Danielle Jackson
Danielle completed her APS MCC training at VA Airline Training and she’s now flying the Boeing 737 with Jet2.com
What inspired you to pursue a career as a commercial pilot?
Honestly, it wasn't a childhood dream as it had never even occurred to me as a career possibility. 2016 was the turning point for me. I always found myself attracted to lines of work involving precision, responsibility, leadership & teamwork, structure and challenges. On frequent travels I would look longingly at the flight-deck, admiring the knowledge and professionalism that the crews casually exuded. Realising that and doing extensive research, then subsequently talking with people in the field, it took very little to convince me. The rest is history.
What did you do before starting pilot training?
I had my own catering company for six and a half years as chef and pastry chef producing bespoke culinary creations for events and individuals alike. I also have a BA in Modern Languages.
Which training route did you choose to follow, and why?
I was initially an MPL student with CAE, but I found I was more suited to the modular path for many reasons.
Becoming a modular student was the best thing that could have happened to me. It gave me the freedom to branch out, carefully pick training centres and manage timing and finances (personal funding and some family help). This allowed me to discover different countries, gain a broad experience in aviation thanks to a variety of aircraft, airspaces and flying conditions and meet some extraordinary people along the way from all walks of life.
Flying the Piper Warrior in the USA
Great views from the DA42
What challenges did you face before or during training?
Before training a lot of people thought I wouldn't be capable of becoming a pilot or was just downright crazy. You have to bear in mind the context, however. Although British, I have lived in France for almost 20 years. Here, you tend to determine your professional direction in high school and, for the most part, do not divert from that path. So, the languages-to-catering-to-aviation path was unconventional to say the least.
Once training started, I didn't find the theory very easy. Almost every subject was a discovery and I'd been out of a strict learning environment for years. The workload was immense. Everyone warns you but you genuinely cannot imagine it until you experience it first-hand.
What were the highlights of your time in training?
There are two that stand out in particular: Firstly, it was being introduced into the world of aerobatics, earning my rating and subsequently competing last year in the British Aerobatic Championships at Sportsman level. It proved that I do indeed wish to fly jets, but that I don't consider aviation as simply a job. I have a genuine passion for manual, precision flying. Aerobatics are intense and the adrenaline rush is second to none; it requires a lot of discipline, but when all factors unite, fun is an understatement!
Later on, it was being able to say that I had completed my training with VA after my APS MCC on the A320. When embarking on the flying adventure, the day marking the culmination of training seems light years away. It's such a great sense of achievement realising every stage you've been through to get there and knowing that the next step is recruitment.
Multi-engine training in the DA42
Danielle in the A320 simulator at VA Airline Training
How did the competencies you developed during your APS MCC help you afterwards?
The APS MCC helped tremendously to prepare for airline assessments. Being able to walk into a simulator of a commercial airliner and know (more or less) where everything is and what is expected of you boosts your confidence and of course, your ability. It also gives a good insight as to what to expect during a type-rating, not just in terms of expanding one’s knowledge base but also upping the quantity and pace of learning and execution of tasks appropriate for commercial airline operations, not forgetting being at ease in a multi-crew environment - something most candidates have not experienced until starting the APS MCC.
What have been the highlights since you started airline flying?
I will always remember the unexpected feeling I got from my first take-off with passengers. It was early morning, the sun starting to rise. We had just lined up on Manchester’s 23R, all runway lights illuminated emphasising the perspective and contributing to the grandeur of the moment, checks completed, take-off clearance granted and the Captain said “you have control”. To put it simply, it just felt right - I was calm, determined and honestly, proud after the five-year journey to the flight deck. The rush of adrenaline came a few hours later on my first approach to land into Alicante!
What advice would you give to someone about to start APS MCC training?
Give it your all! You really will get out what you put in - both in hard and soft skills. If you can, do it in the type (A320 or B737) you are aiming to fly. This will naturally give you some type-specific knowledge ahead of a type-rating, easing the learning curve. If you are unsure which to pick, not to worry. My APS MCC was in the A320 simulator and I now fly the B737. The course provided me with invaluable technical skills as well as strongly developing core competencies essential for working on the line, such as workload management, communication and situational awareness, in a way that is different from the SEP/MEP flying we are used to up to that point.