As a boy Stephen Daly used to go ‘plane spotting’ at Shannon Airport, near Limerick – now he’s a First Officer on an Aer Lingus aircraft
2 November 2024
A year ago, when Stephen Daly was 22, we asked how his ATPL course at FTEJerez in Spain was going, he said,“Thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding!”. Stephen had almost completed his training, after winning a fully funded scholarship. “The best moment so far, without a doubt, was passing my CPL test,” Stephen said. “It’s a real milestone on the way to obtaining the fATPL. I’d put a lot of preparation into it.
Stephen did his CPL skill test in a Diamond DA-42. “It’s super to fly and is equipped with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. The EFIS displays make it feel more akin to a modern airliner.”
The least exciting phase of his ATPL course was the theory. “It requires a lot of consistent effort. It’s easy to lose sight of the end goal when constantly studying in a classroom for five months. However, I enjoyed Principles of Flight and General Navigation.”
Stephen passed all his theoretical exams and had just two flying tests left to take: the Instrument Rating (IR) and the APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation).
“I’m so close to my goal of becoming an airline pilot now, I almost can’t believe it. It’s crazy how fast you hit each major milestone in the training,” he told us.
Since then, the pace has continued to be fast! We asked Stephen for an update, picking up on the IR test.
“The IR course was structured to maximise learning by prior exposure to simulator events. It demanded more capacity from a workload perspective, but a thoroughly rewarding experience nonetheless.
“By mid-November 2023, I had completed the Instrument Rating. The elation of passing the test, coupled with the realisation that I had landed the DA42 for the final time in Jerez, made the moment bittersweet.
“We all knew that whoever wore their second stripe had only weeks left on campus. As I collected my final pair of epaulettes, it dawned on me just how fast the last year had gone.
“That week coincided with our graduation, where each student had the opportunity to show their family around campus. My parents loved it!
“It was a perfect occasion to show our appreciation towards friends and family as we neared the end of our time in Spain. Before long, it was back to the books, preparing for the MCC on the A320. My sim partner (Kevin) and I spent our evenings in the school mock-ups – preparing flows, consulting manuals and drinking copious amounts of coffee. In the interim, we concluded our last few flights on the Robin as part of the UPRT syllabus.
“The transition from lighter single pilot aircraft to more complex multi crew operations proved to be the most enjoyable part of the training. Additionally, having instructors from a variety of Airbus operators added to the learning outcomes of each session.
“Some 156 logbook entries, and 50+ ATPL internal/external exams later, 9 December 2023 signified the end of my integrated training journey. Leaving brought memories and a close-knit group of great friends.”
“I found out about the Aer Lingus job shortly before finishing the training in Jerez. I immediately called my parents, followed by more friends and family who played a massive role in my journey to the cockpit. It was the product of collective effort, a network of support that had quietly, yet powerfully, shaped my path and helped me reach this childhood dream.
“The evening was spent celebrating with cadets who not only now were friends, but soon work colleagues! It was a surreal feeling, replacing the blue lanyard for a green one, equally aware of the contribution FTE had on my professional development.”
“My first flight was on 11 April 2024, a week after my birthday! Following a departure from Dublin, the flight consisted of circuits in Shannon to complete base training.
“There were many moments etched in my memory from that day. Most notably, looking over my right shoulder on downwind to be met with the wingtip of the A320, not the projector screen which I had been conditioned to see from the hours of simulator sessions!
“Shannon was a special airport also – having frequently ‘plane spotted’ there during my youth and college years, hoping one day I’d be on the other side of the perimeter fence.”
“Amazing! Since starting in February, the experience in Aer Lingus has been extremely positive. I’ve benefited from the highest standards of instruction throughout the type rating, and a great work-life balance on the 5/3 roster.
“There have been some full circle moments since joining. One that I can recall, was meeting friends in Simtech where I’d had work experience when I was 16, on the back of visiting its stand at one of the Pilot Careers Live events.
“Or, even more recently, having my secondary school Irish teacher onboard one of my flights. I apologised for the excessive ‘plane talk’ during his classes, while also thanking him and many other teachers for the continuous support.”
Despite achieving his airline ambition, General Aviation will always be a passion of Stephen, and will certainly hold a place in his future.
“GA is where I started. I still vividly remember the joy I felt when I did my own introductory flight at the age of 13. Hence, why I’d like to pay this forward by introducing other enthusiastic people to their first flying experience. My whole life revolves around flying, it’s connected to everything I do.”
At some point in the future, Stephen aims to get his Instructor Rating.
“In five years’ time I’d like to be successful in the role of a Type Rating Instructor for an airline in conjunction with a First Officer role, which would prepare me for a command position.
“I’d really like to fly the Airbus A330. It’s a versatile aircraft. I like the fact that it’s long-haul but has the capacity for shorter busier routes, and the fly-by-wire technology intrigues me.”
Looking back on his accomplishments so far, which include winning the The Honourable Company Of Air Pilots’ Gliding Scholarship, its PPL Scholarship and the FTEJerez ATPL Scholarship, Stephen is constantly reminded that becoming a pilot isn’t a solitary pursuit.
“There isn’t a logbook entry that goes by without me being aware of the immense support and encouragement that hundreds of people have given me over the years.
“The one piece of advice he gives is to ask for help if you need it. “In the aviation community, there’s always someone willing to assist you.”
First Officer, Stephen Daly, stand proudly by Aer Lingus jet engine
