Career Testimonial - Will Carder
Freelance Commercial Pilot
South UK
We’ve known Will for over 10 years now. In fact, he was one of the first PPL students that our Head of Training Oli ever taught! Since passing his PPL back in 2014, Will quickly progressed through his CPL and FI training to start building up his hours, ready for his IR certification. He now flies luxury aircraft for private owners and (V)VIPs, working on both the AS 365 and the EC 155.
We asked Will about his career so far, how he got to where he is and what advice he would give to those looking to follow in his footsteps…
What is your current job?
I work as a Freelance pilot based in the South East of the UK. Predominately, I work for a private owner flying their AS365N3. This owner is particularly keen on shooting, so I am very busy with him during the winter. During the summer (when I’m less busy), I freelance flying the EC155.
A typical day for me in the summer would be flying a variety of commercial jobs; horse racing trips, visits to the formula 1 and airport shuttles are very common. I can fly up to 7 passengers in the EC155. Most of the time that is all as a single pilot, but more frequently these days this is becoming two crew at the request of the clients.
In the winter when I do more work for a private owner a typical day will start with me driving to his house where the aircraft is kept. I will fuel and check the aircraft and then fly the owner and/or his guests to shoots around the country. This brings up many challenges as the landing sites are often in mountainous areas; typically around Wales, Dartmoor and Scotland etc. The winter work means cold, poor weather conditions so flying IFR and flying at night is more common than not.
I love this as it tests your skills on a daily basis and creates challenging but fun flying conditions.
Image by Danny Nixon
When did you first have the idea that you wanted to become a pilot?
My Grandfather was a Spitfire pilot, which was the original spark. Being a fixed wing pilot never interested me, so I went down the rotary route.
So far I am pleased with my decision!
What was the hardest thing about getting to where you are now?
Financially it is a big challenge. I was very fortunate to be able to study full time for my exams, which was key to me being able to fully focus and not have to work along side the exams. This meant I was able to get the exams done quickly and go straight into the commercial course.
It’s a lot of money but once you land the first well paid job you can quickly pay off your training and it certainly feels worth all the hard work.
Career Timeline
What is the best thing about your job today?
Without a doubt it’s the variety of people I meet and places I get to go. Getting to meet the type of people who use these helicopters is an incredible opportunity.
I also love shooting, so flying my current client gets me access to the best shoots in the country, which is fantastic for me!
If you had to choose any other career, what would it have been?
I’d have probably joined the military, or become a vet.
“Some schools are not what they say they are!
The best way to find out the truth is to speak to past students. Research plenty of schools and reach out to past students of every school you speak to.”
What would be your advice to people just starting out or considering a rotary career?
Have a good idea about where you want to go. In order to get the good jobs you need experience, this usually means becoming a Flight Instructor or going offshore in order to quickly obtain the hours and experience required. Make sure you understand the full process before signing up.
Get a class one medical before you start spending money.
Research plenty of schools and reach out to past students of every school you speak too. Some schools are not what they say they are! And the best way to find out the truth is to speak to past students. LinkedIn is great for this.
Sound Interesting?
Your Career
Starts Here
If you fancy the idea of flying around the country in a multi-million pound aircraft for a living like Will, then click the button to learn more about a career in helicopters and how we can help you get there