UWL students attending the Future Pilot Skills event
UWL students attending the Future Pilot Skills event

Flying high with annual Future Pilot Skills event organised by FlightPad and UWL

Intro

Recently, the University of West London opened its doors to over 150 aspiring pilots and prospective students seeking a career in aviation. Supported by FlightPad, the Future Pilot Skills event brought together a host of industry experts, flight training organisations and inspiring speakers.

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Presentations from employees at TUI, Falcon Flying Group, British Airways (BA), Logan Air and others enthused and motivated our audience throughout the event. CV and interview preparation sessions during the day proved invaluable for many. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to view the UWL facilities, including the Boeing 737 flight simulator and the Heathrow Archive. 

Aziz from Stapleford Flight Centre gave a presentation on what to expect during pilot training: 

The obvious thing: you have to be good at flying, but also good at working as a team. This is honed in practical training.” 

In her presentation, Carrie from Skyborne Airline Academy said, 

Aviation is one of those industries where you never stop learning,” 

Reps from Falcon Flying Group at the Future Pilot Skills event at the University of West London

The day offered an in-depth view into careers in the flight deck and beyond, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about aviation careers. Industry professionals exhibiting at the event had lots of advice to offer aspiring pilots. 

Carmen from Falcon Flying Group said: 

From about 14 years old you can actually start training towards your Private Pilot’s License, but I always suggest that if you have the dream to go and fly to start with a trial lesson – see what it’s all about before you throw lots of money at it.” 

Lily and Ellie from Draken are standing in front of a Draken stand at an event.

Lily and Ellie from Draken were also keen to share their insights. Lily said:

Don’t listen to everything you hear – when you say you want to be a pilot, people are very quick to have an opinion, but you’ve got to find the training pathway that works best for you and stick to it. Listen to sound advice from people you really respect,”

Ellie added:

There are a lot of different roles in aviation, like private charters, medical flights... so do your research. If you think you don’t fit into the airline box, that doesn’t exclude you from a career in aviation.” 

Lucy from British Airways suggested practical advice for applying to jobs in the industry and outlined the key prerequisites for a commercial pilot role at BA: 

We’re looking for someone that’s all-rounded. Really, it’s motivation that we’re looking for: why do you want to be a pilot and why is it BA that you want to come and work for? The hope is that if they come and join us, they’ll stay with us for the rest of their career.” 

UWL students attending the Future Pilot Skills event

UWL offers several aviation-related courses with integrated practical experience. This is a great opportunity to gain a degree alongside useful industry experience, preparing students for all sorts of circumstances in the real world of work. 

James Edmunds, Head of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, said: 

Studying aviation at UWL equips aspiring pilots with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, essential for working within this dynamic sector. 

Creating and running events like Future Pilots Skills underscores our commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow with confidence.” 

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