January has come and gone, and yet will never be forgotten.
On the 12th January, my day had come. I arose early to make the worthwhile trip across the country to Dublin Airport, where I would meet one of my biggest inspirations: Captain Davina Pratt, Aer Lingus chief pilot. As we creeped closer to Dublin and I began to see planes at cruising altitude alter their heading, I wondered if there was also going to be a change in mine.
Greeted by the generous gentleman who was kind enough to organise this visit, we walked towards Hangar 6, me tripping with excitement. "She's expecting you" - the humble secretary of Captain Pratt exclaimed. And so she was. I discussed many things with Captain Pratt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting with her. From advice to a friendly chat, melting point of the ice arrived and both advantages and issues about random aspects of the career were conferred.
Afterwards, I was escorted by Captain Pratt and an Aer Lingus engineer to the Operations Centre where plans are filed and problems from aircraft are transmitted among other functions.
From there, I was guided to the main floor of Hangar 6 where the aircraft were undergoing maintenance. Luckily, there was an engine check planned for one of the A320s and I was invited to sit in the jump seat and observe the various systems reacting to this. I took a seat in the main cabin as we taxied to the gate at Dublin airport to deliver the aircraft for its next flight.
To top the day off, my family and I traveled to the spotting point at the side of runway 28. Overall, a brilliant day was had and I wish to express my thanks to those who organised the visit.
On the 12th January, my day had come. I arose early to make the worthwhile trip across the country to Dublin Airport, where I would meet one of my biggest inspirations: Captain Davina Pratt, Aer Lingus chief pilot. As we creeped closer to Dublin and I began to see planes at cruising altitude alter their heading, I wondered if there was also going to be a change in mine.
Greeted by the generous gentleman who was kind enough to organise this visit, we walked towards Hangar 6, me tripping with excitement. "She's expecting you" - the humble secretary of Captain Pratt exclaimed. And so she was. I discussed many things with Captain Pratt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting with her. From advice to a friendly chat, melting point of the ice arrived and both advantages and issues about random aspects of the career were conferred.
Afterwards, I was escorted by Captain Pratt and an Aer Lingus engineer to the Operations Centre where plans are filed and problems from aircraft are transmitted among other functions.
'Iolar'
EI-DEC 'St. Fergal'
From there, I was guided to the main floor of Hangar 6 where the aircraft were undergoing maintenance. Luckily, there was an engine check planned for one of the A320s and I was invited to sit in the jump seat and observe the various systems reacting to this. I took a seat in the main cabin as we taxied to the gate at Dublin airport to deliver the aircraft for its next flight.
A320 flight deck
EI-EAV 'St. Ronán'
Terminal One
Ryanair EI-DYD taxing
To top the day off, my family and I traveled to the spotting point at the side of runway 28. Overall, a brilliant day was had and I wish to express my thanks to those who organised the visit.
