Alan Holt

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Out side of school I got into every aircraft I could flying every chance I had. I received my pilots license when I was in high school and kept in the air during college.

How did you start building your network?

When I was young I spoke with every pilot I ran into to learn about their experiences and gain their advice. When I started the internet was nothing like it was today so when I was not working to earn money to pay for flights I would sit at the dinner at my local airport and chat with the pilots as they came through. I have tried to stay in touch with as my of the people I have flown with and worked with over the years through facebook or sometimes just running into them at the airport.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Be patient and be persistent. A career is not built over night and it takes time to build a professional skill. Long as you keep studying and working towards that goal you will get there.

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

Support the Captain to ensure the aircraft leaves and arrives on time and safely. We take turns who is flying which leg of the trip. When it is my turn to fly I am responsible for the flight path of the aircraft and ensuring we are flying safely and in accordance with air traffic control instructions and the FARs (our rule book). When I am not flying I handle the radios and support the pilot flying with navigation and aircraft systems.