Joe Caruana
Joe successfully completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and is now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
Like most of my fellow pilots, I think it piqued my interest at an early age. I believe it started when I used to watch the Concorde fly over my house and be amazed by the sight and sound of it. Then, at the age of 16, I had my very first trial lesson, and from that moment forward I knew that there was nothing else I wanted to do. I'm incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue it as a career.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I chose to go down the modular route. I enrolled at Buckinghamshire New University on the BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training course. This course integrated my pilot training alongside getting a degree, which was very important to me. Although having a degree is not a requirement to become a pilot, I found this course invaluable as it gave me a broader perspective on how the airline and aviation industry operates.
Choosing the modular route also meant I could choose the school I wanted and complete my training within a time frame that suited me.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
I first started my journey of becoming a pilot in 2017, which meant I had to tackle both Brexit and the COVID pandemic. Brexit added complications when trying to attain both my UK and EASA licenses and, due to the pandemic, I sadly had to put my training on hold for almost two years. Although at times it has felt like an uphill battle, the reward at the end is definitely worth it!
What were the highlights of your time in training?
There have been many highlights! During my time hour building in the USA, I was asked to ferry a crew from Miami, Florida to a remote airfield in North Carolina in a Piper Warrior to collect a new aircraft for the flight school. The three-day round trip is something I will always remember! Another highlight was completing my very first solo flight from Wycombe Air Park in 2018 and then receiving my wings at Ryanair HQ in Dublin exactly six years later!
Joe in the Boeing 737 simulator at VA Airline Training during his APS MCC
Joe with his APS MCC training partner, Shujaa Imran. Shujaa went on to join BA Cityflyer, and you can also read his Success Story
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The core competencies that I developed during my time at VA were extremely valuable. This became apparent at every stage after completing my APS MCC course. During my airline assessment, it allowed me to better understand what the recruitment team were looking for, both in the simulator and the HR and technical interviews. Once I started the type rating, these competencies were discussed frequently especially once into the simulator phase. They also allowed me and my type rating sim partner (who had also completed VA's APS MCC course) to work effectively together.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
My greatest highlight was undoubtedly the base training. Getting the opportunity to fly the Boeing 737 for the first time was the culmination of years of hard work and it's a day I'll never forget.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
The best advice would be to be as prepared as possible! The APS MCC course is a steep learning curve so allow yourself enough time to complete the pre-course material and study the competencies. If you arrive for each session prepared, you maximise your time in the simulator and get the most out of it. I would also say to utilise your instructors as much as possible. The instructors at VA are incredibly knowledgeable and are there to help you with whatever you may need.
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the course! It's the first taste of what you can expect when working for an airline.