For Flying Out Loud

In this episode, I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome a Stuart McInally, whose story is as bold and inspiring as they come. At the highest level of professional sport, he stood not only as a world-class rugby player but also as a captain representing his country. He earned 49 caps for Scotland, captained the national team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and was a respected figure on fields across the globe.But rather than hanging up his rugby boots and settling for a quiet life, he chose to chase another dream - one that takes him from scrumming down in packed stadiums to cruising thousands of feet above the Earth. Having started flying years earlier, he made the courageous decision to retire from rugby, swap his rugby boots for flying boots and pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. His story is a testament to pursuing what you love, no matter where you start.Follow @stuartthepilot on instagram!With thanks to  @edinburghrugby for the kind use of the introductory video.This episode is sponsored by Flight School Wingman. Expert support to help you achieve your dream of becoming a pilot. Learn more about their courses here https://flightschoolwingman.com/academy/becoming-a-commercial-pilot-coursesSupport the show and buy me a coffee - it helps to keep the episodes coming!Support the show

In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Wings for Warriors, a charity giving wounded veterans a future worth fighting for—literally. From one of our guests who survived a sniper attack in Afghanistan and found purpose in the cockpit, to another, who overcame the loss of a limb to achieve his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.From battlefield to flight deck, my two guests in this episode are proving that resilience, determination, and a second chance can take you to the skies.So, buckle up—this is one you don’t want to miss!Please consider donating to Wings for Warriors by clicking on this link: https://www.wings4warriors.org.uk/donate#:~:text=PayPal%20Donations,box%20on%20the%20PayPal%20page.Support the show

In this episode we welcome Lieutenant’s Michael Vivian and Scott Sunderland to the For Flying Out Loud podcast. They are two serving members of the Royal Navy, both serving as Fleet Air Arm pilots on the Wildcat helicopter. In 2024, these two pilots embarked upon a challenging but as you’ll learn, extremely rewarding journey to re-launch the display of the Wildcat Helicopter in an exhilarating pairs display season. Unlike most other display teams,  the job of these isn’t to display for the public. It’s to teach the next generation of aviators to fly and fight the Wildcat Helicopter. 2024 saw the team awarded the Steedman Sword at RIAT for best British Display Team, beating the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Chinook Display teams of the RAF. The first time this had been won since the predecessors to the Black Cats, the Lynx pair in 2003.Support the show

Daniel Robinson is a former RAF fighter pilot who started his career flying the Tornado F3. One of Britain’s top fighter pilots, In 2006, recognised for his outstanding flying ability and natural flair for building effective teams, he was chosen as the first non-US citizen to fly the 5th Generation F22 Raptor for the US Air Force. In 2006, a life-defining moment and intersection of time, education and experience combined with his passion for aviation saw him venture into a completely new realm at the very cutting edge of technology. A chance encounter. In this episode it was a great pleasure to welcome Daniel Robinson, founder and CEO of Red 6.This episode is brought to you by SkyChaser Aviation Recruitment - finding you the perfect pilot for your operation. Learn more about them here https://www.skychaser.aero/Content warning: This podcast episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some individuals.Support the show

In August 2021 at just 19 years old, Zara Rutherford started on a journey to fly solo around the world in a Shark ultralight aircraft. In Jan 2022, 155 days later, this was completed. And in doing so, she broke the Guinness World Record for the youngest woman flying solo around the world and also reduced the gender gap of this record by 11 years between the current youngest male who was 18 and the previous female record holder who was 30. What an incredible achievement!Zara is also a published author and you can purchase Zara's book 'I Flew Around the World' here.Support the show

Lucy Silvester is a former cabin crew member who started her career in Monarch Airlines, before transitioning to recruitment, training and development with British Midland International and Heathrow Airport. For the last 10 years, she has been instrumental in the acquisition of talent in a range of specialist areas across the business for the globally recognised British Airways. In 2023 her natural flair for recruitment combined with her infectious character and ability to build effective teams, she successfully applied for the role of Pilot Recruitment Manager with British Airways. In one of the biggest recruitment drives in British Airways history, she has also played a fundamental role in the successful launch of the Speedbird Pilot Academy - the first time in many years since British Airways launched a fully funded cadetship scheme, giving the realistic option for anyone aged 18-55 to become a pilot. Support the show

Aviation is such a great community of likeminded people, but some people just have that knack of bringing that community together in a way that is truly inspirational. I first came across today’s guest on instagram, drawn in by his infectious character, unique presenting style and his ability to make the ‘behind the scenes’ of an airport come to life for millions of people around the world. Mohammad Taher is a former engineer turned aerodrome systems specialist who has used his infectious enthusiasm for aviation and the aviation community to pivot his career. Now regarded as one of the best motivational speakers in the aviation sphere, he is also a TEDx speaker, skydiver and triathlete (Is this James Bond I hear you say?!) As of today, he has more than 152,000 followers on instagram and is rapidly gaining global recognition from airports, airlines and more. If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   Support the show

In 2023, British Airways launched the Speedbird Pilot Academy, the first time in many years since British Airways had launched a fully funded cadet scheme, giving the realistic option for anyone aged 18-55 to become a pilot. Remaining committed to further increasing diversity in the aviation industry, British Airways was determined to increase awareness and visibility to people from all backgrounds, not just those that can afford the initial training costs. What a fantastic opportunity this was!In this episode we speak to three of the successful Speedbird Pilot Academy applicants, all of which also share a passion for the sport of competitive gliding. If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   Katherine Moloney is the Marketing Director of Transair Flight Equipment, an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport two years running and a private pilot with helicopter and fixed wing licences. She also has an admirable following of more than 230,000 followers on Instagram and is founder of Elevate(her) Aviation. In this episode it’s a great pleasure to welcome Katherine Moloney to the For Flying Out Loud podcast!Visit this link to learn more about Elevate (Her)!Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   Roger Cruickshank is a former Eurofighter Typhoon pilot who served in the Royal Air Force for 21 years, completing 2 front line tours. He has been deployed operationally all over the world, including Iraq, Syria and Baltic Air Policing out of Estonia and Romania. In 2017, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in the Operational Honours List for an act of bravery when he saved the lives of allied soldiers who were pinned down by Daesh fighters.  A former Olympian, he also competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics Downhill and Super G Alpine Skiing events, though (as we’ll discover), not without complication. After losing a close family member to suicide, he has been campaigning towards mental health awareness for over a decade and, in 2016, wrote a book called, “Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind”. Please consider supporting the fantastic charity that Roger now campaigns for - JET, The 'John Egging Trust' supporting young people achieve their aspirations. You can also purchase a copy of Roger's book, 'Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind' at this link with all proceeds going to the John Egging Trust. Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)    Chris, or "Captain Chris"  is an International Airbus A330/A350 Training Captain and Examiner, having logged over 25,000 flying hours, flying for 6 different airlines in his 40 year career as a pilot. From humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia where he saved as a young boy for flying lessons, he qualified for his CPL at 19 and worked as an instructor and Aussie Bush Pilot flying anything and anywhere to gain precious flying hours to get his first airline position with Ansett Airlines in Australia from there his career took him all over the world with some very interesting adventures as we’ll soon find out. During the pandemic he began an instagram account to promote Aviation, encourage people to buy airline tickets and support all pilots, cabin crew and airline personnel with his daily posts of positivity. He now has over 330,000 Followers and is a true Aviation Ambassador. Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Ben Murphy is a former Royal Air Force front line fighter pilot, who also served as leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Having hung up his fast jet flying boots and swapped them for a pair of high performance unlimited aerobatic flying shoes in 2013, in 2016 he took a massive leap of faith and entered the octane fuelled sport of air racing when he joined the thrilling world of the Red Bull Air Race in the “Challenger Cup”. In 2018 His performance saw him make a spectacularly rapid move into the Master Class of this elite sport. This year, he enters the new "Air Race" series - stay tuned!Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           My guest and old friend in this interview developed a flying career after leaving the military, having completed multiple high intensity tours in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Bosnia with an elite army unit. In his two fascinating ‘working’ roles today he has an unparalleled view out of the front windows, as a North Sea helicopter Captain flying for Bristow Norway and his work as a mountain rescue medic in the Scottish Cairngorms. We’ll be discussing Si's journey through his military career, to his flight training and dual careers of flying and mountain rescue. I’m personally blown away by the skills, the passion, the drive and the resilience that enabled him to succeed and also the fascinating philosophy cross-overs from aviation to the medical world. Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)     Richard Browning is a former oil trader and Royal Marines reservist who, over the period of several years, created a concept that would enable us to break the bonds of Gravity without the need for wings to take us into the realm usually reserved only for birds and aircraft. It’s certainly been a journey of ups (and downs) but as far as an inspirational journey to turn a dream into reality goes, it doesn’t get much better than this! Today, it is a huge pleasure and extremely exciting to welcome the real life Iron Man to the podcast, who has gained global notoriety and the interest of some of the worlds leading industries, marketeers and even the military with his awesome concept.Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           He is one of the best known aviation personalities out there, a journalist, broadcaster and author of 16 acclaimed books including the book that set me on the path to achieving my dream - “Tornado Down”. He has just released his latest book “Tornado - In The Eye Of The Storm”, an incredibly emotional account featuring the men and women, both military and non-military, caught in that storm. Hit  by enemy fire on day one of Operation Desert Storm and having ejected over the Iraqi desert and been captured by Iraqi troops, in this episode it is a pleasure to welcome former Royal Air Force Tornado Navigator, John Nichol to For Flying Out Loud.Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)       Being able to take flight and pilot an aircraft is something that any pilot feels incredibly privileged to do. The airborne environment is one that I’ve often referred to as one of “active meditation” - a place where many of the pressures and challenges of life on the ground simply melt away. I have been so lucky throughout my aviation career; the only real barrier to me achieving my dream to become a fighter pilot and beyond, being hard work. My guests in this podcast both face daily physical and mental challenges that could be a barrier to so many opportunities, but they have not let it be a barrier to their dreams to take flight. Not just this, but they selflessly help so many others in the process through their supreme work for the amazing charity that is Aerobility.Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           There can be few passenger aircraft more iconic than the mighty jumbo 747 - an engineering marvel and one of the most successful airliners ever built. I’ve flown some amazing aircraft in my career and would love to fly the 747, but for me, that chance will probably never come. Today though, we are going to head out on another voyage of inspiration and speak with one hugely experienced pilot of the this legendary aircraft, who has clocked up thousands of hours flying the mighty Jumbo jet. At the end of 2020, he was in command of one of the last ever 747’s to be retired from British Airways, when the retro liveried “Landor” Jumbo landed into Dunsfold Airfield never to fly again.Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Have you ever looked up at the sky and seen a bird of prey circling effortlessly, feeling the air with its wings - truly ‘free as a bird’? Most people at some point in their lives will have had a dream that they were flying, completely unaided, or looked to the sky and wondered what it might be like to soar like a bird… In this episode, we get stuck into a HUGE passion of mine in the aviation world, yet one I only got introduced to 8 years ago and that is the sport of gliding. Not only are we going to delve into what makes it so great as a sport, but also take a look at all of the huge benefits it can bring to anyone that aspires to become a professional pilot. Competing in what is an elusive sport to so many pilots, this episodes guests Jake Brattle and Finn Sleigh are the future shining stars of the world of competition gliding, where pilots pit their wits against each other using nothing but the energy in the atmosphere to fly incredible distances at incredible speeds. Check it out!Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Aviation is such a diverse profession and pastime and every person that has ever taken flight will remember one or two really special moments from their aviation life, whether that’s their first solo, or the first time they took their Gran flying! I feel so lucky to have achieved my childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot and to have had the opportunity to experience many facets of being a pilot since my first solo back in 1992! In this episode, we indulge in a complete festival of everything that is cool about aviation! My two guests have some of the most diverse flying backgrounds out there and I can’t wait to get stuck in to learning more about them and learning more about their “aviation firsts” that keep on coming!Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           In this episode, we go “international” and speak with no less than 4 guests! All of them are inspirational characters, with some awesome backgrounds; from law and politics to a social media marketer and everything in-between! All have 2 things in common though - they form the 5-10% of female aviators entering the profession and are also members of one of the largest aviation communities in the world, inspiring and educating young women to dream bigger. Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Rory is a former BBC sound man who, over a period of 10 years, self-funded his dream to become a professional pilot. Putting his previous career to good use, he also hosts a really fun YouTube channel "Rory on Air" detailing his journey to achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot! Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           It could be argued that any true pilot will LOVE Top Gun! For those not old enough to remember it, or for those that haven’t seen it, you HAVE to check out one of the most iconic opening scenes to any movie EVER! Steam catapult launches and landings onboard the floating airfield that is an aircraft carrier - as epic as it gets! For me, it was the movie that ignited my passion for aviation and I would give one of my flying arms to have be launched from a ship from 0-200 mph in just a couple of seconds! In this episode, I'm super excited to be talking to a pilot that has not just experienced the reality of this, but who will also be talking about loads of other cool things that will get that adrenaline flowing! Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Becoming an Airline Pilot can be a real "journey" with lots of twists and turns along the way. In this episode we interview Ben, or 'Plane Old Ben' as he's known to his thousands of YouTube followers! This interview is for anyone that has ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, but thinks it's an impossible dream. A story of hard work, determination and a passion for following a dream - Ben will leave you feeling inspired and really believing that anything is possible!Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Once upon a time (and many years ago!) I stared upward in awe at the red, white and blue streams of smoke trailing behind the blazing red aircraft as they executed high energy manoeuvres, seemingly impossibly close formation and daring high speed passes. It was easy to forget that behind this precision formation and teamwork, were 9 human beings - some of the highest calibre aviators in the world. I am of course talking about the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, "The Red Arrows". A huge source of inspiration, I was even more determined to set out to achieve my dream to become a fighter pilot. 25 years later, having achieved my dream and now moved into a new career as a commercial pilot, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to interview the team leader - Red 1. In this episode, I speak with Squadron Leader Martin Pert, or "Perty" to those that know him personally! I also get to learn more about the leadership, teamwork, standards and personal endeavour that goes into leading the most famous Aerobatic Team in the world.Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           Once upon a time, a young lad from Stoke had a dream to become a fighter pilot. However, he was told by his school careers teacher that "...people from around here don't do stuff like that". 30 years later, already a distinguished frontline Harrier pilot, he is now a highly regarded pilot and figure in the world of aircraft development and testing.  "Reach for the stars – even if you don't make it, you might just land on the moon".Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)           I was a small child with a big dream - a dream to become a fighter pilot. In my way stood countless challenges, obstacles and many disappointments, but I did it! Of course, in reality, not every dream turns out exactly as you expected, and there were plenty of other difficult, sometimes tragic, but often wonderful experiences along the way. In this episode, I chart a plotted history of my journey to fighter pilot and beyond. I hope that you enjoy listening to the journey and will tune back in for some highly regarded, talented and interesting guests that we will be welcoming to our podcast journey very soon!Support the show