Luis John’s Path to a Pilot Licence

Why I want to be a pilot

My name is Luis John and aviation has always been my passion. Over the last 10 years, I have flown small aircraft for fun, worked at Gatwick airport, and formed an extensive network of pilots and others working within the transport industry. Since my first flying lesson in August 2013, before I learned to drive in 2014, I worked my way up to working as a baggage handler between 2016 and 2017 alongside my studies at college.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated with aviation and visiting airports, as the idea of flying in the sky, transporting passengers and all the logistics of controlling an aircraft has inspired me.

What I am currently doing

From a young age, I have been very talented at playing the piano and gained a scholarship fee waiver to study Music at Goldsmiths University. Throughout my studies, I gained confidence and accompanied the university choir at Christmas events, performed at churches, and provided private 1-to-1 tuition for students of all ages. I also had the opportunity to work as a student ambassador where I mentored teenagers interested in developing their music skills.

Now that I have graduated, I aspire to continue my path to achieve a Class 2 Private Pilots Licence (PPL) and later obtain my dream career in aviation as a Class 1 Commercial Airline Pilot. I am currently training to work in the transport industry as a bus driver and a conscientious and competent driver who thrives in a passenger environment. As a dedicated learner and outgoing mentee, I aim to succeed within the transport agency as a stepping stone and make my way up to achieving a pilot status.

My journey

As a prior student and occasional volunteer at Biggin Hill, I love assisting to refuel aircraft, reconnecting with my former instructors, and supporting flying lessons. So far I have completed 10 hours of flying lessons and aim to complete the recommended 45 flying hours recommended by Falcon Flying School where I have previously trained.

Despite my previous setbacks and difficulties accessing education as a result of my disability, I am determined to save as much as possible from my current role, return to Biggin Hill and in due time complete the UK Civil Aviation Authority Private Pilots Licence course. The total cost of this course is £15,000 and I am fundraising to cover part of the fees to enable me to reach my goal in the near future.

How you can help

As each lesson costs £275, including landing fees, I hope to save up over the next few years to pay for the flying course. Given my passion for flying, I am determined to obtain my wings and work my way up to becoming a Captain within my lifetime.

During my fundraising journey, I hope to plan and perform music events, continue providing private piano tuition and work hard within transport to save what I can. I would faithfully appreciate any support on my journey and look forward to creating meaningful fundraising events over the next few years.

Thank you for assisting me on my long-haul journey.

Luis