From zero hours to airline pilot - my story.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Salop
Age: 57
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, well done G-SXTY. One of the 'lucky' ones to make it through and triumph over adversity.......... rather enviable in many ways, particularly when in June 2004 I had finished all my ATPL exams through BGS as you were pretty much beginning. Makes me wonder, what if, what if I ever actually managed to get an interview. Wannabe's take note, as inspiring as the story is it certainly highlights what a huge advantage it is to get a recommendation from an FTO. I'm not taking anything away from you as you are of course completely correct in that after the door has been opened it's all down to you. However, as I'm sure you are more than aware, getting that interview, in my mind is for the vast majority the hardest part of the whole exasperating process. Over the years I've applied to Flybe nearly a dozen times and never had a sniff and like you they were/are an airline that I was particularly keen to get in with !
CG.
CG.
Supercharged PPRuNer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
Posts: 1,183
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the kind words (and all the PMs) guys, it means a lot to me and I'm glad you found it useful.
To be honest, I felt I needed to tell the story precisely because it's such a long and arduous journey. I don't think my experience is particularly unusual - as I said before, there are many others who have been through a lot worse than me on the way to achieving their dream. As Canada Goose correctly points out, my path was eased considerably by getting that 'magic' recommendation. Scary to think that it could have been even tougher . . .
Wannabes need to temper their enthusiasm with the reality that this is a bloody tough game. Next time you see a young (or not so young) FO striding through an airport terminal, bear in mind he's probably made some considerable sacrifices to get to wear that uniform. When in the past I considered jacking it all in, I logged on to Pprune for motivation. If my post helps a few people to realise they're not alone in their efforts, that all the grief and hassle is perfectly normal, and that if they stick with it then their dream is achievable, then job done.
Shortleg - That wasn't sweat mate, that was condensation - you were Mr. Cool!
Reddo - Touché! You are naughty, but I like you . . .
To be honest, I felt I needed to tell the story precisely because it's such a long and arduous journey. I don't think my experience is particularly unusual - as I said before, there are many others who have been through a lot worse than me on the way to achieving their dream. As Canada Goose correctly points out, my path was eased considerably by getting that 'magic' recommendation. Scary to think that it could have been even tougher . . .
Wannabes need to temper their enthusiasm with the reality that this is a bloody tough game. Next time you see a young (or not so young) FO striding through an airport terminal, bear in mind he's probably made some considerable sacrifices to get to wear that uniform. When in the past I considered jacking it all in, I logged on to Pprune for motivation. If my post helps a few people to realise they're not alone in their efforts, that all the grief and hassle is perfectly normal, and that if they stick with it then their dream is achievable, then job done.
Shortleg - That wasn't sweat mate, that was condensation - you were Mr. Cool!
Reddo - Touché! You are naughty, but I like you . . .
Last edited by G SXTY; 1st Jul 2008 at 10:18.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
G-SXTY,
Yep, this is one small step for a pilot... one giant le.. oh hang on, wrong speech. You're on the path now and onya for sticking it out.
I am certain you won't make the mistake of thinking that jets is the only goal. For sure, keep an eye on it, but enjoy the journey. 
Yep, this is one small step for a pilot... one giant le.. oh hang on, wrong speech. You're on the path now and onya for sticking it out.
I am certain you won't make the mistake of thinking that jets is the only goal. For sure, keep an eye on it, but enjoy the journey.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
G60 - Your story is inspirational - and should serve to remind your audience what can be achieved.
Without undermining your achievement, when compared to those of my friends and colleagues, your story sounds like a walk in the park.
To be invited for interview several months after passing your IR is incredibly lucky and could only have been achieved with that all important recommendation; imagine having to do all the networking to find someone who can recommend you ??
To be honest, I felt I needed to tell the story precisely because it's such a long and arduous journey.
To be invited for interview several months after passing your IR is incredibly lucky and could only have been achieved with that all important recommendation; imagine having to do all the networking to find someone who can recommend you ??
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: LHR
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the most magical moment was the phone call.... i felt adrenaline thrusting to my cervicals when the lady goes
"I'm pleased to tell you you've passed, we would like to offer you a job."
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very Touching
I Feel Like I Could Cry G-sxty, Very Touching.......i Mean It. It Posts Like That Mate, Make Low Hour Wannabes Like Me, Want To Do It Even More.
Thanks.
Ww
Thanks.
Ww
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: South East Asia
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bravo!!
Hey G SXTY,
Im glad that something like PPRuNe exists. Else would have missed out on your very well written post.
"Surely the path to achievement is not easy, never has it been.
But real men carry on, carry on in the unknown. And now we know.......what sacrifices mean!!"
-- LaSTDoN
(Dont laugh at my poem!! It was tough rhyming all words)
Well Jokes apart mate, good luck to you always!!
Im glad that something like PPRuNe exists. Else would have missed out on your very well written post.
"Surely the path to achievement is not easy, never has it been.
But real men carry on, carry on in the unknown. And now we know.......what sacrifices mean!!"
-- LaSTDoN
(Dont laugh at my poem!! It was tough rhyming all words)Well Jokes apart mate, good luck to you always!!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London UK
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Zero To Atpl
Hey G SXTY thats a great story... Ive had my PPL for 10 years now and 35 next month and starting out on my full time ground school at London Met uni on 01 Sep. I was looking at doing my CPL/IR at stapleford flight centre you started there, are they a good centre to do an ATPL with?
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Ireland
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great story, inspirational. Most of us went through something similar with the training. You were very fortunate to get the job so soon after you finished training. That's the hurdle many fall at, the last one. Getting the actual job.
I liked Top tip no.2. I believe failing to prepare properly for the interview is the downfall of many a budding airline pilot. This is a telling comment 'In short, I was prepared. Which is no more than they expect. '
Others would do well to note it.
I liked Top tip no.2. I believe failing to prepare properly for the interview is the downfall of many a budding airline pilot. This is a telling comment 'In short, I was prepared. Which is no more than they expect. '
Others would do well to note it.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Where ever my Blackberry says i am
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
G-SXTY
First of all well done you stuck at it and triumphed GOOD ON YOU or as my colleague Redsnail would say onya
I remember the call i got for my first "real job" and it was better than passing my ATPL's Better than my IR, first pint first shag (think it lasted longer) etc etc etc etc.
I wonder if your ex wife is now maybe just wondering if she made the right decision
.
Safe flying and enjoy it, its the dogs nadgers
First of all well done you stuck at it and triumphed GOOD ON YOU or as my colleague Redsnail would say onya
I remember the call i got for my first "real job" and it was better than passing my ATPL's Better than my IR, first pint first shag (think it lasted longer) etc etc etc etc.
I wonder if your ex wife is now maybe just wondering if she made the right decision
.Safe flying and enjoy it, its the dogs nadgers