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Graduate feature: Luke Zabbar

pilot in flight

Luke Zabbar’s earliest memory is visiting airports with his Grandad. These visits nurtured an interest in aviation and ignited a passion to become a commercial pilot.

Having considered other paths, Luke quickly realised that aviation was the industry he wanted to work in and tailored his studies accordingly. He attended Stansted Airport College which supported him in achieving his aviation goals.

Luke took a year off to start saving funds for flight training and was fortunate that a family friend also stepped in to support him. Now there was no barrier to fulfilling his dream!

Luke found out about Skyborne through a friend who highly recommended us, so he didn’t hesitate in doing a taster day where he toured the facilities and visited the accommodation. Luke joined Skyborne in November 2021.

A massive highlight for him was his six months in Vero Beach, Florida, and particularly remembers his first solo flight and the coastal views. This period was when Luke started to really feel like a pilot and it is etched in his mind forever.

Luke is now with Titan Airways and loves being a First Officer with them. He enjoys the variety flying for a ACMI brings.  Luke explained that he could be flying on behalf of other UK operators, flying freight in a converted A321 or supporting Government contracts. There are even opportunities for special charters including flying football teams and musicians around the globe!

Luke said “the flying variety on offer you will not find anywhere else. The 300-400 hours flying completed each year are worth so much more in personal and career experiences.”

Luke worked hard to achieve his dream and had this advice to share with those considering this exciting career:

“Take a moment to reflect as you progress; it’s a hard process to go through and you are in a very privileged position to be here. Appreciate what you have, stay focused and don’t take anything for granted. See the end goal and keep that in sight.”

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