Communication
Viola
Captain A320
Experience
Most Recent Aircraft Type:
Training Route/Previous Roles
Aviation Specific Degree:
Languages:
Location:
Captain, First Officer, Flight Attendant
A320
CASA ATPL - converted from EASA ATPL ( modular)
No
English , German
Australia
Additional Experience/Qualifications:
MHFA, CRM Trainer
Passions, Interests and Experience:
Pilot competencies, Mentoring, Well-being and mental health
Why did you want to become a pilot?
When I was a teenager my dad started learning to fly and completed his PPL. Going flying with him sparked my passion for aviation and airplanes and inspired me to wanting to become an airline pilot. I was fascinated by the technology of airplanes, the freedom you feel when you fly, and that you have the ability to see so many different places.
Was training a breeze or did you find it a challenge?
The training certainly wasn't easy, but I learned through it that when you stay focused and put the work in, you do get results and I found this a very empowering experience.
What was most challenging?
Getting my first job as a pilot in the aftermath of 9/11 was hard and certainly tested my resilience. There were hardly any jobs, especially for someone with low hours like myself at the time. It took nearly two years from when I finished my license to my first job in a flight deck.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with people, dealing with the unexpected, problem solving, always learning and self-improving, and of course sunrises.
What is most challenging about your job?
Staying up to date with the sheer volume of information which is constantly being updated.
Which of the Pilot Competencies are of most interest to you and why?
Clearly all of the competencies are important, but if I had to pick one, I’d say that communication has a part in all of the other competencies. They all interlink and none of them should be looked at in isolation, however I think that good communication and listening skills have a positive impact on all of the other competencies.