Old Oratorian Michael Jenkins (OS1994-1999) delivered an excellent talk to the Lower 6th on Tuesday 1st March as part of the Loquitur series of talks. Michael is a Heathrow-based, Senior First Officer Pilot for British Airways planes A350 and A380. He specialises in long-haul flights.

His interactive talk focused on his time at the Oratory and how it helped him shape his professional career. Michael reminded the pupils that whilst not mandatory, having a University degree helped him navigate the commercial aviation career ladder and certainly gave him enough maturity and academic experience to tackle the many exams he has had to endure throughout the selection process.

• The talk included some very interesting points for our pupils to consider:
• The selection process is extremely thorough and costly. You will have to dedicate the time, the budget and the resilience.
• Pilots must renew their licenses annually.
• Pilots and crew are constantly training to prepare for unexpected situations. You will always be learning.
• Simulators can be overwhelming. The key is to remain calm and accept that whilst challenging, you have prepared and practiced for this moment, and to look at it as an opportunity to demonstrate your skills rather than fear it.

Thank you Michael for this fantastic talk.