Hi, my name is Christian Waddington. I'm 23 years old and I am originally from Doncaster, in South Yorkshire. Like most people in the industry, I have aspired to be a commercial pilot for as long as I can remember.
When did you catch the 'aviation bug'?
I initially caught the ‘aviation bug’ at around the age of 8 years old when my dad decided to take me to watch him fly his model aircraft at Doncaster model flying club. I was amazed by the model aircraft and the magic of flight. I then spent the following summers taking up the hobby, the obsession with planes began!
Fast forward to the age of 18, I was lucky enough to participate in a trial flight at Sheffield aero club in a Cessna 152. Again, I was immediately captivated and knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a career.
At first, I was apprehensive as to how I was to enter such a vast and ever-growing industry. I had so many questions on my mind; where do I start? Can I afford it? Am I good enough? After some long and detailed research each night, I came across Aeros flight training.
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How did you get into Aero's Flight Training?
They instantly caught my eye for a number of reasons, but namely due to the fact they had a northern base, right on my doorstep at Doncaster-Sheffield airport. In addition to this they offered modular formatted training. This essentially meant I could ‘pay-as-you-go' through my flight training, whilst being able to work a part time job to help fund my training. It also allowed me to undertake each license individually, such as my private pilot license (PPL), commercial pilot license (CPL) and my multi-engine instrument rating (MEIR). I quickly made a call and arranged a meeting with their CEO, Nick Dunn, at their Coventry base.
On my initial visit, I was welcomed with a tour of their impressive facilities, expanding fleet and approach to flight training- not to mention their vast array of DA42s and Alsim DA42 simulators! This gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to enrol at their Doncaster base.
Tell us what you did whilst at Aero's Flight Training?
Whilst at the Aeros Doncaster base, I completed my private pilot license in late 2019 and began my hour building. The training standards were second-to-none, and with the base being relatively new at the time, I was impressed at the rate of expansion and growth at Aeros Doncaster.
I would also like to mention my instructor, and now chief Aeros instructor, Francis Page, who's tuition throughout my flight training has been incredible. After completing a large chunk of my hour building, I embarked on my ATPL ground-school examinations, and soon got through all 13 of the dreaded exams! What a relief! It has definitely been the hardest part of my training to date!
What are you doing currently?
This brings me up to date with my flight training journey. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Doncaster-Sheffield airport closed which meant Aeros very quickly and conveniently relocated to Leeds-East airport, maintaining a northern base. I am now working towards finishing off my final hours of hour building before commencing my commercial pilot license and multi engine instrument rating, of which I am extremely excited to start!
Looking forward, I very much hope to gain employment at a major airline and am incredibly eager to see what the future holds, not only in my flight training but also in a long and exciting career in an amazing industry.
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What advice do you have for aspiring aviation professionals?
To anyone who is looking to embark on flight training, strongly urge them to research ways of training, whether that be integrated or modular- in order to find what works for you financially, lifestyle and training-wise. I also highly recommend Aeros flight training. They not only provide training to the highest standards, but their modular format gives students the opportunity to attain each license, with financial ease and clarity. In addition, they have bases across the UK, at an expanding rate, making training accessible.
I also recommend networking and speaking to those who have or are, currently training, this will provide the best insight into their flight training journey and help them understand what is to come.
