Thomas Owens
Thomas completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training in 2020, just before the first Covid lockdown, but he’s overcome that and other obstacles and he’s now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
Ever since the age of three, I have dreamed of becoming a commercial pilot. Although aviation does run in the family, the real passion came from being a young boy, staring into the flight deck, telling my parents that one day, I would be doing the job of the man in there. Growing up, the highlight of any family holiday was the airport and the flight itself over the destination!
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I went to university and studied Geography. I can remember during sixth form attending open days for both universities and flight schools, and felt I was a little too young and lacking knowledge of the outside world to jump straight into flight training. So I opted to pursue my favourite school subject for a few more years and gain some valuable life experience. People often asked me why I chose to study geography and not aeronautical engineering or physics. At least it helps to read a map and know where I am!
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
Initially, I went down the integrated route, but various problems and delays with the delivery of the training meant I went modular. At the time, I was concerned that I was ‘jumping out of the frying pan into the fire’, but it later proved to be the best decision I could’ve made. It gave me the opportunity to be in control of my own flight training and offered me the freedom to do things I wouldn’t have been able to do on an integrated course.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
How long have you got?! From personal factors, flight training delays, Covid and licensing, I really did get everything thrown at me. At times (and believe me there were a few), it felt as though that childhood dream would never be achieved. Every time I got over one problem, it felt like another was immediately there to greet me. But I like to be able to say that I overcame each and every single one of them, and I’m proof that no matter how much life can throw at you, the resilience and perseverance to continue will be rewarded. If it was easy, everyone would do it, and I guess that’s just further proof that with the right desire and mindset, you can achieve your goal.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
Definitely the hour building as part of my commercial pilot’s licence (CPL). Having buddied up with another cadet who also started out with me on the integrated route, it gave us the opportunity to fly further and have the freedom to go where we wanted, when we wanted. The flight school were also fantastic in ensuring there was always an aircraft available to us, which meant we could rack up the hours quickly. We were also blessed in having a summer of relatively few weather issues, which was certainly a welcome addition.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
It’s something I’ve told so many people about. I definitely found the type rating less daunting and overwhelming having a core understanding of the 737, from its layout to how it performs and behaves. I definitely feel myself and my sim partner had a cutting edge over those who hadn’t done a 737 APS MCC before their type rating for sure. That confidence and reassurance was definitely something that helped me through the type rating, and I’m not sure those skills would’ve been as polished if weren’t for the APS MCC course at VA.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
That feeling of pinching yourself every time you look over your right shoulder and see the wing, and realise that it’s no simulation game, but in fact a real jet aircraft with 180+ people on board, that you’re responsible for getting them to their destination. It’s a feeling I don’t think will ever go away. It’s a feeling I’ve worked so hard for and it’s quite emotional to know that it’s now a daily occurrence.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
Enjoy it! I don’t think I appreciated enough at the time just how rewarding the whole experience was. That has really now come since completing my type rating and line training. Also, don’t fret over whether you’ll be at a disadvantage if you do it on a Boeing or an Airbus and then later fly the adverse. I know plenty who did their APS MCC on an Airbus and now fly the Boeing 737! What’s important to note is that the training provided for your APS MCC is more about providing you with the skills for a multi crew environment. The type rating will teach you everything you need to know about the aircraft.