Hugo Dantas

Why did you choose to train with Airways Aviation?

After sorting out the options available to me, I chose to train with AAA because I was impressed with the facilities and also because I felt a family atmosphere. In addition, an integrated ATPL training is a unique experience that you only do once in your life, the decision to do it at AAA based in Montpellier was obvious, on the one hand by the facilities and on the other hand for the location. I had the chance to discover the multicultural and historical city of Montpellier and its beaches and I was captivated by landscapes in the South of France like those of the French Riviera or even by the Alps during my flights, which makes the experience more interesting.

I Chose to train with AAA because I was impressed with the facilities and also because I felt a family atmosphere.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Airways Aviation?

Definitely the family atmosphere. From day one until the last, the ground instructors, flight instructors, ops, mechanics, as well as the friendships we make with other student pilots, all of these people are there for your success. In addition, with 300 days of sunshine per year, I was able to fly often.

I In addition, with 300 days of sunshine per year, I was able to fly often.

What did you do before you started training?

During my 3 years in the High School, I started to fly for the first time in my local aeroclub, and also to do aero-modelling because it was a real passion before it became a professional goal. After getting the main degree in the High School (baccalaureate in France) I directly decided to enroll myself in a flight school. I had been accepted into preparatory class, medicine and other universities but the aviation industry is the only one that fascinates me so much, so I wanted to devote myself fully to it. However, before my training, I worked every summer as an assistant in communication and welcoming clients in an architectural firm or in a construction company. It allowed me to have a clearer vision of what I really liked and also to realize the value of work.

What advice would you give to anyone considering training as a pilot?

Self-confidence : Never let anyone say that you won’t make it, that it isn’t for you. Only you know what you really want to become, so keep your own goals in mind and do whatever it takes to get there.

Motivation / Organization / Curiosity : 9 months of ground school and 9 months of practice at least in continuing education requires a lot of personal, diligent and constant work, but when you like what you do and you are well surrounded, you do not see the time spent and you take advantage of each successful step.

The English language : the profession of pilot obviously requires the ability to speak English (technical English and fluent English). At AAA, student pilots come from all over the world, from Africa, the Middle East, Australia, all over Europe and I am surely forgetting some. Being myself French-Portuguese with a correct level at the start of training, I have developed and improved my technical English throughout my training during ground school, briefing / debriefing of flights, in the cockpit, and my fluent English during outings organized by the Student Union or during lunch breaks. This allowed me to obtain my FCL055 level 5 and the TOEIC with over 900 points.

Never let anyone say that you won’t make it, that it isn’t for you. Only you know what you really want.

Hugo is an Integrated ATPL student based at Airways Aviation Academy in Montpellier, France.

Contact us to begin your journey and learn more about becoming a pilot with Airways Aviation.

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