My name is Luke O’Callaghan, and you’re welcome to my second instalment covering my journey through the Global Business and Pilot Studies program at MTU. Having now completed first year, it is most certainly time for an update on my progress through the course and everything it has to offer.
After returning from Christmas break during January, I settled back into college life rather quickly. A group of us travelled to Edinburgh for a few days over the holidays, which broke up the time apart, making returning to classes that bit easier when the time came. Having already completed semester one, navigating the campus and getting back into old habits returned quickly. As a class, we aimed to make the very most of our time in college throughout the semester, taking full advantage of the “college experience”.
From an academic perspective, semester two was more challenging than semester one, but by no means was it overbearing. We studied Technological Maths, International Management, Cultural Studies, Marketing Strategy Principles, Communications for Business and most of the class, including myself, chose Selling Skills for Business as our elective module. These modules were more specialised than the introductory modules of semester one, but all were interesting and highly informative. Like the first semester, I only had to complete two final exams in Marketing Strategy Principles and Selling Skills, all other modules were continuous assessment. My presentation skills came on leaps and bounds this semester, as with time and practice I felt much more comfortable at the top of the lecture hall. I, along with a few peers, have also begun studying for our PPL exams to be ahead of the curve once we arrive at AFTA to commence flight training.
However, this semester didn’t come without its challenges. Some days, during the darker winter months specifically, felt rather long. I may have had to leave home at 6:30 am and not return until nearly 9 pm. The more challenging nature of some modules necessitated spending more time in the library to stay on top of things. More project groups were chosen randomly by lecturers this semester, meaning we may not be as familiar with team members as if we were to choose them ourselves. Unfortunately, due to the temporary closure of Waterford Airport, my training has been delayed by two months from an original start date in June to a new date in August. These challenges have increased my discipline, my ability to work in unfamiliar teams and increased my tolerance of adversity. All these things will greatly increase my ability to perform well during both flight training and my future career as a pilot, so I am grateful to have overcome them.
From a personal point of view, after some initial disappointment, I am pleased about the delayed start of my training. It will allow me to have a full summer before starting training, allowing me to spend more time with friends and family, earn more money at work and develop personally to complete the training to the best of my ability. In recent months, I have begun working at Cork Airport as a Turnaround Coordinator. This opportunity has already given me an invaluable insight into the daily operations of the aviation industry and given me a glimpse first-hand into the job of a pilot. I am excited to see what every day brings, as unique challenges are often posed and I gain valuable knowledge from every experience. The delayed training has allowed me to fully take in this experience thus far and will allow me to enjoy it even further throughout the busy summer schedule over the coming months.
As mentioned previously, as a class we strived to make the very most of our time at MTU. This did not stop at just in-class activities but also with the Aviation Society. We organised a multitude of trips and activities, including a Top Gun movie night and trips to both Cork Airport and Shannon Enroute control. The most valuable trip for me, however, was to AFTA to experience their Boeing 737-800NG simulator in Little Island. We spent over 5 hours exploring the sim centre as well as being briefed and shown how the aircraft flies and how the systems operate onboard. This was an unforgettable experience for me. I also took flight with one of my classmates in the backseat in one of AFTA’s Diamond DA40 aircraft in March; this again was an invaluable experience for us both as we got a look into what life will be like from when we begin flight school.
For anyone looking to begin this course in the coming months or years some advice I would give is to enjoy the year in MTU to its fullest. At the beginning of the year back in September, beginning flight school seemed like a distant aim, however, after what has felt like a few very short months, it is right around the corner. Gaining first-hand experience in the aviation industry has benefited me to a great extent and I would highly recommend this to any prospective students. Keeping on top of college work is also essential. Repeat exams are held during the month of August, and you do not want to be studying extra material on top of PPL material at that time of the year.
Beginning flight school in the coming months is both a daunting yet exciting endeavour. It truly does feel like my childhood dreams of becoming a commercial pilot are getting more real by the day. With dedication, passion and maybe a bit of luck at times, I know I will accomplish my goal in the long run. Looking back, the second semester in MTU was both the final hurdle before beginning flying and an opportunity to gain the maturity and insight required to succeed during flight school. I am extremely excited to see what the remainder of the year and beyond holds for me and the class, and I hope you have gained insight into what this course is like and maybe even decided that you could see yourself in my shoes in the future.
