get a bank loan.

Question 5

How many flight hours do you have?

Accepted Answer

I currently have about 4000 hours in total, and around 1500 on type.

Question 6

What aircrafts have you flown?

Accepted Answer

My first aircraft I ever flew was a Grob Tutor T1 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grob_G_115)back when I was 14. Then when I started my flight training I was lucky to be given the opportunity to fly up to 5 aircrafts - Tecnam P2002JF,(https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2002-jf/) PS28 Cruiser,(https://czechsportaircraft.com/aircraft/ps-28-cruiser/) Piper PA28-181 Archer II,(https://www.piper.com/aircraft/trainer-class/archer/) Cessna Skyhawk 172N (https://cessna.txtav.com/en/piston/cessna-skyhawk)and Tecnam P2006T (https://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t/)(multi). Then when I went to do my MCC, I did this on the Airbus A320 (https://www.flyschool.es/en/easa-modular-courses/multi-crew-mcc/)simulator. With Ryanair (https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en)I(https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en) am currently flying the Boeing (https://www.boeing.com/)737-800 series aircraft and the 8200 MAX.

Question 7

Aisle or window seat?

Accepted Answer

This is easy, window every time!

Question 8

What's your favourite aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Of course I fly the Boeing (https://www.boeing.com/commercial/787/)737; if I was to ever upgrade I would probably choose either the 787 or 777, and if I was to go over to the dark side I would choose the Airbus (https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/passenger-aircraft/a350xwb-family/a350-1000.html)A350.

Question 9

What's your favourite airline?

Accepted Answer

I really do love my current company Ryanair (https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en)and can see myself happily being here for a very long time, I can only choose them right? ;)

Question 10

What's your favourite airport you have flown to?

Accepted Answer

On a trip flying across Europe, I landed in Albenga in Italy. It was sunset and we were flying along the Italian Riviera. The approach led us to the mountains and nestled inbetween them was the airport. After flying along the coast, through the mountains, all at sunset and in a formation flight with my colleages, it was one of the best expereinces I have ever had.

Question 11

Is there a minimum age to become a pilot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must be at least 16 years old to hold a PPL (https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Pilot-licences/EASA-requirements/PPL-SPL-BPL/Common-requirements-for-the-PPL,-SPL-and-BPL/)(Private Pilot Licence), 18 years old to have a CPL (https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/Aeroplanes/Commercial-pilot-licence---aeroplanes/)(Commercial Pilot Licence) and 21 years old to hold an ATPL (https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Pilot-licences/Regulations/ATPL/Airline-transport-pilot-licence-(ATPL)-common-requirements/)(Air Transport Pilot Licence).

MICHAEL

SEXTON-GRANT

The Pilot

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