Simon Maddox, he wouldn't swap places for anything

Hooked on variety - Simon Maddox tells us about working in aviation

Who Simon Maddox

Age 31

Post First Officer, Titan Airways, Stansted Airport

Qualifications ATPL

How did you get this job?

After school, I worked for FedEx at the airport, then moved to the City as a trader. But I decided I wanted to be a pilot and dedicated my life to getting my licence. Once I’d completed my training, I looked for a job for about nine months. I started working as an instructor at Andrewsfield and met Tony Marshall who worked for Titan Airways, a charter airline, and it went from there.

What does it involve?

The right-hand seat is a great place to be. I assist the Captain throughout the flight. I used to do lots of medical flights, transporting organs. The surgeons would literally jump on-board with a heart ‘on ice’ and we’d fly it back so they could have a patient’s life. You do meet a lot of really rich people too – we flew to Venice once to deliver a new 747 wheel to an Arab businessman. He needed the part to finish his journey! Often it’s last minute, so I’ll be on standby and then a call will come in and I have to be at the airport within 30 minutes. Some of our fleet can be reconfigured from cargo to passenger within the hour, so it varies from flight to flight. Generally I fl y a BAe146, which is a multiengine jet, but I really loved flying the King Air, which is a seven-seat, turbo-prop executive aircraft.

What are the best and worst bits of the job?

Best: the role is so hands-on and every day is different. I learn something new from each flight even if it’s the same route – the conditions and crew will vary each time. I flew into Split in Croatia once and it was a real spit’n’sawdust type airfield – the passengers actually clapped when we landed! We’ve fl own the Prime Minister a few times – a bit like Air Force One, except no one makes a big fuss over here. We flew a group of war veterans and their families along the Normandy coast for the D-Day celebrations, which was particularly rewarding. Worst: as part of the continuation training, we have to use simulators, which I hate! I’ve had some of my best and worst experiences in a sim but you are flying against yourself so it’s tough. The examiner is trying to lead you down certain paths and it’s up to you whether you take the bait. I have to fly the sim every six months to revalidate my Instrument Rating, so there’s no avoiding it.

What else would you like to achieve in this role?

I’ve gained three additional ratings with Titan – the company is good at developing its pilots. The goal is to become a captain but there are only a limited number of positions. Titan suits me as it’s close to home and a family-run business. Also, the company is growing and the routes are unusual so I’m not in a rush to move on.

How do you see your career progressing? I really enjoyed teaching people to fl y so I’d be keen to revalidate my Instructor’s Rating. When I’m old, I’d love to be able to say to my grandchildren that I flew a 747, so that’s definitely up there. Do you fly outside the job?

No – there are only so many hours outside the job and commercial pilots need to put their job first so the recreational side has to suffer.

What are your interests outside aviation?

I went scuba diving in the Red Sea this year and saw a few sharks. You have to be careful though and get the nitrogen out of your blood, as it limits flying. I also ride a Yamaha Thundercat motorcycle and have been skiing a few times.

What single change would you make to UK flying if you could?

I’d make flying more accessible. There’s so much red tape and I realise it needs to be there but other countries are so much more GA-friendly. It’s a shame; even flying to Le Touquet on a fantastic day becomes difficult. At the moment, you need to have money to get into flying. Another thing that saddens me is the fact that we have to keep the cockpit locked during the flight. I know it’s for safety but it used to be good fun, especially meeting kids and old boys who used to fly.

Any advice for would-be commercial pilots?

Think about the medical – if you can’t get that you’re snookered. Keep up-to-date with the training and regulations and don’t be tempted to think you can just ‘buy’ a Commercial Licence. Be absolutely certain, as it’s a hell of a commitment. If you’re determined you could have a cracking lifestyle as the rewards are good. Finally, what do your colleagues say about you? I’d like to think that they would say I’m a team player and pleasant to work with.