I first became interested in flying and all things aviation after my first flight a
number of years ago with Monarch. Back then, I had a completely different feeling
towards it than I do now. I was terrified of flying! I can distinctly remember
holding back the tears as the aircraft rolled down the runway on that flight. Now,
however, as many people will tell you, all I have to do is hear the roar of an engine
and my attention turns skywards. I love the thrills and sensations of flight: the sheer
power at takeoff, the turbulence, and those bumpy landings!
For the last number of years, I have become a member of the 'Flight-Sim
generation'. Microsoft created their first flight simulator over 25 years ago and
today the software really is 'As Real as It Gets'. Needless to say I have logged
many hours at the controls of my favourite aircraft all over the world. I was also
lucky enough to have a go in a real-world simulator during Transition Year. I spent
a week's work experience in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, home to the
Irish Air Corps. Throughout that week, we were shown around all the various
different hangars and saw all of the Air Corps aircraft. On the final day, I was one
of two who got to fly in the Pilatus PC-9M Simulator and performed a few
aerobatics over 'Virtual Clondalkin' before taking the multi-million Euro machine
back down for landing.
As for real-world flying, so far I have logged two hours flying in Weston Airport,
Lucan. The lessons lasted one hour each in a small two-seater Cessna 152
(a washing machine with wings basically). I was surprised at how easy it actually
is to control the aircraft, and also at how quickly the hour 'flies' by. Both of these
experiences were really enjoyable and have made me even more anxious to
start training for the various licences. After my Leaving Cert, I hope to travel to the
UK and study in Oxford Aviation Academy. There, I hope to get my ATPL
(Airline Transport Pilots Licence); however the course is quite expensive at
£61,000 (just under €100,000). Maybe some dodgy bankers could sort me out
with a loan!
My interest (obsession) in Ryanair first began simply because they fly my favourite
aircraft, the Boeing 737-800 (see the image below), and this interest has grown
quite dramatically since I first flew with them in 2005. Since then, I have watched
their fleet multiply and now they are Europe's largest airline.My 'hero', Michael O'Leary, is well known for his interesting choice of words
and the odd bullying tactic, but he does also have a less aggressive side. In April,
thanks to Mr Conor Kelly and of course Mick himself, I'll get to visit the flight deck
of a Ryanair aircraft and speak with the pilots briefly, which needless to say I'm
really excited about! Hopefully, in a few years time, I'll succeed in my ambition
and will be flying for the world's best airline! If not, maybe I'll settle for cabin crew or,
even worse, Aer Lingus!
