Communication
Tom C
First Officer
Experience
Most Recent Aircraft Type:
Aviation Specific Degree:
Languages:
Location:
FO
Airbus A319/A320
Integrated ATPL
English
LGW
Additional Experience/Qualifications:
Passions, Interests and Experience:
Why did you want to become a pilot?
It’s hard to pinpoint a moment when I wanted to pursue a piloting career, however, from a young age I held a keen interest in aviation. I remember dressing up as a pilot for a careers day at primary school, and I was a self-confessed plane fanatic who could produce all sorts of random facts about most airlines! I always felt I belonged in an aviation career and a couple of flying lessons confirmed my interest in flying.
Following university, personally I felt ready to apply for pilot training. I was lucky to be accepted onto the easyJet training programme, providing a direct route to airline employment at the end of my training.
Was training a breeze or did you find it a challenge?
The training is challenging and, as I alluded to in the previous question, it wasn’t until my early 20s that I felt ready to start pilot training. With this profession, you are constantly assessed and it’s something that takes getting use to (I still am!). With challenge however comes great reward, and there were certainly some stand out moments in my training, such as completing my first solo flight and getting my Airbus type rating.
What was most challenging?
overcoming setbacks (which are inevitable!). However, it’s hard to believe in yourself all the time, particularly as the profession demands us to continuously evaluate our abilities in order to improve. The spotlight is entirely on you and, occasionally, it can feel lonely. My setbacks in flight training were often due to a lack of self-belief and “imposter syndrome”.
This is why I was keen to join Resilient Pilot, so I can support pilots, both current and aspiring, build confidence and navigate through tricky times to achieve their goals.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Piloting is a great responsibility to have, especially when a flight runs smoothly! Despite our different seniority, the captain and I split the workload evenly so I always play an important role. Often, I’m allowed to make important decisions and develop my own competencies to become a better pilot.
What is most challenging about your job?
There are a number of factors that are beyond my control. For example, weather, ATC slots and disruptive passengers, so a lot of patience is needed! Very rarely do I report off duty on-time.
Which Pilot Competencies are of most interest to you and why?
All nine competencies play a key role, however I believe effective communication and good teamwork are the most important behaviours for a crew to work together successfully.