Name: Connor Cunningham
Course: UKCAA Integrated ATPL
Connor is currently in his flying phase of training out at our fair-weather base in Vero Beach, Florida. We caught up with Connor to find out how his training is going…
What has been your favourite moment of training so far?
“My favourite part being out in Vero has been completing my qualifying cross country (QXC) and flying across the state on my own. It was the point where everything started to feel real. Being fully responsible for the flight, making decisions independently, and navigating solo showed me how far I’d come.”
What did it feel like to earn your second stripe?
“It felt like a real milestone. Getting my second stripe made all the hard work worth it, from ground school to every hour spent flying. It was a moment where you can step back and see the progress you’ve made.”
What are you most looking forward to next?
“UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) is what I’m most excited about. It’s a chance to step outside the usual structure of training and really explore what the aircraft can do. It’s different, more hands-on, and something I’ve been looking forward to for a while.”
What has been the most challenging part of training so far?
“The MEIR (Multi-Engine Instrument Rating) phase has pushed me the most. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it enjoyable. It’s where everything steps up, and you’re constantly developing your skills. It’s also shown me I’m capable of more than I thought.”
How would you sum up your journey so far?
“It’s been challenging, rewarding, and constantly progressing. Every phase builds on the last, and you can see yourself improving step by step. The key is putting the work in and trusting the process.”
Start your journey
If you’re serious about becoming a pilot, the Skyborne Integrated ATPL programme offers a clear, focused route from day one.
Register your interest today.
