Leandro Di Vincenzo
Leandro successfully completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and is now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
Leandro in the Boeing 737-800
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
Becoming an airline pilot has been my dream for as long as I can remember. My interest in aviation started from living in places such as Africa and Central America, meaning I travelled a lot and spent a lot of time on airplanes. Being the first one of my family to enter the aviation industry, meant that I did not have a lot of knowledge about it but I did have their support.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I started my flight training as soon as I finished school. I finished school in June and did my first flight in the beginning of September.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I decided to do my training the modular route, as it was significantly cheaper. Having had to self-fund my training, I decided this was the best option for me. It did however require a lot of discipline, especially doing the ATPL theory learning and exams via distance learning, which meant I had to stay very focused and motivated to be ready for the exams.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
I did face challenges during my training. As mentioned, doing flying training in the UK during the winter months meant not a lot of flying took place. Also, the ATPL theory exams were challenging, as I self-studied for them. I completed them during COVID, which meant I had a longer break during the exams as the exam venues were closed. After that, I had a time pressure to change my licence from the UK to EASA, so that I would have better job opportunities upon graduating (as a European citizen). After this, I also changed flight schools which meant getting used to new SOPs and a new country for flying purposes.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
I would have to say hours building as a great learning experience which taught me a lot about flying and about myself. Then starting my MEP/IR flying meant moving from flying older Cessna 150s to the state-of-the-art Diamond DA42. This was an amazing experience but also challenging. Not to forget, doing my APS MCC was the first time during my training where I got the realisation that I am now preparing myself for flying passengers around Europe in a commercial setting, which was a very special feeling.
Leandro in VA’s Boeing 737 simulator during the APS MCC, together with his training partner (who also joined Ryanair)
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The core competencies of the APS MCC helped me greatly during the assessment and also during the line training. Although flying on the line is very different from the simulator, with many new real-world situations happening around you, the competencies still apply. Workload management is an important skill to master during line flying operations, where there are a lot of tasks to be completed in a short time. Also, Situational Awareness is a big one that I make my priority, being able to anticipate what happens next, and what can I do now to lower my workload later makes flying more enjoyable and less stressful.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
The biggest highlights during my time as an airline pilot have just been the moments where I have realised that I made it to the profession I have dreamed of since I was little. I remember very vividly during my first passenger flight - having completed the briefings and done the pre-flight tasks in the flight deck - looking over my shoulder and seeing passengers boarding the aircraft. That was a moment that made it all very real for me.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
I would say be ready for it and have a motivated attitude. It is intense and a lot to learn in a short time, but it is so worth it in the end. The skills you learn and develop during the APS MCC greatly help you in the assessment, type rating and during line flying as well. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy it!