From a childhood dream to Skyborne

Name: Keanu Wamae

Course: British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy

Discovering the dream
For many aspiring pilots, the journey begins with a single spark. For Keanu Wamae, a Skyborne trainee based at our Bournemouth Academy, that spark came from a moment he has never forgotten.

What made you want to become a pilot?

“I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember, but one experience cemented my ambition.”

As a child, dressed in a pilot costume, Keanu met Captain Peter Burkill, captain of British Airways Flight 38.

During that encounter, Captain Burkill handed Keanu the flight plan from the very flight they were on. Today, that same flight plan is framed and hanging on the wall of Keanu’s room, a constant reminder of where his journey began.

Turning passion into action
Keanu achieved his first solo flight at just 16, a milestone many aspiring pilots work years towards. At 18, during the challenges of the Covid pandemic, he earned his Private Pilot Licence, demonstrating both resilience and commitment to his goal.

Alongside his training, he also took on a leadership role as captain of his university pilots club, further developing his skills both in and out of the cockpit.

Overcoming barriers
Like many aspiring pilots, Keanu faced challenges along the way, with cost being one of the biggest barriers. However, with the support of the Speedbird Pilot Academy, he was able to overcome this and continue progressing towards a professional flying career.

Living and breathing aviation
Outside of flight training, Keanu immersed himself in aviation wherever possible, using flight simulators such as FSX, X Plane and DCS to build his knowledge and stay connected to flying.

On the path to the flight deck
Now training at Skyborne, Keanu is firmly on the path to the flight deck.

His journey is a powerful reminder that while inspiration can begin in a single moment, it is determination, resilience and passion that turn that moment into a career.

Interested in becoming a pilot? Take a look at the many programmes Skyborne offers.