PPL holder Max is on his way to the RAF

Max Ellison’s ambition is to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a fast jet pilot. Having completed his PPL at Redhill in the UK three years ago, he’s on track for achieving just that.

“I recently completed my Aeronautical Engineering degree at the University of Limerick and recently learned I had passed the final stage of selection for the Officer & Aircrew selection centre (OASC) for the RAF,” said Max.

“I’m counting down the days until my Aircrew Medical. Hopefully not long after that I’ll be given my start date.”

Born in the UK, Max grew up in the west of Ireland near to Shannon Airport. Although he currently flies as often as possible, it’s not quite as much as he would like.

“Brexit has made it difficult for me to use my licence (PPL) in Ireland, so I have maintained my currency flying occasionally in London. I am aiming to build my hours so I can convert my UK CAA PPL to an EASA licence,” he added.

Max might have always been focused on becoming a pilot but achieving his PPL was no mean feat.

“The cost of funding flying lessons when I was a student was prohibitively expensive, so being awarded the Air bp Sterling pilot scholarship was a life-changing break for me. But it took me three years of applying before I won a place.”

Max recalls one of his first flights when he was able to watch Spitfires in the distance performing aerobatics as a favourite moment.

“Flying solo along the cliffs of Dover for the first time is another flight I’ll never forget,” he said.

Flying a Eurofighter Typhoon is Max’s dream job. Photo: Pete Gardner

“But beyond the training in the cockpit, completing the PPL in London enabled me to move overseas from my home in Ireland. Living alone, away from friends and family was a valuable life experience and a brilliant opportunity.”

The PPL training also exposed him to the challenges faced by aviation and what the flights of the future will look like.

“Sustainability is obviously a huge talking point across the industry, but I find it difficult to imagine electric propulsion becoming the norm for commercial aviation within the next couple of decades.

“Similarly, there is a long way to go before the issues regarding hydrogen storage are solved. With that being said, I absolutely believe that SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a solution until other technologies mature.”

While young people coming into the industry are looking ahead to an evolving sector, this shouldn’t put them off, said Max.

Certainly those interested in pursuing a career as a pilot but struggling with the financial commitment should explore opportunities such as Air bp’s scholarship programme.

“Being an Air bp scholar jumpstarted my journey. It set the foundations for my aviation career and I have gained many valuable contacts in the aviation industry because of it. I have no doubt that I would not be in the position I am in today without the help of Air bp.”

As for his advice to aspiring young aviators? Max is clear: “There are no easy way into aviation, it’s a long journey and everyone has their ups and downs. If you know a career in aviation is what you want, my advice is to be committed and persistent. Don’t expect to see results overnight, but if you continue to gain experience and build connections, you’ll get there in the end.”

For Max that “long journey” is well underway and with his focus on becoming a fast jet pilot for the RAF at the forefront, he admits his dream aircraft would be the Eurofighter Typhoon.

“I remember as a child seeing a picture of one for the first time in an Airfix model catalogue.  I was instantly hooked and knew there and then I wanted to fly one.”

Air bp Sterling Scholarship

Finding the money to pay for pilot training is not easy but one route is the Air bp’s Sterling Pilot Scholarship. It’s part of the annual scholarships offered by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP).