Lilly Rose Butterworth
Lilly successfully completed the APS MCC at VA Airline Training and is now flying the Boeing 737 with Ryanair
Lilly in the Boeing 737 on the day of her base training
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
I’ve wanted to become an airline pilot ever since the age of 5! Going on family holidays and seeing the cockpit and pilots fascinated me and was where my passion for flying began. I was intrigued by how many buttons and switches there were and how they could make the aeroplane fly. I carried this passion through my time at school until my very first flying lesson when I was 16.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
When I first started my flight training I was 16 and studying for my A-levels at sixth form, so I chose the modular route as it allowed me the flexibility to do my flight training alongside studying for three A-levels. I then stuck to the modular route as it was working well for me.
What challenges did you face before or during training?
The biggest challenge was finishing my training straight after Brexit and Covid, which meant it was initially difficult to get my first airline job. While I was waiting for the industry to recover, I did a flight instructor course and spent some time instructing.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
I’d say the biggest highlight was my hour-building phase, where it was British summer time and I teamed up with other pilots and did some really cool trips, mostly around the south coast of the UK. This meant we had lots of beach days and enjoyed the views. I gained lots of experience with different types of airfields during this phase.
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The core competencies that were highlighted during the APS MCC proved very helpful during my type rating, where I could put what I’d learnt during the APS MCC into practice. It also helped with the initial assessment process and answering the interview questions.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
I am currently waiting to start line training, but my highlight so far was definitely the base training. It felt completely surreal flying the jet for the first time and it's a day I will remember for the rest of my life. It was an amazing day.
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
I’d say put in as much pre-course reading and work as you can before the course and before each session, as this will ensure you get the most out of each session. Also, make notes during briefings and de-briefings (where the instructor will give feedback) as this will ensure you make positive progress. Definitely try to enjoy it too.