International Pilots' Day 2023: Izzy de Montet-Guerin

International Pilots' Day - April 26th 2023

26/04/2023

What are you most proud of in your career?
Graduating from ETPS as a test pilot.
What are your words of advice to any aspirational pilot?
Follow your dreams, work hard to get there and enjoy every minute airborne (especially upside-down).
How long did it take to become a qualified pilot?
18 months (British Airways cadetship).
What skills and qualities are important in becoming a pilot?
The number one quality is integrity. You also need an ability to learn quickly and adapt to new skills or changing environments. Top tip: know your datum pitch and thrust.
What qualifications did you need to become a pilot?
Depends. I left school with art based A-levels and did not want to go to university.
Is there a moment of high pressure/stress you can remember from your time as a pilot? If so, what was it?
Too many to recount after 24 years’ flying! Whatever happens, try to stay calm (once the startle factor has reduced a bit!). Rely on your training, knowledge and crew - if you’re lucky enough to have a crew.
Has the industry changed much during your career? If so, have you had to adapt?
Fundamentally no, although the equipment and technology has evolved massively. Being a good pilot still depends on the same skills as it always has done, especially when things start to go wrong.
What makes ETPS a special place to learn?
80 years of knowledge distilled into the fundamentals of flight test, taught by highly experienced staff in a relaxed learning environment.