Follow these industry professionals as they take their journey in the aviation industry
Pilot Jason
Senior First Officer
Hello! My name is Jason and I am a First Officer on the Boeing 777 with British Airways.
I had wanted to be a pilot since I was about five and started flying in my early teens – glider flying within the Air Cadets and a PPL when I was 17 before embarking on a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a Masters degree in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University. I didn’t have the funds for commercial pilot training at the time so I spent several years working within the aviation industry to save up. I was fortunate to come across some great opportunities and have worked for Rolls-Royce (business development of their aero engines), Panasonic Avionics (In-Flight Entertainment system sales) and Airbus (ATC systems & aircraft sales) before finally embarking on an integrated ATPL course at Oxford Aviation Academy in my late twenties.
After a bit of work with one of the airport ground handlers shoving bags onto planes and then as a Sales clerk back at Oxford, I was over the moon to get to a job as a First Officer with easyJet flying the Airbus A320 series aircraft around Europe. I spent 4 years doing this, based at Luton, then Palma Majorca and lastly London Gatwick.
I joined British Airways in mid-2019 and have since been flying the Boeing 777 widebody aircraft to destinations across the globe. I absolutely love it!
As you can see, I’ve been around this incredible industry in various forms for quite a while now and absolutely happy to help and offer advice in whatever way I can.
Pilot Isaac
Trainee Pilot
I’m a 19-year-old trainee pilot, studying at Flight Training Europe in Jerez, Spain. The goal is to secure a job as a first officer with a well-established airline by the end of 2020.
Having traveled a lot as a kid and through my teens, I decided that becoming a pilot would be the perfect career for me. I’ve always loved being in airports and traveling by plane. After completing my A-Levels, I immediately applied to FTE Jerez and was fortunate enough to get a place. Since joining in February 2019, I have now completed all of the ATPL Theory Exams, and will soon be taking my CPL Skills test. I’m looking forward to the career that lies ahead of me.
I’m also really passionate about photography and videography. I love taking photos of aircraft and making films on my travels and flights in Spain.
Pilot Georgina
Trainee Pilot
I’m currently working towards my Commercial Pilots License at Aviation South West, based at Exeter Airport. I hope to be a qualified First Officer by Spring 2020, of course greatly dependent on the great British weather! I caught the flying bug as a young child as my father was a highly experienced training Captain for Virgin Atlantic so aviation is all I’ve ever known!
I’m a true Devon girl at heart and outside of flying you’ll most likely find me either horse riding, at the beach, on Dartmoor with my parent’s dogs Tessa and Darcy or spending time with my friends. I also enjoy my health and fitness with Spin, Body Pump and more recently Yoga style classes being my go-to after a long day!
I love nothing more than being outdoors and have a taste for adventure! I consider myself to be a creative person and I am passionate about interior design and the arts. I hope you enjoy sharing my journey through this blog and I only hope that it will inspire other budding pilots to fulfill their aviation dream. Georgina x
Airside Elliot
Dispatcher
Elliot Mason brings you the latest behind the scenes access to some of the world’s busiest airports. With reviews, interviews, and stunning photography.
Read all about him in his blog post below:
Chris Lomas
Trainee Pilot
My name is Chris Lomas. I’m on a journey from social media marketing manager to airline pilot, and I want to share it with you.
To ask me a question or inquire about partnership opportunities, contact me by email.
Pilot Ellie
Graduate Pilot
Becoming a commercial airline pilot takes time, unrelenting dedication, determination and passion for flight.
Ellie Bateman has all of the above in abundance.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and raised in Lancashire, England, Ellie’s love for aviation and travel began to surface from an early age. Over the years, her innate passion flourished and strengthened each time she traveled with her family. Ellie focused on her studies throughout GCSEs and A-Levels, moving ever closer to her dream of becoming a pilot.
Today, Ellie is a student pilot with CAE, a global leader in training for civil aviation, and other industries. She’s based at CAE Oxford and is well on her way to transitioning from classroom to cockpit as a commercial pilot.
Read her blog posts here
Pilot Olivia
Graduate Pilot
Growing up the majority of my family worked in aviation so from a young age I began to show a keen passion for flight. From working as Cabin Crew to completing my training as a Commercial Pilot, aviation is a huge part of who I am.
Born in Chertsey, Surrey I’ve lived my entire life under the Heathrow flight path so I’ve spent a lot of time with my head turned towards the skies. After completing my training with Leading Edge Aviation in Oxford in September I’m now working to keep my finger on the pulse with the latest industry news.
Pilot Ciarán
Graduate Pilot
Aviation has very much been a passion from a young age. Many of my earliest memories are centred around flying abroad on family holidays from Manchester Airport. I recall being in awe of how such large machines could become airborne and I began to long for control of an aircraft. I soon realised this would involve learning to fly and ultimately becoming a commercial pilot.
I first tasted flight during my time in the air cadets, consequently being fortunate to receive two flying scholarships that I was able to use fund some of my PPL. Born in Leeds, I opted to study at the University of Leeds and live at home, in order to utilise my maintenance loans to help fund flight training. Because of this, I was able to complete my PPL whilst reading Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies at the University. Alongside my degree, I worked part-time in the private healthcare sector, saving money and undertaking flight training where possible. I have since returned to the University of Leeds to teach a module based upon Airline Transport Pilot Theory. Following completion of my flight training in October 2020, I have attained employment within the Aviation Industry as a Ground Operations Controller at a specialist operator whilst continuing to teach at the University of Leeds.
I am passionate in promoting aviation and the varying routes to the cockpit to enable others to endeavour their interests within the industry.