Elena Gomez Delgado
Elena completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and was recruited by Ryanair soon after
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
My Dad’s a pilot and I knew I wanted to become a pilot for as long as I can remember. I used to go flying with my Dad all the time and spent hours and hours looking at the cockpit dreaming of being a pilot one day.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I started in aviation back in 2012, getting the PPL first, and then decided to go to University to get a degree in Human Resources and Business Law. Even though becoming a pilot was my first choice, my parents encouraged me to do a University degree too. In the meantime, I was building hours, and when I finished at University I started studying for the ATPLs.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I did it modular because of being at University I could not afford going to a full-time aviation academy. Modular has its advantages and disadvantages, but it also makes you push yourself to study more, as well as being able to do your training in different schools rather than just at one.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
I struggled a lot with the ATPLs, spent hours and hours studying to pass the exams as they were very demanding in the UK. You can expect all kind of questions during the exams and that of course needed preparation and therefore time.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
Being able to go to Florida and build hours before I started the ME IR. I truly enjoyed every day I spent there. I went to different airports and everyday there was different. Then, in 2019 when I finished the hour building, I went to Valencia and I absolutely loved it there too.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
I already had an MCC and although it had the basics and the instructors were good, unfortunately it didn’t prepare me well and I wasn’t confident enough to face an airline interview. I talked to a few colleagues and many of them recommended VA, and I am forever grateful to have decided to join them. I did the APS MCC on the Airbus A320. Initially I wanted to do the Ryanair Mentored Programme but I wasn’t selected. Eventually it didn’t matter because the confidence I built with VA prepared me so well that I got invited to an assessment with Ryanair a couple of months later and successfully passed. All the instructors at VA are wonderful and have so much knowledge.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
Base Training was personally one of the best days of my life. I can still vividly remember the sound of the engines when I took off. I was so proud of myself, I cried when I landed. Dreams do come true.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
I’ll first tell them they’ve chosen right, as that is the right path to get into the airline world. Secondly, to never give up, and to keep pushing, even if at first they don’t get picked.