Tom Davis
Tom successfully completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and is now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
Tom fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming an airline pilot
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
It’s always been a dream of mine to be a pilot. The lifestyle really appeals to me; the freedom to visit different places and meet people from different backgrounds.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I was in full-time education parallel to my pilot studies. At college I did Maths & Physics, and I found these really quite beneficial towards my ATPL studies. Throughout COVID I worked in a transport office for HGV drivers.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
Modular, with cost being the main advantage. Also, I found that with the modular route I was able to go to multiple flight schools with different cultures, which made me a more well-rounded pilot.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
BREXIT. This effectively put a two-year delay to where I am now as I was left with a UK national licence after completing my CPL ME-IR. I had to re-do my skills tests in Greece early 2022 in order to achieve dual UK & EASA licences and apply to Ryanair.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
I did my first solo having just turned 16. This was from Netherthorpe, and their policy (being a 500m grass runway) was to park the fire engine at the end of the runway for my first solo take-off. A highlight of mine was seeing my mum’s face after landing that first time on my own.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The core competencies are the foundation of the introduction to multi-pilot operations. VA emphasised this and trained us to develop them during training. This has helped hugely with the type rating as the competencies are mirrored at Ryanair and I was (and still am) assessed on these every time I step into an aircraft or simulator.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
Base training will always be a very memorable day for me; the sensation of setting take-off thrust and being pinned back in your seat. The full motion sims at Ryanair’s training centres were fantastic but nothing can compare to that first take-off!
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
Work well with your sim partner. Multi-pilot operations is a completely different game to what you are probably used to. Do things together. Two pilots always have slightly different strengths, so help each other with everything.