From Flight School to the Flight Deck: Jack Osterberg’s Journey with Loganair
Introduction
For aspiring pilots, the journey from flight school to the flight deck is a dream come true. In this article, we follow the remarkable journey of Jack Osterberg, a recent ATPL graduate, as he takes us from the early days of dreaming about aviation to his role as a First Officer flying Embraer 135/145 aircraft for Loganair. Jack’s story is a source of inspiration for all those dreaming of a career in the skies.
The Dream & Flying Training
Jack’s journey to the flight deck began at a young age, like many aspiring aviators. His passion for flying led him to play Flight Simulator daily and join the Air Cadets at the age of 13. The dream was clear: a career in aviation. Jack initiated his flight training in the summer of 2017 at ACS Flight Training at Perth Airport. His dedication was evident as he spent five days a week, flying twice a day when possible, to complete his PPL before winter’s arrival. In December, he embarked on the ATPL theory course with Pathway Pilot Training in Rosyth while continuing his hour building in Perth. This strategic approach allowed him to connect his studies with practical flying, enhancing his understanding of the material.
After conquering all 14 ATPL theory exams, Jack commenced the MEIR course at ACS, flying the DA42. This phase marked a significant step up from the PPL course, demanding a higher level of knowledge and flying skills. The journey was challenging, requiring consistent study and practice. Jack’s next milestone was the CPL course, a more enjoyable experience that allowed him to navigate Scotland visually, providing a refreshing change from instrument flying. Despite facing diversions and simulated problems, he relished every moment of this course. His unforgettable time at ACS was drawing to a close, and the next phase awaited him.
The Big Day
Returning from the Simtech training center with his course completion certificate in hand, Jack wasted no time in applying for First Officer positions. Loganair responded promptly, inviting him for an interview at Dundee Airport. Excitement and nervousness intertwined as he prepared for the interview and simulator assessment. To gain a competitive edge, Jack booked simulator time in advance, familiarizing himself with the aircraft’s handling and layout—a valuable tip for all aspiring pilots. The interview and assessment went well, and Jack was elated to receive a job offer from Loganair on the same day. The adventure was about to begin, and the Embraer 135/145 awaited him in Glasgow.
First Day & Type Rating
Jack’s journey with Loganair officially began with an induction at the airline’s head office in Glasgow. This was his first encounter with fellow type rating course participants and an opportunity to meet various Loganair team members. The induction week covered crucial training, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), iPad app usage for weight and balance and performance calculations, fire and smoke training, and CRM (Crew Resource Management). The subsequent week took Jack to Burgess Hill, where he embarked on a six-week type rating course with CAE.
The type rating course proved to be an intense learning experience, with an immense amount of material to cover in a short time. Jack and his sim partner spent evenings reviewing checklists, SOPs, vital actions, normal profiles, and more. The first two and a half weeks focused on theory, comprehensively covering the aircraft’s systems and concluding with an online exam. The remaining three and a half weeks transitioned into the full-motion simulator, where Jack honed his skills in operating the aircraft and handling emergencies and abnormal situations. Each four-hour session included a seat swap and a brief break, allowing both First Officers to fly from the right-hand seat. Sessions were graded, followed by debriefs, providing valuable opportunities for learning from each other’s experiences. The course culminated in a skill test, with Jack and his sim partner demonstrating their ability to safely operate the aircraft in various scenarios before an examiner.
Does the Training Ever Stop?!
Completing the type rating course was just one step in Jack’s journey. Upon returning, he faced additional training requirements, including Dangerous Goods and Ditching training, involving life jacket inflation exercises in a pool. Base Training followed, providing Jack with the opportunity to perform six take-offs and landings—an exhilarating experience that left him grinning for weeks. With Base Training completed, Jack was ready to embark on Line Training, where real-world flying operations and passenger experiences awaited. Over approximately 40 flights with a training captain, Jack gained invaluable experience in dealing with various challenges, from bad weather and technical delays to navigating busy airspace and executing different types of approaches.
Line Training presented a fast-paced environment, leaving little time for casual conversation as Jack and his training captain focused on vital actions and technical systems. The learning curve was steep, but the progress made each day was immensely rewarding. After four weeks of Line Training, Jack successfully passed the Final Line Check, marking his readiness to fly alongside other Captains.
The Day to Day
Jack’s role with Loganair involves flying a range of routes, each presenting its own unique challenges. From quick flights to Stornoway, offering opportunities for active cockpit involvement, to longer journeys like Dusseldorf, which demand meticulous planning, his days are diverse and dynamic. Jack appreciates Loganair’s positive attitude towards hand flying, with every reasonable opportunity taken to disconnect the autopilot and execute visual approaches, particularly at airports in the Islands, where breathtaking views await. While Loganair is primarily a “Regional Airline,” the diversity of services it offers has allowed Jack to operate into 23 airports across seven countries, showcasing the airline’s versatility. He even had the opportunity to contribute to essential efforts by transporting PPE during challenging times.
Jack’s schedule often includes two to four sector days, starting in the early hours or early afternoon. Nightstops are infrequent, especially when operating from the home base.
Continuing the Journey
Despite facing a period of furlough, Jack feels fortunate to continue flying month after month. He looks forward to reuniting with fellow aviators in the skies soon.
Are You at the Beginning of Your Pilot Journey?
If you’re just starting your pilot journey, reach out to us at Flight School Wingman. We can guide you to flight training organizations that can help you achieve your aviation dreams. Taking our Airline Pilot Skills Test is an excellent way to assess your suitability for flight training—the same test used by leading UK Flight Schools. Follow Flight School Wingman on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more insights and updates.
Please note that all comments and viewpoints regarding training routes in this article are the personal opinions of Jack Osterberg.
