Duo Zhang
Duo successfully completed the AirlineReady® APS MCC at VA Airline Training and started his flying career with Ryanair on the Boeing 737. He’s now moved on to Jet2, based at London Stansted
Duo started his airline career with Ryanair
and he’s now flying the Boeing 737 with Jet2
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
Aviation has fascinated me since taking my first flight on a Boeing 747 at age 9 when my parents moved to the UK. It baffled me how such a giant aircraft could fly through the skies so effortlessly. From then, I caught the aviation bug!
What did you do before starting pilot training?
After completing my degree in Sports Science at the University of Durham, I began my career in the Health and Fitness industry for around six years, starting as a Personal Trainer and later working my way into management.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I chose modular as it allowed me flexibility in choosing the right training provider at each stage, and gain different flying experiences in some incredible parts of the world - but most importantly, it was better financially.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
Training to become a commercial pilot has many ups and downs. The two most notable ones for me were:
Taking the leap of becoming unemployed after building a well-established career, especially coming from an Asian background!
I finished my commercial training two weeks before the first Covid lockdown, followed by Brexit, which meant it was almost impossible to find a job after training.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
To this day, I'd say my hour building in America was the highlight of my training. Taking the controls of an aircraft by yourself and looking out over the skylines of Orlando or Miami to the Florida Everglades, or even doing a low pass by the Kennedy Space Station!
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The briefings and de-briefs at VA are based around nine core competencies which mirrors how it's done during your career as a pilot in the airlines for simulators sessions (LPC/OPC checks etc). Not only are these traits highly developed during your APS MCC course, but they will also help later with your assessments, Type Rating and line checks. The most important thing is your ability to self-critique based on these competencies and get comfortable doing so.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
Of course, you never forget your first take-off and landing, your first flight taking the controls with passengers, or making your first passenger announcement (that you wrote and practiced the week before!).
However, the biggest highlight for me was when I was offered my first airline job to begin my career as a commercial pilot. After years of lockdown with no airlines hiring, it truly was a moment of relief!
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
APS MCC will solidify your path to the airlines. It's the first time you get a taste of your future as an airline pilot, as it's your first time training in a multi-crew environment. Make sure you use all the facilities VA has to offer, work together with your sim partner through every stage of the training and you'll come out the other end airline ready! Remember, never stop asking questions!