BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training
Graduated 2019
Holding a childhood dream to become an airline pilot, I researched widely during my teen years and came across this unique degree programme. BNU offers the opportunity to study a full-time aviation degree alongside pilot training towards a commercial licence. I felt this was the right path for me giving plenty of flexibility during the course and options after I graduate.
It certainly paid off as the pandemic hit when I finished, which led me into lecturing the degree at BNU before moving into the airline industry as a First Officer on the Airbus A320 family aircraft. Today, after gaining some flying experience, I'm at my second airline employer based at London Heathrow.
What are your memories of being a student at BNU?
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Buckinghamshire New University, having left the course feeling grateful for making the most of my time here. It's far too difficult to pick from so many fantastic memories, from the people I've met along the journey to the opportunities I've had. Graduation day will always be a highlight, second to the completion and relief of passing my last flying exam then waiting for my new licence to arrive in the post!
What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?
My advice would gear towards being ready for the industry by having the majority of your assessment preparation completed, so you can simply tailor it to the employer you're applying for. This includes your CV, cover letter/statement, updated flight hours/logbook, interview and group exercise techniques. The job market can come and go quickly, so be ready to apply for any opportunity.
How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?
Without choosing this route through BNU, I wouldn't have had the same opportunities, made the same connections or been able to achieve my dream career. This degree gave me a lifeline during the pandemic downturn, then a unique selling point when it came to entering the industry and competing for roles.
Why did you join the course?
This degree programme offers so much flexibility. You can upgrade or downgrade your degree, depending on your personal circumstances. Given the huge financial requirement of up to £100,000 to self-fund the pilot training element, it provides a structured course spread over three to four years to manage this whilst taking advantage of student loans to reduce the burden on your pocket.
What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?
Naturally all the practical flying elements are at the top of my list. From my first solo flight in a tiny Cessna 152 out of the local airfield in High Wycombe, building up flying experience around the mediterranean in Cyprus, to the last landing where it all started, upon passing my commercial licence skills test. The sense of accomplishment during these moments cannot be put into words, not to mention how much fun it is being at the controls of an aircraft.
Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?
Outside of the actual degree elements, I particularly found the extra-curricular parts of going to university valuable for my preparation. This included founding and chairing the aviation society which opened up access to special trips, guest speakers and connections across the industry. That and living away from home, I built independence, resilience, confidence and leadership qualities.
What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?
Firstly, being invited back during the very difficult year of 2020 to come and teach aviation degrees at BNU will always hold great value for me. It was a path I hoped I'd never need but developed me greatly as a person, provided me with a range of new skills and excellent experience that helped me in the next chapter.
Secondly, the completion of my first aircraft type rating training and subsequently taking an empty 230-seat Airbus A321 jet to complete six take-off and landings for the first time was incredible.
The biggest milestone of them all was my first flight with fare-paying passengers behind me followed by taking my family to Mallorca and showing them my new office!
What are your future ambitions?
I enjoyed my time teaching, mentoring and recruiting new students at BNU and hope to expand on this as I progress through my flying career. The ambition being to help those achieve their dreams like I've been lucky enough to. To continue inspiring the next generation of future pilots by working with youngsters, in the recruitment team and ultimately as a Training Captain.
What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?
Research is key. Know what you're getting yourself into and all the requirements involved. There are so many routes available, but there is plenty online and excellent platforms such as Pilot Careers Live, an event held across Europe, multiple times a year where you can meet employers, flight schools and other aviation organisations.
Secondly, yes it's a lot of hard work and sacrifice but from my experience, it really is worth it - I can promise you! Plus, the journey is so much fun too, so make the most of it!