Matthew Sinclair
Matthew 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?
I have an uncle with a PPL but otherwise, it's just me in aviation in the family. The biggest motivator for me as a kid was the Red Arrows. Every year I'd attend the Southend Air Show on both days just to see them perform. Sadly the airshow doesn't happen anymore but it was enough to spark my interest in flying. From then on the fascination for flying and planes grew and that's when I decided this is what I wanted to do for a career.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I studied sport, health and exercise science at Brunel University London. It was an interesting course but at the end, the career options available just weren't for me. I worked odd jobs, in a running shop, labouring, McDonald's and finally in a gym as a trainer whilst doing my initial flight training. But flying is my first career job.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I trained using the modular route. I did my initial PPL and hour building in Adelaide, Australia and the remaining ATPL theory, CPL and MEIR at Stapleford Flight Centre. I was lucky enough to have family support with the funding.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
Covid and Brexit. Covid bought the industry to a standstill along with job prospects at the time. Brexit meant I had to decide between UK CAA and EASA flying licences. I opted for both, which meant I had to do two sets of ATPL exams, but it was the right decision. I wouldn't be at Ryanair if I hadn't done both licences!
What were the highlights of your time in training?
I very much enjoyed the MEIR portion of the training. The flying required much more precision and consideration which really kept the brain working! Flying out to get lunch with friends during hour building was great too.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The APS MCC was great. Being taught Ryanair SOPs from the start really helped with the rest of my training. The assessment was nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be by that point; I had 42 hours in the Boeing 737 simulator and we had practiced the manoeuvres in the assessment multiple times. As for the Type Rating, the MCC course coincided very well. My guess was that the APS MCC final assessment was the equivalent of sim session 8 within the Type Rating. So it set me up well. As for line training, SOPs were well and truly memorised at this point which left my mental capacity free to focus on all the other things that commercial flying involves.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
Base Training was amazing. The day went by so quickly but sitting behind the controls for the first time was a moment not to forget. The training prepared me well enough to get in the right hand seat and feel right at home. Otherwise, just seeing the sunrise and sunset views daily. It really makes the early morning alarms worth it!
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
Learn the SOPs as early as possible, as this really does free up the mental capacity. Treat the simulator as you would a real aircraft and, most importantly, enjoy it. The process of learning how to take a Boeing 737 from London to Dublin is really great fun!