Chris P.
About me
| Chris P. | |
| Computer Science | |
| IT, Business Management & Language | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2000 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Pilot | |
| BA CityFlyer | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Transport and logistics | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2016 |
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A day in the life of a Pilot in the United Kingdom
Pilot with major European airline following career in IT / Business Change projects/programmes.
My career history
13 years working in IT initially in System Analysis and Design and Application Development, but moved towards Project/Programme Management in Organisational Change and Outsourcing programmes. Started to learn to fly from 2007 onwards and, following redundancy from IT in 2013, completed airline pilot training. Following pilot training, worked in Aviation Compliance Monitoring and Safety Management, and Theoretical Knowledge Instructor. Obtained a First Officer role with the airline in 2016 and became a Theoretical Knowledge Instructor late 2017.
My advice to students considering work
Have the right Knowledge, Skills AND Attitude. Early on in your career you might not have all the right Knowledge and Skills, but with the right Attitude anything is possible...
My advice about working in my industry
At present, you will have to fund your own training - even sponsored schemes involve some sort of financial commitment (albeit underwritten) and may not guarantee a job at the end of the training; read the small print! Choose your training school carefully and even if you are contemplating going to one of the integrated schools, buy a trial lesson (or 3) at a local flying school to see if you like the whole flying thing. Work hard throughout the training to achieve first-time passes in all examinations and flying skills tests but be aware that it's not only about the flying!
Contacting me
Get in touch if you're interested in learning to fly - whether for fun or as a career. If I can't answer the question, I'll try and help find someone who could...
What I do
Pilot (First Officer) and Theoretical Knowledge Instructor with major European Airline.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Primarily being able to safely fly and operate the aeroplane efficiently coupled with effective team working, communication, customer service, problem solving and decision making. Developed through a combination of formal training courses - e.g. flight training and theory courses - extra-curricula activities at university, and career in IT delivering technical and business-change projects and programmes.
What I like most
Learn something new every day while having a great view from the office and meeting lots of interesting people.
What I like least
Occasional very early morning starts... but only because I'm not used to them yet!
What surprised me most
How much wearing the uniform changes how people interact with you...
Next steps...
If you like the look of Chris’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Chris a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Chris to be your mentor.