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Ever dreamed of becoming an airline pilot? You're not alone! Many people on airline pilot forums share that same dream, and for good reason. It's a career filled with adventure, responsibility, and the thrill of flight. But what does it really take to go from daydreaming to actually piloting a commercial airliner?
Let's take a page from First Officer Thora's journey. You might be surprised to learn that becoming a pilot wasn't always her plan.
"I always wanted to become a doctor," Thora shares in a JustPlanes interview. She even started university with that goal in mind. But something wasn't quite right. "I figured I don't want to do this, I'm just not happy," she admits.
Sound familiar? Sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions. For Thora, that direction was up!
Living near an airport, she was constantly surrounded by the sight and sound of planes taking off and landing. A spark ignited within her. "If everyone else can do it, why shouldn't I be able?" she thought.
And so, her pilot training journey began.
Taking the Leap: From Test Flight to Private Pilot License
Thora's first step? A simple test flight. Little did she know that the instructor on that fateful flight would later become her colleague at Air Iceland!
That initial experience was all it took to convince her that flying was her true calling. With no prior aviation knowledge, she dove headfirst into the world of flight training, starting with her Private Pilot License (PPL) in January 2011.
Embracing the Challenges of Flight Training
Thora's story highlights a crucial point: you don't need to be an aviation expert to pursue your pilot dreams. Passion and determination go a long way.
Of course, flight training isn't always smooth sailing (or flying, as it were!). Thora, like many aspiring pilots, faced the unpredictable Icelandic weather, which sometimes put a damper on her flight schedule.
But she persevered, completing her PPL that summer and going on to tackle the theoretical Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) exams. By January 2013, she had earned her instrument rating and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – all while juggling the ever-present job search.
Landing the Dream: Joining Air Iceland
Thora's dedication paid off. She landed a position with Air Iceland, embarking on an intensive training program that saw her flying high as a First Officer just a few months later.
Her advice to aspiring pilots? "Just go for it, you can do it!"
Thora's story is a testament to the fact that with passion, hard work, and the right training, your aviation dreams can take flight. Whether you're just starting to explore the world of flight training or you're already knee-deep in Cessna 152 flight hours, remember that the sky's the limit!
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