My name is Henry and I work in Flight Operations for Aeros Gloucester. I recently joined Aeros in April 2021 working as a Hanger Assistant but then I started working in flight operations a week later due to my ambitions to become a commercial airline pilot. I joined Aeros because there is lots of potential opportunities to progress within the company.
What were you doing before you began your pilot training?
Before training/ working for Aeros, I worked at a local flight school within Gloucestershire Airport within a similar role. The flight school was of a much smaller scale whilst working there I also started my PPL training with them. I was looking for a flight training organisation that could offer me modular pilot training, and I am fortunate to begin working for Aeros as well as to train with them.
What route have you taken for your training?
I'm currently training for my Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). Once I complete my PPL, I hope to progress on to my ATPL theory exams with Cat3C, and eventually begin my Night Rating, IR/R rating and start hour building ready for my MEP/MEIR.
How do you manage both working and training at Aeros?
I stay organised purely by setting myself a clear schedule and creating frequent daily to-do lists. I take this approach with both my studies for my PPL and general day to day management of the flight school. I ensure that anything that is incomplete from the current day will be actioned on first thing, and I think that is important to take onboard with you for your ATPL studies.
"I joined Aeros because there is lots of potential opportunities to progress within the company. "
What have been your highlights or most memorable moments of your training/ job role, so far?
Working for Aeros is incredibly rewarding. Seeing students succeed with their studies and progress up a level on the flight training ladder is really fulfilling. There is a very family-feel atmosphere within the company, and everyone wants everyone to succeed. The company make a real effort to personally know their staff and students, which from a large-scale flight training organisation is incredible to have.
I most enjoy assisting the students and instructors with managing their schedules. I fully appreciate that flight training is a significant investment of a student’s time and money, so however I can help with their bookings I will do my best in making sure they all receive a hassle-free experience.
What's been your biggest success whilst working in Flight Operations at Aeros?
I would say my biggest success so far would be how quickly I have developed within my role. When I first started with Aeros, I was a hangar assistant helping the engineers valet aircraft and organise the parts in the store cupboard. Now I have started working in flight operations, I have developed sales and management skills which I will take forward into my career with me.
"The company (Aeros) make a real effort to personally know their staff and students,
which from a large-scale flight training organisation is incredible to have. "
What have been your highlights or most memorable moments of your training/ job role, so far?
My most fond memory working for Aeros so far would have to be seeing the most recent students pass their final skill tests. As I am still new, I know I will have plenty more memories to come.
I remember particularly seeing a student recently do their first solo, which was a significantly proud moment for all of us here. We never would have thought he would progress as quickly as he did over two weeks ago, but now he is on his way to starting his navigation!
And finally, what advice would you give yourself before your route to the flight deck began?
My best advice to those studying for their PPL theory exams or ATPLs, would be to just enjoy managing yourself. If you can enjoy organising your studies and putting hard work in, then you can be sure that you will succeed with your exams. Make sure that you take short breaks often and never cram information in the day before an exam. I have learnt from that mistake!
