Oaklands GlobalOaklands Global

United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1892 536 472
/ Executive Search
+44 (0) 1892 536 472
/ United States
+1 954 607 6882
Latest Jobs
MENU

Oaklands Global
  • Jobs
  • Clients
  • Candidates
  • Referral
  • Executive Search
  • Financial Services
  • About us
    • Our Team
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Work With Us
  • News & Blog
  • Events
  • Case Studies
  • Submit CV
  • Contact us
+44 (0) 1892 536 472
+44 (0) 1892 536 472
+1 954 607 6882
info@oaklandsglobal.co.uk
Blog Share

A Q&A with Richard, Pilot for Virgin Atlantic

02 January 2020

Taking a short break out of the clouds, we spoke to Richard, Pilot for Virgin Atlantic, as he tells us about a typical day and how he made his way up in the aviation industry.

Q: You’re now a pilot for Virgin Atlantic where you’ve been for two years, what was the process in getting there?

I started my career at Oxford Aviation Academy in Jan 2009 where I did six months of ground school, covering 12 topics. I had to get at least 75% in each exam to progress. I was pleased to find I passed with all of those and after that, I went out to Goodyear in Arizona to start my commercial pilot license and then back for the final part – the instrument rating back in Oxford.

That was the easy part, as the next step was to find a job! Finding a job with an airline wasn’t easy as there are lots of freshly qualified pilots and not many jobs to be filled. I was halfway through the interview stage with Cathay Pacific when I got an offer for EasyJet. The advice was to take the first one that is offered…so I did!

I started with Easyjet as a Cadet in June 2011 and within six years I was a Captain with them, it was a steep learning curve.

My dream has always been to work for Virgin Atlantic so I applied to them and an opportunity for a job came up. I’ve been with them since September 2017. To be a Command here can take between 8-13 years so I have a way to go yet -but enjoying every second of it!

Q: What aircraft are you currently flying and how does it compare to other models you have flown?

I’m currently flying an Airbus 330-300 and 330-200. I’ve only ever flown Airbus 319/320 at Easyjet. It’s very similar but just less responsive to a pilot input and can be a struggle to slow down!

Taxing takes some practice and you also have to land the nose gear as it’s so long. I’ll hopefully get a go on the A350-1000 soon!

Q: What made you want to become a pilot?

Who doesn’t like a plane? The fact I get paid to see the world….occasionally with a drink in hand and spend most of my downtime on the beach….someone’s got to do it.

Q: What’s a typical day for you?

Every day is different.

Q: What’s the best bit of the job?

Free holidays, great people to work with and having days off during the week means going to the gym and shopping are so much easier than a weekend!

Q: And what parts are the biggest challenge?

Without a doubt, tiredness!

Q: Do you prefer long or short haul flying? And why?

Both have got positives and negatives to them but if I had to pick – probably long haul as I get more days off and the flying isn’t as brutal

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the aviation industry?

Because you fly with different people every day you have to make an effort to get to know people quickly. You can have some of the best trips with people you barely know

Q: During your 10 years within Aviation, have you seen more women coming into the industry?

There are a few more, but it hasn’t been a remarkable change for me as I have had women around me from the start.

Q: What are your thoughts on pilot flying hours and current regulations around tiredness?

The hours are fine but it’s everything else that goes with it. Getting to and from and around the airport adds a lot of extra time on. Tiredness doesn’t seem to be taken that seriously if I’m honest. Having an hour sleep during the night before landing an aeroplane with 260 people on doesn’t seem enough but unfortunately that’s they way the industry’s always been.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a pilot?

It’s a great job, well worth the training, but it does impact the rest of your life.

 

Are you searching for your dream aviation job? You can find it on our jobs page here!

Share this article
Back to blogs
Find your dream job

If you have a role you are looking to fill, or are interested
in any of our positions please contact us on

+44 (0) 1892 536 472 or email us on info@oaklandsglobal.co.uk

News & blogs

11 January 2022

The Benefits of Diversity in Aviation and Aerospace

READ MORE
01 September 2021

✈️WOW 30,000 Followers on Linkedin!✈️

READ MORE
01 September 2021

Congratulations Dave Edwards

READ MORE
20 July 2021

Executive Search vs Contingency Recruitment

READ MORE

Events

  • | London Excel

    Helitech Expo 2022

    Find out more
  • | ExCeL London

    MRO Europe – 2022

    Find out more
  • | Malta

    MACE – 2022

    Find out more

Partner with a Reliable & Experienced Recruitment Consultancy

Enter your details and we’ll be in touch to discuss your requirements

tom.wells@oaklandsglobal.co.uk

Legal Disclaimer

This scheme may be terminated at any time by Oaklands Global with no liability for any future payments and Oaklands Global retain the right to change the conditions of the scheme without notice. Referral rewards are payable at the discretion of Oaklands Global and only where reasonably applicable.

Request a Vacancy Consultation

To request a consultation with one of our Executive Search specialists, please enter your details below. If you are a candidate interested in registering your details or applying for a senior role, please visit our jobs page.
  • Please select all that apply.

Newsletter Sign up

4.9

Read Reviews
  • Clients
  • Candidates
  • Our Team
  • Executive Search
  • News & Blog
  • Contact us
  • Our Job Map

© 2022 Oaklands Aerospace Limited. Registration No. 08345388
T: +44 (0) 1892 536 472 / +44 (0) 1892 536 472 E: info@oaklandsglobal.co.uk
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Advice & Resources | Privacy Notice | Data Protection Policy
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy.

We won't track your information when you visit our site. But in order to comply with your preferences, we'll have to use just one tiny cookie so that you're not asked to make this choice again.
Accept Decline
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Go to mobile version