#Road2TheSkies

Hey, I'm Carlos.

 

My journey began in the UK, in East London Newham. Where the uproar of gang violence and knife crime continue to soar the streets, even at my doorstep within my local community. As the media would put it or society, “Black Boys” are often categorised with crime, drill and not having a future. All stemming from the lack of foundation within Broken Families.

I am the fine print of it all; however, not the product. Going against all odds. Being in the system as a foster child and overcoming this emotional barrier of moving families on the go, escaping the temptations of being in gangs and the countless rejections for grants & loans for a better future, has ultimately shaped me into the persevering young man I am today.

 

Living independently whilst tackling studying at college, working and paying bills from a young age has been a real test but also one of my greatest achievements. I concluded college as the highest achiever, with a 100% Pass Mark finishing with all Distinctions - (D*D*D*) in Public Services L3, year 19/20. Not to mention, my exemplary results in my GCSE’s.

 

My love for aircrafts, flying and the world of aviation was born inside of me as a child and from then my dream has always been to become a Commercial Pilot. I can recall the days traveling across the Atlantic in Virgin’s amazing 747 jumbo jets imagining myself as the captain, speaking through the intercom and happily welcoming passengers one day. Till this day it still gives me chills, and I’d love to turn this dream into reality.

 

I currently meet the requirements and have ticked all the boxes to begin flight training but one. I’d like to begin my training at CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, enrolling on the Integrated (ATPL) Programme. However, the cost for the extensive course of training is £90,000. Due to the barriers faced in my family of low income, and myself, who living alone simply can’t cut the costs, it has been quite difficult to obtain funding to pay for the course and a secured spot on the programme.

 

One of the biggest issues faced in the airline industry today, is the lack of diversity and support. Black, Asian and those from Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as well as Women are often disregarded. A major factor at play is the lack of systematic support and real opportunities granted to such individuals like myself in reaching the flight deck. 96% of those that make up the industry are Men, 4% Women and 7% BAME. I’ve contacted many airline providers, flight schools and government agencies, however the approach of self-funding flight school without bank loans or any external help is impossible.

 

My dream of becoming a Commercial Pilot still stands, and this now is my main goal; becoming an advocate for aspiring pilots especially those who may face the same challenges as myself. To achieve this, I've started this Campaign - #Road2TheSkies: Where I’d be independently raising the funds via this route with my target being £90,000 to cover the entire cost of flying training. #Road2TheSkies represents my personal journey. This inspiration came from the overall aspect of my journey throughout life, early childhood, teenage hood and now being a young adult. To the goal of respectively reaching the flight deck.

 

I’m kindly asking for your support, a worthwhile investment for the future. My Future.

 

No donation is too small - #Road2TheSkies

 

Thank You, Carlos