Staff Spotlight – Emma Walker
Role – Flight Training Advisor (Gloucester)
We recently caught up with Emma Walker, Flight Training Advisor at Skyborne who is based at our Gloucester academy, to find out more about her role and how she helps shape the journey of future airline pilots.
Q: Can you tell us about your role as a Flight Training Advisor?
“As flight training advisors, we talk to nearly every trainee that walks through the front door. We get to know them really well – their background and why they want to come to Skyborne, and ultimately become a pilot. We help them figure out which pathways would be best for them, and how to do it!”
Q: What first sparked your interest in aviation?
“When I started with Skyborne, I knew very little about the aviation industry! Speaking to our Theoretical Knowledge Instructors’s, Flight Instructors and alumni has been so motivating and really sparked a personal interested in aviation.
Talking to our Operations Team about where we might be flying today is so interesting, and I would accredit almost all my interest to the fantastic Skyborne team.”
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
“I spend most of my day on the phone talking to future trainees, sending them lots of information about Skyborne over email and showing them around our fantastic Gloucester training facility. Tours are lovely, as you get to chat face-to-face and really get to know the families that might be sending their loved ones to Skyborne.”
Q: What is the most rewarding part of helping aspiring pilots begin their journey?
“I would say the most rewarding element will always be seeing the trainees and their families on induction day. That is incredibly rewarding. I have been lucky enough to attend Pilot Careers Live with Skyborne and attend an In-Touch day at British Airways Headquarters, where meeting some of our future trainees puts it all into perspective.”
Q. What are the most common questions you hear from prospective trainees?
“We do get a lot of questions about the difference between our training programmes and what the different pathways consist of. Tours are a fantastic opportunity to really talk through our programmes at great detail, and help families understand the different phases of training.”
Q: What advice would you give to people trying to determine whether a career as a pilot is right for them?
“Speaking to people in the aviation industry can really help individuals figure out whether being a commercial pilot is right for them. Any work experience is fantastic to get a feel for the aviation industry. If you can do an introductory trial flight, this can also be quite helpful to get a feel for smaller aircraft.”
Q: What misconceptions do people often have about flight training?
“One of the biggest misconceptions people have about training at Skyborne is about start dates. We have trainees start year-round! There is no need to wait until September or January.”
Q: How do you support trainees from their first enquiry through to enrolment?
“As Flight Training Advisors, we act as the first point of contact for any questions or queries prospective trainees may have. We invite them to complete their application, talk them through the process, and help them find the right course date for them.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering flight training?
“Any form of work experience is crucial if you are considering flight training. It does not need to be aviation related – retail or hospitality is perfect. It will transform your interview with us.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Skyborne?
“I really enjoy working with such a fantastic team at Skyborne. My colleague Jeremy is my crutch, and I would not be able to support so many prospecting cadets without his support.”
Emma is passionate about helping aspiring pilots take the next step towards their future career. Whether she’s answering questions or welcoming new trainees on induction day, her focus is always on making the journey into flight training as clear and supportive as possible.
Thinking about a career as an airline pilot?
The Skyborne team is here to help. Get in touch to discuss your options, ask any questions, or register your interest in our Integrated ATPL course.
