Robert Bean - EasyJet - A319/20

1) Tell us what made you want to become a pilot?

​From a very early age I was fascinated with aircraft and aviation after hearing countless stories from my grandfather who served in the RAF as an engineer throughout the Second World War, based out of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire with 617 Sqn (those famous for the 'bouncing bomb' and Dambusters raids). I had my first GA flight with a family friend at the age of 10 and knew there was nothing I'd rather do. For a long period of time I thought the RAF was the route I wished to take, and after a series of spending cuts from the MoD the chance to fly in the military was hindered significantly. My passion for aviation was long engrained so the next logical, and somewhat safer option for me would be the commercial route. My views on political intervention throughout the world and the violence throughout was a deferring factor from the military, and as an airline pilot you have a fair amount more freedoms in everyday life than that of a serviceman.

2) What aircraft did you fly your initial training?

​I joined CTC with next to no flight hours under my belt, so the first proper aircraft I got to fly was the DA40-NG. As Phoenix was a new training location for CTC we had the pleasure of flying brand new aircraft. Even the single engine was all electrically managed, fuel injected, glass cockpit and even had a traffic avoidance system on board! After that we moved onto the DA42-VI, Diamond's newest offering of their famous twin. The new engines had a fantastic climb rate even when simulating an engine failure.

3) What was your hardest part of your training?​

My hardest part of training was definitely the ground school section at the beginning. I'm a hands-on learner and not so much of an academic, so for 6 months there was no social life and each day was spent in the books. In the end the dedication was totally worth it, though!

4) What is the biggest misconception people have about your job?​

Asides from the usual answers to this, I think one of the biggest misconceptions is how long it takes to become a pilot. Many people when they think of pilots think old and experienced, so they are shocked when firstly I tell them I'm a pilot at my age, but secondly that it only took me just 18 months of intensive training to become one! Our courses might not take 3+ years like a degree or other qualifications, but our major difference is when we qualify we don't actually stop studying on a day-to-day, with simulator sessions, license revalidation, actual line flying checks, and technical quizzes to complete throughout the year.

5) What advice would you give to aspiring pilots?​

My best advice to aspiring pilots is to never lose sight on the dream. If you work hard tenaciously on a day-to-day towards your goal you will see it happen, as I found out on my journey even a year or so before starting my course, positive action and mindset creates a chain of positive results. Don't waver and you will be rewarded.

6) What is your favourite destination to fly to?​

Throughout the summer last year I often went to the Greek island of Kos, and either the visual or procedural approach onto RWY32 has some incredible views, especially at sunset, plus we always had such fun with the ground staff there also.

7) Where did you train, and describe your experience training there?

​After searching around for potential options I joined CTC in their integrated programme in April 2014, on CP119 with 14 other students. Starting our course in Southampton, we completed 6 months of ground school exams, with the course then splitting into two - 5 of us went to Phoenix, AZ; and 5 to New Zealand, and the rest heading back on an modular route elsewhere. Phoenix was an incredible experience, living abroad for half a year with great weather and in a surprisingly beautiful State. The opportunity to road trip to different towns in our days off was there if we wanted to, or just experience the American experience from baseball to basketball games. Flying-wise was also exceptional. The instructors were all top-class and genuine people, being serious when needed but creating a relaxed attitude to help the ability to learn. From Phoenix we headed to Bournemouth for IR, returning back to Southampton for our MCC/JOC course (called the 'AQC' at CTC) and after landing a job with easyJet back again for Type Rating on the Airbus. Lastly, I integrated myself with the marketing team and other employees with my photography and since have gained some great friends as a result, so I look back on my training with CTC fondly.

8) What has been your best moment in the air?

​I think it's hard to pinpoint exactly what has been my favourite moment in the air; flying low over downtown Phoenix at nighttime was a definite highlight back when I was training; though I'm now blessed daily with incredible views from the flight deck. I flew on New Year's eve from Paris to Lisbon and back, and at midnight was treated to a show seeing the whole country light up in tiny colourful firework pinpricks. Like any job it's easy to get caught up in the busies and not see it for what it is, but I still get the moments of appreciation and excited like a child when I remember what I actually get to do as a job.

9) Was there something you wish you did prior to starting your flight training, that would be beneficial for aspiring pilots to do ?

Personally, not particularly. For a couple of months prior to starting my course I studied the PPL books so when I arrived on day 1 I already had some background information. As for a potential advice though, I think real flight experience can never be underrated, especially to those wanting to go the modular route, as that kicks off your hour building. It also confirms whether it's something you actually want to do for the rest of your career!

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