Why aviation?

You’d be right to think flying is a challenge – it’s mentally demanding, requires a lot of experience and costs tons of money! So why pursue it?

My journey in aviation began flying abroad as a young child. I was fortunate to go on holiday to Spain in my childhood. Flying there was more exciting to me than the destination itself. My Grandad would always take me up to the cockpit of the plane to meet the pilots and see the dazzling array of switches and dials. I was hooked…

From then on, everything aviation related I could lay my hands on was gold dust. I absorbed as much information as my brain could hold, I built aircraft models, dreamed of one day flying planes around the world and told everyone I met that I wanted to become a pilot! But alas, flying is not cheap. I simply didn’t have the funds available to pay for flight training myself.

How I got started

To scratch the flying itch, I joined the Air Training Corps (Royal Air Force Air Cadets) when I was at school. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. Within 6 months, I’d had my first flight at 9 Air Experience Flight (9AEF) at RAF Church Fenton (now Leeds East Airport). This was it; this is what I wanted to do in my life!

Through the Air Cadets, I studied aviation subjects and achieved the highest rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. Amongst all the fantastic experiences the cadets offered me, by far the most exciting was the flying. I achieved solo flights on a Grob 109B motor glider and in a Grob 115D aeroplane – these were magical!

But the good times did not last. 

Overcoming adversity

Following my solo flights in Air Cadets, I struggled to obtain funding and continue my flight training. I was deflated.

So I changed tack – I decided to study aeronautical engineering at university which re-ignited my passion for aviation and taught me new insights to the aerospace world. I revelled in the aircraft design courses and marvelled at aerodynamics. I was in my element, expanding my knowledge of aerospace and discovering new interests.

Following graduation, I took my learning a step further and studied for a Master’s degree in aerodynamics at Cranfield University. As Cranfield has its own aircraft and airport, I enjoyed several flights aboard the National Flying Laboratory Centre’s (NFLC) aircraft where I learnt flight test engineering principles and experienced bizarre flight modes (more about this in a future update). 

After my Master’s degree, I joined Rolls-Royce working in large engine designs. I now work as an Aircraft Performance Engineer in their Aircraft Evaluation Team. In my spare time I have begun working on my Private Pilot Licence (PPL) at the Merlin Flying Club. 

Looking forward

Almost a decade on from when I soloed in the Air Cadets, training for my PPL is a dream come true. But it’s not without its challenges. Like all PPL students, the British weather plays havoc with my plans and trying to find the time to work on my theoretical knowledge study has been difficult. I am part way through learning the first (of nine…!) exams: Air Law. I need a pass in this exam to fly solo (again).

I plan to make the most of this summer in 2024 (please be good weather!) and my big goal for the year is to get my first solo under my belt. I’ll be posting updates here and on Instagram (@flyingcallum) as I go – I hope you’ll follow my journey.

So why aviation…? 

Well, it’s the challenge, the aircraft, the freedom, and above all the sense of adventure. Sometimes, no matter the cost, you keep working towards a goal despite adversity and challenge simply because it fires you up. To quote the investor Ray Dalio: “The pursuit of dreams is what gives life it’s flavour”. If my dream is aviation, I sure as hell want a taste.

CBP ✈️