Anthony Boag
Anthony successfully completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and is now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
It was always a childhood dream for me. I can still remember the first time I went on a plane when I was a child; the stewardess invited us up to see the cockpit whilst we were still flying (it was allowed back then) and I just remember looking around at all the controls and the view out of the window and knowing that this is what I wanted to do.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I was a licensed avionics aircraft engineer with Ryanair. I joined Ryanair as an apprentice when I was 17, straight after school, and served a four-year apprenticeship at their heavy maintenance facility at Prestwick Airport before later transferring to London Stansted Airport. I worked at Stansted for five years whilst doing my modular flight training on my days off.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I chose the modular route as I wouldn't have been able to come up with the required funds for the integrated option. It also allowed me to continue working as an engineer, which helped fund my flight training. Plus, the hour building aspect of the modular route was great fun; I went on a few good trips with my family and friends whilst building my hours and experience.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
I suppose the Covid pandemic was the biggest challenge that the industry and myself faced whilst I was training. As I was following the modular route, I just stopped my training when the lockdowns began and then continued later once everything had calmed down. The intensity of the courses for both modular and integrated are challenging, especially the distance learning ATPL ground school. You've really got to motivate yourself to study after a long day at work and on your days off, but it is all worth it in the end.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
I really enjoyed the IR training. That first time you fly above the clouds is pretty surreal. Equal to that was the base training, as the first time I flew an airliner is something I'll never forget. Also, I took my family on several trips when I was hour building, and it was a great feeling to take my parents up in a light aircraft.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
I did the Ryanair Mentored Programme with VA Airline Training. The skills and competencies taught on the course were invaluable when it came to the type rating and then line training. The APS MCC with VA felt like a mini type rating and taught important skills such as manual flight, instrument flying in an airliner and a structured problem solving technique. I felt like I was ahead of the curve when I was on my Type Rating course thanks to the training from VA.
Anthony (pictured bottom right) in the Boeing 737 simulator at VA Airline Training during the Ryanair Mentored APS MCC
At the controls of a real Boeing 737 for the first time
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
My first flight with passengers is something I'll never forget. When you see your first plane load of passengers turn up at the aircraft and know that when they look left once they've boarded the aircraft it's YOU that is sitting there and going to be taking them on their holiday. That feeling is surreal - knowing that after so many years of training that you have finally achieved your dream.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
Do a lot of preparation work prior to the training. Use tools such as flight simulators and YouTube videos to gain a better understanding of how the aircraft that you are conducting your training on works. If you can achieve a basic understanding of how the aircraft works, in terms of autopilot modes, how to load a flight plan, and where certain controls are located in the cockpit, it'll take a huge weight off your shoulders when it comes to the APS MCC and then hopefully the Type Rating training.