𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛?

𝑇𝑜 𝑢𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢! 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑗𝑜𝑏𝑠, 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑎 ℎ𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘, 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑒. 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙? 𝐼𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑠 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒’𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒.

𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑂𝑎𝑘𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑!

#aerospace #aviation #recruitment #specialists #executivesearch

 

We would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Dave Edwards on his new appointment as Chief Executive at Royal Aeronautical Society.

“𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝐸𝑑𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝐸𝑥𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑅𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑡𝑦.

𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑒’𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ-𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒.

𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑂𝑎𝑘𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙, 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚.

𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑘 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝐴𝑒𝑆 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.” 𝑊𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑚 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛 – 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑂𝑎𝑘𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙

Trainee Recruitment Consultant

So why would you want join Oaklands Global as a trainee? There are several reasons we all came to be who we are as a team:

• We all love to learn and become better at what we do every day. We also like sharing what we have learned with the team. We also don’t think we know everything, so bring in experts to help us learn even more. That’s certainly one reason. You will learn every day.
• We are experts in the field of Aviation & Aerospace. Everybody in our team is an expert in the sector (or on their way to becoming one). You can’t be a great recruiter without understanding the market your candidates and clients experience every day. You will become an expert in Aviation & Aerospace.
• We have fun doing what we do. Yes, we work hard, but we also have a lot of fun on the way. Who wants to work in an office where you can’t enjoy the company of your team as well as what you are doing? We all want everyone to succeed together. It’s not the Hunger Games, we are a team who win as a team.
• The leaders in the business are passionate, knowledgeable, inspiring, supportive and have all been through the journey from trainee to expert. They know what you are feeling the journey you are facing and can help you with all the challenges that will come your way. They value people above everything else. We are all people ourselves, so like being valued.
• You will earn very well once you have completed your training. Recruitment is rewarding financially as well as from a development perspective. You will earn your own commission from the success you have placing your candidates with clients. You can earn over £40,000 in your second year. So that’s pretty good, we think.

But what will I actually be doing?

• The short answer is that you will be talking to people all day. Introducing yourself to people you don’t know. Supporting the people you know already. We have clients all over the world, so you will be engaged in video and phone conversations every day.
• From Day 1 we will partner you with a mentor. This will be an experienced consultant who will guide and support you throughout your training programme. Someone who will answer your questions as you are going through training and applying what you have learned.
• Your training will run through learning our sector specialist, understanding the candidates we support in their careers and finally engaging with our client base to start developing your own network.

Ok, I’m interested, what do I need to bring to the party?

• First of all, you can only really succeed as a consultant if you enjoy being on the phone and engaging with people who 7 know you yet. It’s a large part of the job and the biggest percentage of your daily activity.
• Understanding that recruitment is sales is also important. You are selling our service to both candidates and clients. Confidence, good communication and a resilient nature will serve you well.
• And number one, numero uno, the primo character trait is…….. attitude. You won’t succeed without bringing the right attitude every day. Be present, be committed to what you are doing, complete your daily action plan and then go home to relax. It’s easy really, but so many struggle with what you need to commit to in order to be successful. Sure, we all have bad days, but we knuckle down, supported by the team and get on with it.

If Oaklands Global sounds like a place you could learn, earn, be successful and grow, you should probably apply to this advertisement. We can’t employ everyone who applies, but then you can’t accept every job you apply for. Maybe it’s worth us having a conversation……

Contact Callum Devaney on callum.devaney@oaklandsglobal.co.uk

 

This is our team of Aviation & Aerospace subject matter experts at Oaklands Global.

We are currently working with a wide range of clients on an exclusive basis. With roles in a variety of verticals and at all levels, now is the time to be speaking to us.

⭐William Finden – MIRP MRAeS – Managing Director ⭐
⭐Kathryn Sainsbury – Director ⭐
⭐Callum Devaney BA (Hons) – Head of Resourcing ⭐
⭐Ben Herbe – Consultant ⭐
⭐Jane Hardy – Associate Consultant ⭐

If you are looking for your next move, some advice or just information about the market, please feel free to contact one of the team today.

Here at Oaklands Global, we pride ourselves on happy people who love what they do. Decades of research has shown that a contented and fulfilled workforce leads to increased productivity. And we make it a top priority to be a place where people want to come to work!

Each month we take a fly-on-the-wall look at our most valued assets – our people.

This month, our hot seat belongs to Callum Devaney, Principal Consultant

Q.  Please describe your role at Oaklands Global – your job title and what the role entails.

I am the Principal Consultant here at Oaklands Global and head up the rotary division of the business.

Along with my colleague Ben, it is our job to identify and establish business relationships with helicopter operators and manufacturers globally and provide them with turnkey resource solutions.

We provide pilots, engineers, senior managers and office support function staff on all continents. Typical areas we work in are oil & gas, HEMS, MEDEVAC, VVIP along with other specialist areas such as aerial filming and power line operations.

Q. How long have you been working at Oaklands?

I joined Oaklands Global in March of 2015, so I am nearly at the 5-year mark come March 2020!

Q. Have you always had an interest in recruitment?

It has always been something of interest to me. I came out of University and wanted to get involved in work as soon as possible. I enjoy working closely with people (cliché answer in recruitment!) and developing relationships so recruitment was a good path to take.

Q. Why is Oaklands such a good place to work?

Oaklands Global is a good place to work for several reasons. You work with great candidates and clients everyday and have a fantastic team working with you in the office. The industry is far more interesting than many other sectors and you can work truly on a global scale.

We do a lot of team bonding and social events which keeps the team close and there is a great support structure in place with training provided both internally and externally.

Q. What are your favourite aspects of the job?

– The ability to work with businesses and candidates all over the world
– We recruit in Aviation & Aerospace
– Get to travel to shows and meetings globally
– Hearing stories candidates have about their time in aviation

Q. Have you noticed any remarkable changes in the aviation/aerospace industry since you joined the business?

Within the rotary sector one of the biggest changes I have seen is the wages provided within the oil and gas sector for obvious reasons. I would say there is also now a supply shortage of specific engineers with a type rating to meet the demands of the businesses, but that’s why we are here, to provide a solution!

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The ability to secure a candidate their perfect job and allow them to progress their careers further.

I have a strong passion for aviation outside of work, so it is rewarding having the ability to work in the industry. It doesn’t feel like a job, I am lucky!

Q. What is it like working with the Oaklands Global team?

It has been one of the most rewarding experiences within my recruitment career. Everybody in the team is fun, sociable, supportive and it feels more like a family than colleagues. Each member of the team brings something different to the table.

Q. In your opinion what four words describe Oaklands as a business?

Dynamic, Professional, Fun, Interesting

Q. Share your top tip to ace an interview!

When asked to describe something negative this can be a difficult question to answer, but it doesn’t have to be.

Firstly, when answering the question be honest. Once you have given them a negative flip it into a positive by telling them how you have overcame this in the past.

You can read some of our top interview tips here and if you’re thinking of a job in aviation, why not check out some of our latest vacancies? 

 

Our Managing Director, William Finden, recently spoke to @theaircharter for Episode 11 of the #aircharterpodcast where he gave an in-depth insight into the aviation job market, giving both candidates and employers some useful tips on how to find, and secure, that next role or employee in 2020!

You can listen to the podcast here> https://lnkd.in/dwbwCDr

Aviation recruitment agency, Oaklands Global, are thrilled to officially announce their new partnership with world aviation news specialists, 50 Sky Shades.

We took a moment to chat with Oaklands Global Managing Director, William Finden, and Tatjana Obrazcova, Founder of 50 Sky Shades to find out more…

Q: William, why 50 Sky Shades?

From the moment I came across 50 Sky Shades they have been my daily go to source for relevant and interesting industry content. The articles are diverse, well written and most importantly, very current.

I couldn’t help but notice that the only thing missing from their site was a jobs page and I just had to get in touch and propose a collaboration. We have also been looking to provide more than just aviation and aerospace jobs to our website visitors and this just felt a great fit.

Q: Tatjana, why Oaklands Global?

The decision was far from being spontaneous. It took time. We were approached by several companies with a similar offering. We took our time to discuss, to get know the potential partner and to take our decision based on many objective and subjective arguments.

We offer services to the public, and that is a big responsibility, so we had to choose a trusting partner that we feel confident to work with in the best possible way.

Q: What are the benefits for Oaklands Global of partnering with an outside company?

For us exposure for our jobs is key. As a business we generally utilise a passive/semi-active candidate market and with such a diverse offering of opportunities, partnering with 50 Sky Shades means our wonderful jobs will be sure to catch the eye of even more industry professionals.

Q: Similarly, Tatjana, what are the benefits for you of partnering with aviation and aerospace recruiters, Oaklands Global?

We are doing the most possible in order to offer more to our public. Finding a career and a job you are happy with is a very important part of life. So, the benefit is quite obvious – more happy aviation people, who got the opportunity to have positive changes in their career via 50skyshades!

 Q: We understand it is still very early days, but have you had many applications? 

Well, like you say it is early days for our partnership, but having said that we have certainly seen an increase in application traffic and better still – it’s all great quality, which is exactly what we look for!

Q: Would you look at partnering with any other companies in the same way?

Absolutely, but not in the news world. As a growing business we are always looking to partner with other businesses that can help increase our market offering and presence in the world of aviation and aerospace.

Now you really can double your chances of finding the perfect job – here on our site or over on our trusted partners here

William concludes “I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with 50 Sky Shades, I really enjoy their content and I hope that through our collaboration more people can too. Better still, not only can you now enjoy industry news as it happens but you might just find you next dream job too”

In a fast-paced recruitment market, established and entrepreneurial businesses are in a constant race to find the talent they need to continue leading the field or to scale rapidly. Hiring premium talent offers businesses the competitive edge they need to stay on top.

The Oaklands Global team has put together some top tips for bringing the best on board through your recruitment process.

Hiring the best of the best

• First impressions count

We feel it’s important to treat candidates as though they are customers. Show them that you’re excited about getting to know them, be respectful of their time and be the host with the most. ‘Would you like a drink?’ ‘Feel free to contact me anytime with questions after the interview.’

You are selling yourself to them as much as they’re selling themselves to you!

• Engaging the right recruitment consultancy

Making sure you engage the right recruitment consultancy is critical. Are they aligned with your objectives? Do they appreciate your values and understand your culture? Do they have specific experience in your industry and do they have a track record of success recruiting the professional that you need?

The key to finding the right person is to make sure your agent understands your role and has a strong and relevant network. If your agent is simply posting a job ad and waiting for applications, you could do this yourself. You are paying for a service, make sure it’s worth it.

• Be social media savvy

With the world turning to social media, it is important that companies portray themselves in the best light and have a good online presence. If you have regular staff socials or state-of-the-art offices, let the world know. People want to work in fun, professional working environments.

So, you’ve done it. The crème de la crème is yours. The cream of the crop is about to join your business and help take it to unimaginable heights. Congratulations! But you’re not finished yet. Take it from the experienced Oaklands Global team – as an employer you should not be resting on your laurels. You should be facing your next and immediate challenge head on – holding on to that dream hire.

Here are some of Oakland Global’s top tips for retaining top talent:

• Make them feel welcome and secure from the get-go

Go to great lengths to create a super positive onboarding experience for your newest employee through open communication and an investment of your time to ensure they feel welcome and fully supported through adequate technology, education and patience.

• Employee Wellbeing

With mental health at the forefront of our collective consciousness (finally!) employee wellbeing is of supreme importance. Employees are not machines and you never know what life is like for them outside of work. Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself.

• Continual support

Offering frequent praise and constructive criticism throughout the first working week is not enough. For an employee to feel valued they must know that leadership is aware of their presence and their contribution as well as challenges they may be facing for the duration of their time in the company.

• Be warm yet constructive

Communicate directly, honestly and in person. A critical email or voice message is enough to make anyone want to walk away.

Follow these simple guidelines to hire and retain the best workers in the market – good luck!

As we gear up to the annual spook-fest, we scary recruiters are asking ourselves whether candidates should be harnessing the spirit of Halloween by wearing a mask to an interview (not literally you understand) or whether you should present yourselves in all your genuine glory and simply be true to yourselves. Not necessarily warts n’ all, but do we want to see a true representation of your skills and character traits, or do we want to meet the ‘perfect’ candidate?

Like at Halloween, many candidates feel they should pretend to be someone else to snare their dream job. We’ve all asked ourselves, ‘Should I be more formal than usual? Should I try to appear more outgoing or gregarious? Or should I just be me?’

We conducted an interesting little piece of informal research by picking the brains of recruiters around the Oaklands Global office and we’ve reached the conclusion that honesty is the best policy. We want to, and must, see who you really are to ensure you’re the right fit for the job, but a level of formality must be maintained to achieve the best outcome for both employer and future employee. Recruiters at Oaklands unanimously agree that a friendly and approachable candidate makes the process more enjoyable but there are limits. If we spend the interview joking and chatting about holidays and pets we may never reach the nitty gritty of your answers. An equal mix of friendly and professional is the ideal balance.

Here are some top interview tips from the Oaklands Global team:

• Don’t wear a mask

Recruiters are real people and we know that you are too. We can see through that false bravado and we spot exaggerated tales of success from a mile away. We want to know what you can really do well, otherwise you’ll find yourself in the wrong job – and in pretty hot water!

• The Introduction

Keep it to around a few minutes long and don’t cram it in, we want to know about you as a person, but this isn’t a life story. Where possible highlight relevant experience and key skills that relate to the role. We want to see you are passionate about your work and you have the attitude that our clients are looking for.

• Beware of being underprepared

Planning and organisation are key to every successful interview. Be prepared with examples of previous work situations that demonstrate your qualities and be ready to answer the most common questions asked by recruiters. (Hint – see our previous blog). Most importantly, understand the job role and research the company!

• Confront your fears

We are aware that submitting online CVs and video applications can cause the most confident professional to tremble in their boots and that sitting in front of us in an interview can be truly terrifying, but please remember that we’re on your side. We want you to secure the job if you are right for it and we are never trying to trip you up – we promise! Digital aversions must be overcome for candidates to access the best jobs on the market, so get that CV ship-shape and sign up to online job-seeking forums and websites. It’s more straightforward than it looks and it opens many doors. The job-seeking process needn’t be frightening. Keep calm and you will overcome your biggest nightmares.

We wish you success in your recruitment journey and a fun-filled fright-night on the 31^st – Happy Halloween!

We’re pleased to welcome Ryan Fox to the Oaklands Global team.

Ryan brings with him 16 years of experience in the corporate travel industry as a sales professional specialising in the finance and legal sector.

Ryan has a great business acumen, highly skilled sales ability and proven negotiation skills. So, he is perfectly poised to support our candidates and clients alike.

Ryan would love to hear from you to discuss your aviation career or to apply for our current vacancies – browse our latest jobs here: https://oaklandsglobal.co.uk/jobs

Earlier this year, we welcomed some newcomers to the Oaklands Global team as trainee consultants. We’re so proud of the Oaklands Academy, which gets our new recruits ready to reach new heights in their aviation recruitment careers.

So, three months on, we’re catching up with James Smith, who joined the team in March. He has been busy getting up to speed ever since then so he can place our candidates in their dream jobs within the aviation sector.

James came to Oaklands Global after working as a New Business Sales Advisor for an insurance company and as a Personal Trainer. A big part of his childhood was visiting air shows with his family. He was consistently amazed at the skill of the pilots and the engineering of the planes themselves. It was this passion which drove him to pursue a career in aviation recruitment. 

James is now part of the Oaklands Global family and he has already placed his first candidate in a role as a Charter Sales Manager.

James said: “The training programme here at Oaklands Global really is great. It’s a good mix of theory and then applying that knowledge on the phones when talking to clients and companies about how we can meet their recruitment needs.

“It is so important to stand out and to really provide value to your clients and that is something which I will strive to achieve in this exciting role. I am also looking forward to building my own client base and getting more involved in business development.

“My advice to anyone who is thinking about a career in recruitment would be to be persistent, resilient and to select a supportive company which builds your skills with a good training scheme – just like they do here at Oaklands Global.”

Oaklands Global is invested in both the careers of its staff and its candidates. By attracting fresh talent to the recruitment industry, we can ensure that our team are ready to provide exemplary service so that your career, as well as their own, can really take off.

Browse our latest job vacancies here.

There are several surveys out there already which have looked at what makes an airport more than just a transport hub. They often consider factors such as size, passenger capacity, levels of luxury and architectural design. Many pilots and cabin crew may also have their own favourites for more personal reasons.

We’re putting our perspective on things. Here, we reveal the top five international airports in the opinion of the Oaklands Global team.

Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

This airport played a huge role in expanding Japan’s tourism-oriented offering. Traditionally, Haneda Airport handled domestic flights with Narita Airport, 50 miles east of Tokyo. But this changed in 2010 when Haneda opened an international terminal which now regularly runs flights to Europe, America and throughout Asia. Sushi, anyone?

Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar.

The architecture of this seriously impressive airport makes it worthy of a position on our top five list. The beauty continues inside too as it provides some of the ultimate luxury elements which many travellers could only dream of. Opening in 2014, it offers a Vitality pool with a Jacuzzi overlooking the runway, high-end showers with spa toiletries or, if you have time in between flights, a free tour of the city. Or, admire the surroundings from one of the many bars and restaurants, such as the gold-plated coffee bar.

Munich Airport in Germany.

There’s always a pretty reasonable selection of places to eat and drink at larger airports. However, Munich caters for every possible taste in both food and fashion with 50 places to dine and around 150 places to indulge in retail therapy. This is much more than most and it will definitely help time to fly before you do.

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

We’re all used to grabbing some food and browsing the duty free before take-off. However, Amsterdam offers travellers the opportunity to visit a library and snuggle up with a good book before heading to the departure gate. Opening in 2010, it was the world’s first permanent airport library with 1,200 books translated into 29 languages. There are also e-books and music which can be downloaded to take with you, free of charge.

Changi Airport in Singapore.

This beauty often scores highly with travellers and experts alike – it has consecutively been the Skytrax World’s Best Airport since 2013 and recently took the title again for 2019. This sits alongside over 590 other awards it has received. From a range of interactive children’s attractions to Singapore’s largest hedge maze and the Rain Vortex, which is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, it is a complete holiday in itself.

Want to experience some of the world’s most amazing airports for yourself? Consider a career in aviation or taking your current role to new heights – browse our latest vacancies here.

That early morning dash to the airport is the trademark of many a holiday. It’s also the signature lifestyle for those who work in aviation. For cabin crew or airport staff of any kind, the somewhat unsociable hours are a way of life. For the traveller, it’s a minor inconvenience as a precursor to the fun and excitement of a trip away. 

Although there are occasional drawbacks, there are huge advantages to early flight times too. Quite simply, it needs to be that way to avoid congestion and keep things running smoothly both on the ground and in the skies. 

Here are just some of the reasons behind setting your alarm early for a trip to the airport, whether you’re a professional or a passenger.

•             For short-haul flights of four hours or less, the early start usually means fitting in an outbound and inbound journey within a 12-hour pattern which doesn’t go too late into the night – and clash with the long-haul flights coming in.

•             Long-haul inbound flights often travel through the night to reach their destinations. This is why they are often called the ‘red-eye’ as they may disrupt a person’s usual sleep pattern. But, they need to do so to keep the skies clear for the domestic, regional or short-haul flights which wouldn’t be doing their routes in the middle of the night. 

•             Planning an airline schedule requires ultimate precision. We all know that Heathrow has only two runways, which a mindboggling fact in itself. Yet, a plane uses one of those runways every 45 seconds. Marry that up with managing flight paths and coordinating times with both the departure and arrivals destinations and it’s soon easy to understand why the times wouldn’t always be your first choice.

•             Flight times are planned to make allowances for factors which could be outside of human control, such as a lack of tailwind or an unexpected delayed take off. Current EU regulations mean that the delay payment scheme, which provides compensation for inconvenienced passengers, is based on arrivals times. So, flights are often planned with this in mind. They allow a little longer for the journey than is strictly necessary under optimum conditions. It also ensures that the plane can reach its destination at its allotted slot even if something doesn’t go quite according to plan. 

•             The benefits of flight times can be for the passenger too. Just because it’s an early start at the departures lounge doesn’t mean it is the same at your destination’s arrivals gate. This is especially the case for long-haul flights to countries which are ‘behind’ us in a different time zone. An early flight from London means a full day when you land in New York, for example. It’s a great way to make the most of your holiday. This is also the case with short-haul flights – have an early start but then enjoy two full days in your chosen destination for that weekend away.

It takes a team of experts to keep the world of aviation ticking over just as it should be. If you think you have what it takes, browse our latest vacancies both on the ground and in the air here.

In the era of plane travel, we increasingly are likely to spend some time in an aircraft cabin for business or pleasure. In fact, UK residents spent £44.8 billion on trips abroad in 2017, which was 2% more than in 2016. With direct flights being the preferred option, we can therefore expect that journey time to be a little lengthy. So, how do we make the most of our time in the skies? Here’s our top tips to ensure you always have a pleasant flight.

The best ways to sleep

Not all of us can afford the luxury of a flat bed in business class. And there’s only so many extra leg room seats available. So, how do you try to get some rest whilst on board? Recline your seat – a 135 degree angle is thought to be best to minimise the pressure put on your spinal discs. Wear loose clothing for comfort but also to minimise the risk of DVT, along with other steps such as flight socks. Fasten your seatbelt over the top of any clothing or blankets so it’s easily visible by cabin crew when doing their checks. Stay hydrated, don’t drink too much alcohol and eat well but not heavily.

What happens behind closed doors

We all know that nature continues to call even when cruising at a height of 35,000 feet. Although airplane bathrooms are (usually) anything but luxurious, their predecessor was much worse. The modern vacuum toilet wasn’t patented until the 1970’s and the first one was installed in 1982. Before that, it was a far less convenient box and a significant amount of cleaning product. So, make the most of the facilities and enjoy the pros of modern air travel.

Maximise the entertainment system

Long haul flights often come with an overwhelming selection of entertainment options to enjoy during the journey. Have a good browse and make your selections early on. Be aware of running times so you’re not left on a cliff hanger when the plane starts its descent to your destination. However, do give yourself some time away from the screen if you intend to have a sleep. Just like the impact of our mobile phones, staring at the mini TV and the bright light it emits can reduce the chances of your chances of getting any shut eye whilst in transit.

Treat yourself

Ever watched enviously as fellow passengers swan into the VIP lounge and you’re left in the queue for a table at the chain restaurant in the busy departures area? Do some research before you get to the airport and you could enjoy some luxury as your trip gets underway too. There’s lots of deals out there for VIP lounge access, which may cost just the same as that hastily thrown together meal elsewhere.

It may even put you in the mood to ask for that cheeky upgrade – which isn’t outside the realms of possibility, according to the experts.

Oaklands Global places the finest aviation staff into their dream roles either on the ground or in the sky. Browse our latest vacancies here.

Eddie Rickenbacker wasn’t wrong when he said that ‘aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.’

Most of us have got used to air travel. It has become a ‘normal’ part of modern life from going on our holidays to seeing a plane on its flight path and wondering where it’s going to. Or, for many of us, it’s our chosen career and our lives revolve around aviation in one way or another.

However, we’re so used to it that has become easy to overlook what a true feat of engineering air travel really is.

There’s a lot which goes into keeping those planes in the sky and taking passengers to where they need to be. Here’s just some of our favourite facts from aviation.

·      Only 18% of the world’s population has ever been on an airplane.

Although the sector continues to grow, and air travel is arguably increasingly affordable, it’s still only a privileged few who have taken to the skies. There’s a huge proportion of the population who may never fly, either.

·      The world’s most frequent flyer has clocked up 13 million miles.

In contrast, American Tom Stuker has spent more time in an airplane than most of us could even fathom. His consultancy and sales career took him around the world in first class with United. He must know what his favourite in-flight meal is by now!

·      An olive saved thousands of dollars

Speaking of airline food, American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 when they removed just one olive from each of the salads they served in first class. We wonder if any passengers even noticed.

·      Hydrate when reaching those heights

During an average three-hour flight, your body can lose up to 1.5 litres of water due to the lack of humidity and its oxygen-thin air which increases your breathing rate. So, make sure you drink plenty of the clear stuff to replace that lost fluid. This is one of the potential reasons that you can feel the stronger effects from alcohol whilst on a plane as your body could also be dehydrated.

·      A taste of luxury

There’s definitely room for some of the finer things in life when you’re on a flight. For example, Lufthansa is the world’s largest purchaser of caviar, buying in over 10 tonnes every year. However, around 1/3 of your taste buds are numbed when flying – so food may not taste how you think it should anyway!

·      Go the distance

With most passengers preferring direct flights, airlines are constantly competing for who can offer the longest, direct flight to far flung destinations. The current frontrunner is Singapore to New York, which is 9,537 miles and takes 17 hours 25 minutes by Singapore Airlines. With longer flights comes an increased desire for more space for passengers to enjoy, including how Airbus is considering building luxury sleeping pods in the cargo areas.

·      Efficiency first

The aviation industry continues to cut its carbon footprint. In fact, 70% of aircraft today are more than 70% more fuel-efficient per seat per kilometre than they were back in the 1960’s. Moves are still being made to increase the environmental credentials for air travel, with engineering developments, operations and types of fuel all likely to contribute.

You could be part of this amazing world of aviation by taking your career to new heights with Oaklands Global. Browse our latest job vacancies here.

Sources:

https://www.flightcentre.com.au/travel-news/airlines/25-interesting-and-fun-aviation-facts-you-never-knew

https://www.baatraining.com/top-10-interesting-facts-about-aviation/

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/11/worlds-longest-non-stop-flight-from-singapore-to-new-york-set-for-take-off.htmlT

Our own Oaklands team have taken to the sky this month to attend the ever-popular ATM World Congress in Madrid. The World ATM Congress Exhibition is the world’s largest international air traffic management (ATM) event of its type.

The event is run by partners Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), the membership community for aviation professionals, and Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), which is the global voice of ATM.

Last year, it brought together more than 8,500 aviation professionals, thought leaders, product developers and air navigation service providers. It includes conference sessions, product demonstrations and launches as well as opportunities to keep up to date with industry news, enjoy networking opportunities and build brand awareness.

Its key aim is to play a central role in shaping the future of aviation and global airspace. So, we think it’s vital for Oaklands to attend in order to meet, greet and stay informed with everything that is happening in our exciting and innovative industry.

William Finden, Managing Director of Oaklands, said: “This year’s World ATM Congress didn’t disappoint. It seems to get bigger and bigger every year and it’s great to see more and more of our clients at the event.

“Oaklands Global has always been proactive in attending industry exhibitions and conferences and the feedback we get is always positive. It’s always fun to see so many familiar faces and, of course, to meet so many new ones who we hope to help and support moving forwards. Who knows, we might even exhibit ourselves in 2020.”

Oaklands Global will be attending EBACE 2019 and Pilots Careers Live 2019 in the coming months. For more information, visit our events page.

Or, if you are looking to take your aviation career to new heights, have a look at our current vacancies. 

We’re pleased to welcome two new members to the Oaklands Global team this month who will undertake our industry leading training academy to become Recruitment Consultants.

Sarah Kelly and James Smith will be studying hard to learn all about the specialist field of aviation recruitment. This will ensure that they are best poised to offer their expertise to begin or further your career in the industry.

The Oaklands Global training programme prepares self-motivated and dynamic people with the skills they will need for a successful career in aviation recruitment.

Sarah was attracted to Oaklands Global due to their company values of respect, ambition, excellence and integrity. She recently returned from Ibiza where she worked in hospitality management.

She said: “There are a lot of recruitment companies that are so focused on the commission and not on the importance of placing the right candidates in the right roles – that’s not what Oaklands is about. I am also really looking forward to learning a lot more about aviation and aerospace, in particular the military and defence area of recruitment – this has already really interested me so far.

“People throughout the aviation industry play crucial roles. For example, I remember missing a flight to Amsterdam once and we were very lucky to be given another flight that day and for free – those staff were really understanding and forgiving and made a huge difference to us!”

James came to Oaklands Global after working as a New Business Sales Advisor for an insurance company and as a Personal Trainer.

He said: “I am keen to work hard so that I can become a respected and professional recruitment consultant within this exciting and niche field. I want to help people to take the next step in their careers by building a rapport with key contacts, clients and candidates.

“My family love air shows and I remember going to see them when I was a child. We would camp out to see the jets flying overhead and I was always amazed at how skilled the pilots were as well as the amazing engineering behind the planes themselves.”

Oaklands Global is invested in both the careers of its staff and its candidates. By attracting fresh talent to the recruitment industry, we can ensure that our team are ready to provide exemplary service so that your career, as well as their own, can really take off.

William Finden, Managing Director, said: “We are very excited about starting our new Recruitment Training Academy in 2019. I am a huge advocate of investing in people and, just like the aviation industry, there is a huge shortage of professionals in our industry too.

“So, rather than fight over experienced recruiters, we will be developing our own – the Oaklands Global way!”

We recently shared a report by Oliver Wyman highlighting a predicted gap between the number of planes in operation and the number of mechanics in the aviation industry. It garnered a good amount of interest and comment on LinkedIn, and we felt that these concerns should be addressed in more detail – especially as one of the potential solutions being raised was simply increasing wages, which is easier said than done. This is a really interesting topic because there is definitely a huge skills gap that’s developing. From the baby-boomers to the millennials, there’s a lot of experience and information which we are at risk of losing.

Target them young

I strongly believe that our industry could do more to promote itself to the next generation. Having recently spoken at a Business Aviation conference, the consensus was there is definitely a shortage of professionals with certain skills including Engineers and Pilots. There was also a long discussion about how we seriously need to start promoting our industry. The perception was that we need to get into colleges and universities, but that’s way too late in my opinion. We need to be identifying a passion at an earlier age. If you want to be a vet, you don’t decide that when you’re at university, you’ve decided it years before and you work hard to get the grades you need to then study in the discipline. It should be the same for our industry and we just need to pique their interest by showing our youth that they could go on to maintain state-of-the-art aircraft, travel the world, pilot business jets and so on.

It’s also my opinion that schools as a whole focus far too much on OFSTED ratings and should also be working to help realise the future potential of their students, with a focus on channeling them into careers they’d love, in industries they have a passion for.

The problem of a price war

One issue that’s often raised when we talk about a skills shortage within our industry is money and specifically whether the pay is attractive enough. A key issue when discussing wages as a starting point is can we afford to get into a salary price war and a good example of this is the airline industry. With increased fuel prices and competition to offer cheaper fares, offering more money to mechanics, for example, just isn’t viable.

But for me the wider issue is that people in general, and millennials in particular, place much higher value on the work-life balance than simply money. A focus on increasing the benefits available to staff – including flexible working, private medical cover or even providing access to a financial advisor to help young employees sort their first mortgage – will all help promote this work-life balance. It will also increase employee satisfaction and make it more likely that the skills will stay within the industry rather than being attracted into other areas. A good working environment is a very important factor too and career progression and training, are all elements that appeal to the next generation.

I’d also add, when it comes to pay, that you can always find someone if you pay enough, but this in my opinion is a short-term solution to a longer-term problem. Offer your staff an enjoyable working experience and invest in them and you’ll reap the rewards.

Education in the workplace

Education is key far beyond school, too. For a start, businesses need to train their own staff in new roles to accommodate growth and combat a loss of skills. But beyond training in the actual roles, there should also be a focus on educating staff to embrace and encourage growth. For example, if you have a well-established department you may want to consider how they welcome and accept new ideas when a fresh starter joins the team. Similarly, the new employee needs to be confident that their view counts, encouraging them to share new insights and opinions on their work environment.

Military Personnel Retention

The final issue that’s been contributing to a lack of skills entering the industry is an increase in the retention of military personnel (According to the Times, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has spent more than £107 million in retention and transfer bonuses to nearly 5,000 personnel in roles facing the most severe shortages: https://bit.ly/2EeXgKo). Traditionally there was a good amount of movement from military to civilian employment, driven by the fact that while aviation companies try to avoid a salary price war, they could at least offer more than the military and a better personal/family life balance. In recent years, however, the military has worked hard to close this wage gap and reduce the stream of service leavers.

In summary

A skills gap is developing, and has been for a while now. However, an increased focus on promoting the aviation industry to a younger audience – coupled with enhanced working environments, an emphasis on non-cash incentives for staff, and an encouragement to embrace growth and change – can help us all fight back.

Everyone seems to go a bit loopy around February 14. As our most pointless commercial holiday looms upon us, it might be time to reassess the meaning of romance.

The world would be a much nicer place if we started focusing on how we can show the people around us some love; the courtesy and respect they need to make their day a bit easier. And nobody deserves kindness more than cabin crew, who work hard to make sure you’re taken care of and comfortable.

They’re the ones who serve you, clean up your rubbish, soothe anxious nerves and help calm down screaming kids. They’re the unsung heroes of the sky – and here’s how you can show your hardworking cabin crew you’re grateful for everything they do this Valentine’s Day.

Let your baggage go

If airline staff ask if anyone wants to volunteer to put their luggage in the hold to free up overhead lockers, step up. If enough of you volunteer to be separated from your bags, your cabin crew then won’t have the unpleasant task of telling individuals they can’t take their luggage into the cabin. You’ve just saved them a lot of bother.

Image credit: Pixabay

Have your passport and boarding pass ready

The average budget airline takes almost 200 passengers, and every single one of them must be greeted and seated by cabin crew. To make their life easier, don’t push and shove your way onto the plane. Smile. Show them your boarding pass and passport. Listen to what they tell you and say thank you – a smile goes a long way.

Image credit: mroach/Flickr

Listen to them when they’re talking

You might have flown hundreds of times and already have an escape plan, but the cabin crew don’t know that. They’re also legally obliged to show you the safety demonstration. So even if you’re trying to snooze or want to finish your book, pay attention. Nothing says ‘I am rude’ quite like someone refusing to pipe down and ignoring you during the pre-flight presentation.

Image credit: Pixabay

Carefully choose your moment to chat

Your cabin crew are at their busiest just before take off, when they’re serving food and drinks, and just before you land. If you need something, wait until the last third of the flight – this is when passengers are relaxed before landing, food and drink has been served, and you should find the cabin crew at the back of the plane if you’d like a natter.

Image credit: Austrian Airlines/Flickr

Sit down when you’re told to

When the seatbelt sign comes on, sit down and buckle up. It doesn’t matter if the air feels smooth, you need the toilet, or you’re keen to have a stroll – park your posterior. Pilots often turn on the seatbelt sign for a number of different reasons, not just turbulence, and by sitting down quietly you’ll be helping the cabin crew do their jobs.

Image credit: Edward Simpson/Flickr

Remember your manners

Funnily enough, the cabin crew don’t care if you buy a scratchcard. They’re obliged to try and sell you one as part of their job, so if you’re not interested, smile politely and say ‘No thank you.’ Always remember your Ps and Qs, and if you’re eating on your flight, try to avoid getting crumbs and sticky fingerprints everywhere – it’s extra work for everyone to tidy up the plane when you land.

There’s a very short turnaround after your flight ends and before new passengers get on, so leave your seat and the surrounding area as tidy as you can. You’ve no excuse not to – most airlines ask cabin crew to go up and down the aisles with a rubbish bag, asking people to dispose of their rubbish before they land.

Avoid the in-flight cliches

On the subject of manners, avoid trying to join the Mile High Club. Airline staff – and everyone else you pass – will see you both sneaking into the toilet and cabin crew can unlock the door from the outside. If you’re going to lie down, don’t stick your feet in the air or against a window. Don’t strip down to your underwear in the name of comfort. Websites like Passenger Shaming are getting more visitors every day – you definitely don’t want to end up on there.

Image credit: BVStarr/Flickr

Minimise the number of trips they’ll have to make

If you know you’ll need an extra blanket, a second bottle of water and headphones during the flight, ask your cabin crew for everything you need in one go – it’s far easier for them than making three separate trips.

Don’t bolt for the door when you land

No matter how desperate you are to jump in a taxi and hit the beach, take it easy. Avoid grabbing your luggage and running for the door, leaving irate holidaymakers in your wake. Take your time, allow others off first, and help other people with their bags if they’re struggling with the lockers. When you get to the door, make eye contact with the cabin crew and say thank you. You won’t have time for more than this, but it’s appreciated nonetheless.

Image credit: Franklin Heijnen/Flickr

Make the effort to say thank you

Most airlines won’t allow cabin crew to receive financial tips, so the best way to thank a certain member of staff is to write a letter to their airline mentioning them by name and explaining why they made a difference to your journey. The staff member and their bosses will get the message, and you’ll be doing them a huge favour by boosting their career prospects.

Alternatively, you can pack some small thank-you gifts such as chocolate, sweets or £5 coffee gift cards in your hand luggage and hand them out to the staff as you leave.

The beauty with the aviation industry is how many roles it covers and how much opportunity people have to move around the sector and explore different paths. Take Louise* for example – she started out in Air Traffic Control but moved into being a pilot, and has now been a Captain for 25 years. Here she tells us about her career so far.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Nothing is ever a typical day. Report can be any time Once at work I’m never there for less that 9.5 hours – a quick transatlantic is 7 hours, report is 1.5 hrs before and there is about an hour after. A more typical day at work is around 12 hours and the longest is 16. Report. Meet crew, flight and cabin. Brief. Go to aircraft. Prep aircraft. Board passengers. Fly. Land. Debrief. Obviously travel at either end is variable depending on start point.

How has your career progressed?

I was an Air Traffic Controller, and I had sponsored training which led to flying. I’ve spent the last 30 years with one company, 25 as Captain.

What do you love most about working in the aviation industry?

Travel. Meeting people. The mix of cognitive and physical skills.

What is one of your fondest memories from your aviation career?

First take off in a commercial airliners. My cheeks ached from grinning as we broke through the cloud at 16,000 feet.

What one piece of technology will have the most significant impact on the aviation industry?

Improvements in man / machine interface. Specifically improvements in auroflight programming.

What do you believe are the key challenges that need to be addressed within the sector you worked?

Fatigue. Down skulking in the training process. The expense of getting started means good people cannot gain access. I had sponsored training and was very lucky, but not everyone is.

What’s the greatest misconception people have about your job?

They assume we only press buttons and the plane does it all.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into your job / sector?

Stay focussed. Work hard. Believe in yourself.

Not long to go until MRO Europe 2018, Europe’s number one Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul exhibition.

Oaklands Global are exhibiting on both 2096

RAI Amsterdam. 17th – 18th October.

Please stop by and speak with one of our recruitment experts.

We look forward to seeing you ther

Oaklands Global is proud to announce our chosen charity for 2018 is Fly2help: https://www.fly2help.org/

Fly2help uses the power of aviation to change lives

This wonderful charity was founded in 2006 by pilot Phill O’Dell and built up by a group of passionate aviators who wanted to share the excitement that surrounds flying with people who have not, or think they could not, experience it for themselves.

Fly2help offers two charitable programmes:

Air Smiles Days are bespoke experience days for children and adults living with profound disability, life-limiting conditions, severe illness, bereavement and isolation. Built around a flight in a light aircraft, the days include a variety of different activities that enables our beneficiaries to leave their worries on the ground and enjoy a memorable day with their loved ones.

Aim High is our unique Educational Programme that helps young people learn about the pathway into a career in aviation whilst gaining confidence and a belief in themselves and their future. Through a series of visits to Aviation Companies, talks by industry professionals and hands on experience through trial flights, navigation exercises and ground operations, students learn more about the breadth of career opportunities in the Aviation industry.

Through sponsored fundraising events, office challenges and donations, Oaklands Global looks forward to raising much needed funds to help support Fly2help.

You can also help support this fantastic cause by donating today via the Oaklands Global just giving page:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY

Flight myths – busted!

From the ‘safest’ places to sit to seatbelt signs being used to control passengers, here’s the lowdown on the most popular flying myths.

Flying has always attracted conspiracy theories – probably because there’s always been an element of mystery which surrounds it. After all, rocketing through the air in a metal tube can be quite nerve-wracking for some people. We’ve all looked down into the inky blackness on a night flight and thought, ‘Goodness, we’re a long way from land – and so high up.’

The good news is that flying is statistically one of the safest forms of transport, despite all the rumours which swirl around air travel. So we thought we’d take the opportunity to debunk some of the most popular Chinese whispers for once and for all.

Can planes drop hundreds of feet during turbulence?

No. It might feel like it, especially if you’re a nervous flier – but it’s more likely that you’ve just moved around 10-20 feet. “Altitude, bank, and pitch will change only slightly during turbulence – in the cockpit we see just a twitch on the altimeter,” says Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot. “Passengers might feel the plane ‘plummeting’ or ‘diving’ – words the media can’t get enough of – when in fact it’s hardly moving.”

Is the brace position designed to kill you instantly but preserve your dental records?

No. Despite several online blogs claiming the brace position will instantly break your neck, the brace position is designed to minimise the impact of a crash on the body. It protects your head, as well as stopping your body from jack-knifing and your shins from hitting the seat in front of you.

This rather unsavoury rumour has been doing the rounds for decades and has been debunked by Snopes.

Are passengers given lifejackets so their bodies can be found if the plane lands in water?

No. Funnily enough, your life vest is there to give you the best chance of survival if your plane crashes into the water. You’ll be more visible to staff and rescue teams, you’ll be able to attract attention with the light and whistle, and it’s an extra layer of insulation when you’re in the water.

Would passengers be told if their plane was going down?

Yes – passengers have to know what’s going on so everyone’s prepared if you have to evacuate or prepare for an emergency landing. Airline staff aren’t legally required to tell you about everything that’s happening on board – but if there ever was a serious problem, you’ll be told by the crew. You’ll also be informed if there are any less-serious issues, such as problems with the landing gear or a precautionary landing.

Where’s the best place to sit for a smooth ride?

There’s no ‘golden seat’ to guarantee a turbulence-free flight, but as a rule, the front of the plane can feel less bumpy than the back. Some people book flights on larger planes that fly at higher altitudes, as lower altitudes are prone to turbulence, although this isn’t possible for every journey.

Why do passengers have to put on their seatbelts, even when the air is smooth?

There’s no single answer. Sometimes pilots will spot rough weather ahead, and take the necessary precautions to make sure everyone’s ready and strapped in. Sometimes cabin crew need to be able to move around the plane and it’s a lot easier if everyone’s sitting down. Many airlines make sure passengers are in their seats if the pilot or first officer needs to use the toilet or speak to staff in the galley. Just because you can’t see a reason why you have to remain strapped in doesn’t mean there isn’t one – so buckle up!

Should you watch the cabin crew to see if there’s an issue with a flight?

If it makes you feel safer, go ahead – but remember they’re trained professionals who are there to make you feel safe, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see them panic. Even in the unlikely event of a problem, the crew are trained at staying calm and making sure safety procedures are followed – and they’ll put passengers’ needs first.

What do the ‘dings’ after take-off mean?

There are two kinds of chimes. The first one is a phone call between the cockpit and cabin crew – they share an intercom system, and instead of ringing like a phone, the systems ‘ping’ when someone’s calling. The second kind are signals – you may often hear one, two or three chimes. Airlines have their own rules about what these mean and when they’re given. For example, some airlines ‘ping’ when they’ve reached 10,000 feet after take-off. Other airlines will use a single chime to indicate turbulence or ask cabin crew to return to their seats. Pilots have been known to ‘ping’ the cabin crew when they want a coffee. It all depends on the individual airline.

Do you get drunk more quickly on a flight?

No. A study done in the 1930s proved that higher altitudes can make you intoxicated faster, but the cabin pressure in a plane eliminates that.

As an aside, lots of people enjoy a couple of drinks to calm any nerves – but you shouldn’t drink too much on a flight. Alcohol dehydrates you and the cabin air’s already very dry, and you’ll feel terrible when the buzz wears off.

Image credit: Flickr/Sarah_Ackerman

Is it dangerous to fly over the Bermuda Triangle?

No, it’s not, planes fly over it all the time. Check out FlightRadar 24 – the triangle between the southern tip of Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico will always have some air traffic. If you’re on a flight which is heading over the Bermuda Triangle, relax – you’re in safe hands!

Can someone open a plane door mid-flight?

Not unless they’re Superman, and even then, the caped crusader would have a tough time. Cabin pressure won’t allow it, and when the plane is cruising, there are up to eight pounds of pressure pushing against every square inch of the door. That’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Image credit: Flickr/Laura

Is the air on planes totally filthy? Does it spread diseases?

No – it’s probably much cleaner than the air in your office or gym. Cabin air is refreshed about 20 times an hour. It’s drawn in from outside the plane via the engines and sucked through a high-quality filter before it reaches the cabin. It’s dry, so long-haul flyers can find their skin suffers after a flight, but that’s pretty much the only issue.

If you’re worried about germs, make sure you give your tray table a wipe with an antibacterial cloth – it’s one of the grubbiest things on the flight you’ll come into contact with, with the exception of the toilet.

How do airline staff book their holidays?

After the recent issues Ryanair has faced over pilot shortages due to holiday allocation, it’s unsurprising that people are curious about how airline staff book their holidays. For most people who work in an office and who can book time off with very little notice, it’s a fascinating concept.

James Smith* can shed some light on the secretive nature of booking holidays in the aviation industry. After being trained as a pilot by British Airways in the 1970s, he worked for Dan-Air until 1992 when the company merged with BA. He retired in 2014.

How many holidays did pilots get?

It’s different for every airline employee, but it changed throughout my career. Initially, it was four weeks, then it was upped to six weeks.

This seems like a huge amount of time, but we worked through Bank Holidays and the Christmas period, so the extra days make up for that.

How did airline staff book their holiday?

We filled out paper forms six months in advance. We were only allowed to book time off in week-long blocks – and British Airways’ ‘week’ started on a Saturday so all time off started then.

Holiday allocation all depended on a points-based system which favoured seniority if more than one pilot had the same number of points. The pilots with the most points got the prime time off which everyone wanted, such as during school holidays. The more junior staff with fewer points got the scraps. Christmas was more complicated as it had its own points-based system.

Senior pilots benefited by getting the trips that returned early on Christmas Day, whereas junior pilots would find themselves at one of the less popular destinations. It’s not like working in an office where you can book a day off with only a few days’ notice – the process is much more rigid!

We had to book our holidays by faxing a form into our HR team – this was still happening in 2014, when I retired! I think they may have an app now. A lot of people struggled to fill out the forms, as they looked very complex if you were new – knowledgeable colleagues helped them to fill them out.

You put in your first choice, and then as many choices as you could below that first choice. So if you wanted two weeks off at the start of June, you’d put them down first, and then you could apply to have two weeks off in the middle of June, and so on.

Image credit: Pixabay

How often could pilots and airline staff book holidays?

You could book leave twice a year and a duty free week twice a year. You booked your summer leave in October, and your winter leave in April.

When did airline staff know if their holiday time had been ‘accepted’?

It normally took about two months to find out to find if the weeks you’d asked for had been given to you – and there were no guarantees, no matter how senior you were.

What did pilots and cabin crew do if they wanted to swap their holiday time?

Once your holiday was allocated, it was set in stone. There was a lot of ‘holiday swapping’ on the airline internet forums – airline staff would go to their airline’s board, then write something like, ‘I’ve got time off booked from June 7-13 – looking to swap this for May 20 – 26.’ It was a game of luck but it paid off for many people.

How did airlines officially ‘swap’ the leave between two employees?

Once the two people had agreed, they both spoke to their managers, and the time off was swapped. The managers at BA tended to be pretty reasonable as long as you gave them a few weeks’ warning.

What happened if airline staff missed the deadline to book holiday time off?

If you forgot to book it or missed the deadline, you’d be allocated ‘random’ holiday time. It was normally time off which was quite unpopular, when not many people wanted to go away.

Image credit: Pixabay

How much time could you book off in one go?

The minimum time off for pilots was one week, and you could book up to three weeks off (including and chancing the allocation of a duty free week that joined onto your allocated leave). A three-week holiday would consist of two weeks of leave, plus a ‘duty free’ week joined onto it.

Most people normally booked two weeks, so if you wanted three weeks off, it was a bit trickier, and that’s where the chancing comes in – it was a lottery-based points system.

I never managed to get three weeks off in a row in the 22 years that I worked for BA. The odds were just too slim.

If you wanted to take all your holiday in one go, you could try to string six weeks together – but that’s when things started getting incredibly complex.

You couldn’t arrange to take a single day off, or a couple of days. It was a week or nothing!

What’s an airline ‘duty free’ week?

It’s a Heathrow thing; Gatwick just gave airline staff three weeks of leave for some reason. I believe it got its name to make it distinct from regular leave.

Put simply, it’s a week free of duty that you can work if you want to. You can’t be forced by the company to work, it’s your own choice – so it’s there if you want some time off, but if not, you can work through it and receive your normal pay.

Image credit: Pixabay

Did you have to take all of your holiday?

Well, airline staff are legally required to take time off – it’s compulsory, as specified by the CAA. However, as I mentioned, the third week of holiday you can book off during the two booking periods is called a ‘duty-free’ week – airline staff can ‘sell it back’ to the airline, and work through it.

Do you recommend that airline staff take advantage of free flights?

It’s a game of luck. I ended up not using my free staff travel as it nearly always resulted in a mishap – for example, I tried to fly back from the Channel Islands with my family. We got up at 3am to take the flight and we got to the airport at 5am – and from that point, all the flights were too busy for us all to fly. We were in the airport for 12 hours until we resorted to getting the midnight ferry back to the mainland. Another time we all managed to get on a flight, but my wife and I and our two young children were all seated apart.

I knew one pilot who had to fly back from Singapore to the UK before returning to work – there were no free seats on any flights going home, and he was worried about getting back in time, so he had to pay £15,000 for he and his wife to fly home in first class with another airline as they were the only tickets available!

I think taking advantage of staff travel is great for singletons or couples – people who can be a little more flexible. If you’ve got young children to fly with, it can be a bit of a stressful gamble!

When were you expected to arrive back in the UK before your shift started again?

Most airlines want staff back in the country and ready to go about 2-3 days before they’re due to fly again – especially if they’re likely to have suffered jetlag on the way back.

What happened if pilots missed a shift due to being late back after a delayed flight?

You’d get a disciplinary. Unfortunately, it’s not like an office job – there was no leeway or sympathy if you couldn’t get back on time and you missed work. It was up to us to get back on time.

Image credit: jeshoots.com

What did you do if you had to call in sick?

British Airways were very decent when it came to calling in sick – I can’t speak for other airlines. I called in as soon as possible, and they always trusted that I was genuinely sick. You’d need to provide a doctors certificate after seven days off, but I think most employers need that.

British Airways didn’t want you flying if you were poorly – it wouldn’t be safe.

Do airline staff get compassionate leave?

I can’t speak for any other airlines, but British Airways were brilliant when staff had a crisis. One Christmas I had to fly back early from Houston – my father was ill. BA flew me straight back home to be with him. Another pilot had to fly the return leg, as I would’ve been too upset to fly.

British Airways always have a member of staff called a Duty Flight Crew Manager on the ground at Heathrow or Gatwick – if we’re in the air and something happens, they’ll fight our corner until we can talk to our colleagues on the ground. Sometimes they wouldn’t tell a crew member if something really bad had happened – for example, if a spouse was ill – because often the quickest way to get back to the UK was to allow them to fly back without knowing. They’d then be met by a member of staff in the UK who would tell them the news.

If someone was told the bad news abroad, they’d be judged unfit to fly – and if a member of staff couldn’t cover for them, they’d be forced to remain in a foreign country unless they booked a flight home.

Image credit: Franz Harvin Aceituna

Do you think that pilots and cabin crew get enough holiday?

In my opinion, people are too scared to say they’re too tired to fly at some of the budget airlines. I do worry about pilot fatigue. And with new European regulations, they’ll be legally obliged to work even longer hours. The CAA stipulates that pilots can work from 12-14 hours, but that can legally be extended by three hours. The new regulations can add another two hours on top of that.

I was always given enough holiday with BA, but I do wonder about the implications of working airline staff to the maximum day in and day out. However, that’s just my interpretation of the industry, and shouldn’t be taken as gospel.

Flying home this Christmas? Wondering what you can and can’t take with you on the plane? Fear not – we’ve got all the answers here. From crackers to cheeses, tinsel to turkey, here’s what you need to know before you leave to catch your festive flight.

Can I take tinsel on a plane?

You might not be able to take tinsel in your hand luggage – but most UK airlines will let you pop it in a checked-in bag. It varies from airline to airline, but most carriers won’t be happy with anything which could act as a rope in your hand baggage, as it could potentially endanger cabin crew or other passengers. If someone can use an item as a weapon or to restrain people, then it’s best to put it in the hold.

The same applies to string, cable ties and climbing ropes. The best thing to do is check with your airline to see what they recommend, but if in doubt – in the hold it goes.

Can I fly with crackers?

It depends on the airline you’re flying with. As a rule, you can’t fly with crackers as they’re classed as an explosive device.

While a few airlines accept crackers in cabin luggage, this is largely irrelevant because several UK airports won’t allow them through security in hand luggage. Always call or email your departure airport to see what their policy is, then check with your airline.

Here’s a quick rundown of some major UK airlines’ rules:

• Ryanair: Crackers won’t be accepted on flights in either checked-in in or cabin baggage.
• easyJet: Each passenger can take up to two boxes of crackers in both cabin and hold luggage if they’re packed in the manufacturer’s original packaging. Check that the gifts inside don’t contain any sharp or dangerous items, such as scissors, nail files, or mini screwdrivers.
• British Airways: You can only take Christmas crackers on flights leaving from the UK provided they’re not homemade and they’re for personal use. You can take up to two boxes per person and they must go in checked-in luggage. You can’t take crackers on BA flights leaving from the US.
• Flybe: Christmas crackers can be carried in the hold but you can only bring one unopened box of 12 crackers per passenger.
• Jet2.com: You can’t carry crackers in your cabin bag, but they can be checked into the hold. Check with Jet2.com for more information on how many boxes you can take.

Homemade crackers are normally a no-no for most airlines, so check with your carrier before you attempt to fly with them.

Image credit: Flickr/allispossible.org.uk

Can I take party poppers on a plane?

Party poppers are not allowed on UK flights in checked or cabin baggage, as they are classed as an explosive device.

Image credit: Flickr/Mike Nelson

Can I bring wrapped presents in my hand luggage?
No, as pre-wrapped gifts are often subject to further checks and might be unwrapped by staff at security. Presents with liquids, such as gift boxes with shower gels, sprays and perfumes, can be carried in cabin baggage but they’re still subject to UK liquid restrictions.

The best thing to do is pack your unwrapped gifts into your hold baggage, and wrap them when you get there. Large bottles of liquids can still be stored in the hold.

Image credit: Unsplash/Andrew Neel

Can I fly with a Christmas hat on?

Good news, everyone – you can fly with the Christmas hat of your choice. Whether it’s a good old-fashioned Santa hat or you’re not fit to fly without your reindeer antlers, crack on. Just remember that you’ll have to take off your hat when you go through security, and it’ll have to be scanned.

If you’re flying with a bulky hat, some airlines may ask that you stow it in the lockers for takeoff and landing, but apart from that, you should be free to make merry for the whole flight.

Image credit: Pixabay

Can I take a turkey on a plane?

It entirely depends on the route you’re flying and the airline you’re travelling with, but you should – theoretically – be able to fly with a frozen turkey in your cabin bag, as they’re a solid food and not subject to liquid restrictions. Don’t attempt to fly with ice packs or ice wraps if you’re carrying a turkey in your cabin bag – if you’re carrying more than 100ml of water per container, and they don’t fit into a pre-approved resealable plastic bag, they won’t be allowed on.

We would strongly recommend you don’t travel with a turkey, as after three hours at room temperature, harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning start to grow. However, if you absolutely can’t travel without a bird, here’s what we advise.

• Check with the airport you’re travelling from and the airline you’ll be flying with. If you contact them via email and they confirm you’re OK to fly with a turkey, bring a print-out of the email(s) with you to the airport. It may help your case if security staff need proof you’ve contacted the airport and your airline.
• Make sure you can bring the turkey into the country you’re flying to. Some countries restrict the types of food allowed in – meat, fresh fruit and vegetables can often be problematic
• Freeze the turkey before you fly, and pack it into your hold luggage.

Regrettably, live turkeys are still not allowed as hand luggage on UK flights.

Image credit: Unsplash/Andrea Reiman

Can I fly with gravy, cheeses or jams?

Gravy, soft cheeses and jams are treated as liquids by most airports, so if you’re carrying them in your cabin lugagge, make sure you can carry them in a 100ml container which fits into a resealable plastic bag.

Flying with perishable goods (much like a turkey) can be a potential gamble – for example, while cheese is generally allowed through airports in the UK, French airports may confiscate it in quantities above 100ml, even if it’s a solid block of cheddar. If they can’t be sure how much you have, they may take it away just to be safe. To avoid any hiccups at the airport, check with the airport you’re flying from, and the airline you’ll be traveling with.

Image credit: Unsplash/Jez Timms

Can I take a Christmas tree on a plane?

You can fly with a Christmas tree, and even bring one home with you – but only one tree, wreath or spray is allowed per person. It must also be from the EU, and less than 10ft in height.

It goes without saying that your Christmas tree must travel in the hold as checked in baggage, no matter how festive you’re feeling.

Unusual items you can fly with

Christmas aside, here are some strange items you wouldn’t think you could take to the skies with – but as a rule, they’re all fine to fly with if you check with your departure airport and airline before you leave.

• A parachute. Ryanair has a special section on their website for fliers who are determined to fly with a parachute; let’s hope they don’t ever have to use it mid-flight.
• Musical instruments. If you’re crazy about your cello or devoted to your double bass, this will be music to your ears – you can carry them on board. Obviously, space is at a premium so you may have to buy an extra seat next to you for your instrument, but at least you’ll be in good company.
• Hypodermic syringes. You’d think needles would be banned from hand luggage, but that’s not the case (pun intentional). You can bring them on board in your cabin baggage or hold luggage if you have a letter from a doctor confirming they’re essential for your journey, and they’re screened separately.
• Dry ice. Got something in your hand luggage which needs to be kept ice cold? No problem – you can fly with dry ice. The EasyJet website states: ‘You can take a maximum of 2.5kgs of dry ice in your cabin bag as long as it is only used to preserve perishable goods that are not classed as dangerous goods.’ If you’re planning on doing this, we’d advise you let the airport you’re travelling from and your airline know well in advance.
• Human remains. Ryanair’s website states that you can bring ashes on your flight as long as they’re part of your cabin baggage and that you have a copy of the death certificate and cremation certificate with you. You’ve also got to make sure the ashes are in a sturdy container with a screw top lid. Check with your departure airport and airline before you fly to make sure you don’t face any delays.

Everyday items you can’t fly with

On the other end of the scale, here are some run-of-the-mill household items that you can’t fly with.

• Cigarette lighters. Well, you can – but it’s complicated. You can fly with lighters, but there are some rules you’ll need to stick to. You can only bring one, and you’ve got to fly with your lighter on your person. When you’re going through security, make sure it’s scanned in a plastic bag along with your liquids, and you’ve got to keep it with you during the flight. You can’t put it back into your hand luggage after it’s been screened. Cigarette lighters shaped like guns are banned on all flights.
• Non-safety matches. Despite lighters being allowed on planes – and the fact you can have them in your pocket throughout the flight – you can’t bring non-safety matches in your cabin luggage or in your hold luggage.
• Self-defence sprays. You can’t bring these sprays on a flight in your cabin bag or your hold bag, even if you try and scan them in with the rest of your liquids. Don’t attempt to bring one with you, even if you’re a nervous traveller – you won’t be able to fly with it.

After some further reading? Here’s .gov’s advice on hand luggage restrictions at UK airports and the CAA’s guidelines on banned items. Happy Christmas, everyone!

Despite the fact that flying is still the safest way to travel, there are plenty of nervous fliers out there. That’s fair enough; rough turbulence, go-arounds and steep turns can make even the most laid-back travellers grab at their armrests.

It’s not just flying that can make passengers feel ill at ease. If you’ve ever had to spend the night at an airport, you’ll know how alarming it can be when a loud noise wakes you from your fitful sleep at 3am.

However, what about ghouls, ghosts, and things that go ‘bump’ inside the overhead storage?

As Halloween approaches, we’ve taken a look at some seriously spooky aviation stories. The next time you take your seat on a plane, ask yourself this – is that the air conditioning chilling the back of your neck, or something more sinister?

The shuffling spectres at Phuket International Airport

In July 2017, Bangkok Airways pilot Voravit Vejjajiva filmed footage of ‘ghostly passengers’ floating jerkily through a gangway towards the airport’s terminal. However, the suspended gangway wasn’t linked to a plane at the time – or to the airport building – which caused panic among people watching the eerie crowds on their way to nowhere.

Before you cancel your trip to Thailand, relax – the ‘ghosts’ were just travellers’ reflections from the brightly-lit airport which were mirrored in the glass windows of the gangway. Phew!

The ghosts of Flight 401

Image courtesy of Flickr / Jurgen Stemper // Bloemche

In December 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 suffered a terrible accident after the crew, distracted by a landing indicator light, didn’t notice the plane’s autopilot has been disconnected and the Lockheed L-1011-1 Tristar jet crashed into a Florida swamp. Pilot Bob Loft and flight engineer Don Repo were among the 101 people killed.

The accident should have put an end to their careers, but the two dedicated airline employees were seen on several other Lockheed flights after their deaths – especially on the planes which had been fitted with parts salvaged from the Flight 401 wreckage.

There are over 20 reported incidents of Loft and Repo being seen by colleagues, well-respected airport staff and passengers. A shaken Eastern Airline captain cancelled a flight after he and his two flight attendants spoke to Loft before take-off, and then watched him vanish.

Repo is known to be the more gregarious of the pair – it’s said that he approached a flight engineer carrying out a pre-flight inspection and said, “You don’t need to worry about the pre-flight, I’ve already done it.” He’s also been seen fixing a galley oven, and on one occasion warned bewildered cabin crew to “Watch out for fire on this plane.” The crew sensibly heeded his warning – the plane later encountered serious engine trouble and the last leg of its flight was cancelled.

Despite them being described as ‘pale, quiet and ill-looking’ – and spooking many frightened passengers who watch them disappear – it’s said that Repo and Loft are a force for good, and have dedicated their after-lives to taking care of the passengers and crew on Lockheed planes. One captain was left speechless (and hopefully reassured) after Repo appeared to him and calmly said, “There will never be another crash. We will not let it happen.” What a lovely man.

The considerate husband who wanted one last goodbye

Nobody can be sure which airline this tale originated from (it’s rumoured to be Virgin Atlantic) but the story’s always the same. A flight attendant was on the lower deck, busy preparing beds for her colleagues. She looked up and saw an elderly man sitting on the stairs, and gently asked him what he was doing in a restricted area. “I’m sorry,” the old man said. “I’m travelling with my wife, who’s upstairs. I think she’ll be worried about me. Please can you go up and see her, and tell her I’m OK?”

The flight attendant agreed to see the man’s wife after he told her where she was sitting, and watched the old man walk back upstairs, and into a toilet near the stairwell. Thinking he’d return to his wife after freshening up, the flight attendant went to the seat number the old man had given her and relayed his message to the man’s wife. Both women received a shock; the wife confirmed her husband was on the flight – but he was travelling in a coffin in the hold. She showed the flight attendant a photo of her husband, and the amazed crew member saw it was the same man she’d just been chatting to.

The old man wasn’t seen for the remainder of the flight, and when the flight attendant checked the toilet he had gone in to, there was nobody there.

The haunting at Heathrow

Image courtesy of Flickr / Gareth Simpson

In March 1948, a DC3 Dakota crash landed at Heathrow airport after the pilots lost their bearings in thick fog. Of the 22 people on board, only two survived.

While rescue crews were frantically pulling people out of the wreckage, they were approached by a smartly-dressed man wearing a hat. He wasn’t wearing an emergency services uniform, and several people assumed he was a civilian trying to help. The man calmly asked the bewildered rescue crew if anyone had seen his briefcase. As they stared at him (possibly wondering if he had his priorities right), the man disappeared. It’s reported that his body was discovered later on that day, and several rescue workers confirmed it was the same dapper gentlemen who’d been looking for his missing briefcase.

The man in the hat was seen for several years after the crash, strolling along the runway where he lost his life, but the last time he was seen was in 1970. The radar office spotted an intruder on the runway, and dispatched the airport police to take him or her away. The police were guided to where the mysterious figure was standing, and the radar team waited to hear confirmation that the intruder had been picked up.

The airport police radioed the radar teams to say they couldn’t see anyone; the area around the runway was clear. The radar team were puzzled – they’d seen the police drive right past the figure as they arrived at the scene. Suitably spooked, the police continued to search for the invisible interloper – while the exasperated radar office continually maintained that the figure was still visible on their screens. The police eventually admitted defeat and both parties gave up.

The snappily-dressed businessman hasn’t been seen for several years, but he may well have company. Several passengers have reported seeing a businessman in a grey suit in one of Heathrow’s VIP lounges; often, he’s only visible from the waist down. Maybe he meets his briefcase-seeking friend after hours for a creepy cocktail or two.

The haunted galleys

Image courtesy of Flickr / Jurgen Stemper // Bloemche

Author James Wysong has worked as a flight attendant for almost two decades. Writing for Travelers United in 2005, he told the tale of a flight to Europe which took an unexpected turn.

James often flew with his wife, who was also an airline employee, in order to spend as much time with her as possible. As they were being briefed for their flight, they discovered that many people thought this particular aircraft was haunted. Another member of the crew explained that the plane had once been involved in a horrible accident – nine people died when the cargo door became loose mid-flight, and they’d been ‘vacuumed out’ of the plane. Their bodies were never found.

The plane had been completely refurbished and was safe to travel in, but several of the cabin crew refused to board after hearing about the plane’s history, and immediately swapped their shifts.

Not being easily spooked, James and his wife took the flight, and got ready for their shifts in the galley. James had the back lower galley; his wife took the forward one. They normally enjoyed working in solitude and at their own pace, without the hassle of dealing with demanding passengers.

As James waited for the in-flight meals to cook, he noticed that the ovens were turning on and off. The galley alarm bells started to ring, and the overhead lights began to dim. James started to feel nervous, and became even more jumpy when his wife called him and said that her ovens were behaving strangely. He forced himself to hide his fear, and breezily told her it was faulty wiring.

After finishing the call with his wife, James noticed that every time one of the overactive ovens turned off, they made a shrill ‘whooo!’ sound. He told himself it was just the fans, packed up all the cooked meals and sent them upstairs, and turned off the ovens. Two of them refused to stay off, and restarted on their own. Then the lights went out. James finally had enough, and ran upstairs.

When James wrote up the technical issues he’d experienced in the plane’s mechanical log, he saw that the same problems had been reported by several other people. The airline mechanics were unable to fix the problems or even prove the issues existed every time they were tasked with fixing

China and Russia have signed documents following a meeting on 21 July, comments the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Developments include increasing the number of routes and frequency of flights between the two countries.

The CAAC commented that passenger traffic between the two countries climbed 15% in 2016 to 1.9 million and that China remains the largest tourist group into Russia for the last four years.

Certification issues involving Russia’s aviation products in China were also discussed in detail, however no further details were disclosed.

This summer, 26 operators will have 326 passenger and cargo services between 21 Chinese cities and 13 Russian cities, this is an increase of 40 services from a year ago.

Oaklands Global is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Edwards as the new Chairman of its board. Former Executive VP of Qatar Airways, Dave brings extensive experience across Commercial & Business Aviation and will be invaluable in helping with our continued development.

PRESS RELEASE:

Dave Edwards’ appointment heralds specialist aviation recruitment firm’s expansion into new markets.

Oaklands Global, one of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace executive search and recruitment consultancies, has welcomed Dave Edwards to the role of Chairman of the company’s board.

William Finden, Managing Director:

“Oaklands Global have had an incredible journey over the past four years; we originally set up the business to respond to a simple demand for a specialist recruiter in the aviation industry. From there, and in direct response to our client’s demands, we have developed the business significantly to include the provision of aviation contract personnel and, more recently, executive search”.

“We’re delighted that Dave has agreed to join the board of Oaklands Global. His background in senior management roles in flag-carrying airlines and business aviation companies, together with his experience of managing growing businesses around the world will be invaluable in helping with our continued development.”

Dave Edwards added: “I’m pleased to join the board of Oaklands Global. Throughout my career I’ve worked with a variety of recruitment consultancies and discovering the services Will and the team offered was, without a doubt, a breath of fresh air. They provide a totally different style of service, shaped entirely to the organisation that they are working for and with the flexibility to adapt the business to opportunities quickly.”

Edwards concludes: “My aim is to provide Oaklands Global with additional strategic direction whilst remaining entirely detached from the confidential recruitment process. Oaklands Global already provides an excellent service for its wide-ranging and diverse clients and I’ll be helping to push into new markets and growing the opportunities for expansion”

Photo caption: William Finden (Managing Director), Dave Edwards (Chairman), Kathryn Sainsbury (Managing Partner)

Find us at booth 12-927

To arrange a meeting please email info@oaklandsglobal.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!

Find us on booth 12F75

To arrange a meeting please email info@oaklandsglobal.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there!