Name: Freya Johnson
Course: British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy
From Aerospace Engineering to the Flight Deck: Freya’s Journey to Skyborne
For many aspiring pilots, the journey begins with a passion for aviation. For Freya, that passion was built on a strong academic foundation and a curiosity about how aircraft behave long before stepping into full-time flight training.
Freya graduated in 2025 with an Integrated Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Sheffield. Her degree provided a deep understanding of the principles behind flight, from aerodynamics to aircraft performance, giving her a technical perspective that would later prove invaluable.
During her third year, Freya took her first steps towards the cockpit by enrolling in a Pilot Studies module.
Alongside her university coursework, she completed her PPL theory exams and gained hands on flying experience at Netherthorpe.
This early exposure offered a practical insight into aviation training and brought her academic studies to life, bridging the gap between theory and real world flying.
In her final year, Freya’s project focused on flight dynamics and stability analysis, exploring how aircraft respond to different forces and conditions in flight. This work not only strengthened her analytical skills but also gave her a strong head start when approaching Mod 1 of her ATPL studies, particularly in areas such as mass and balance.
Freya’s journey into aviation is a clear example of how a background in engineering can translate seamlessly into pilot training. Her combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and clear career focus has now led her to Skyborne, where she is taking the next step towards becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Her story highlights that there is no single path into aviation, but with the right foundation and determination, a career in the flight deck is well within reach.
Interested in becoming a pilot? Take a look at the many programmes Skyborne offers.
