I have always had an interest in travel and flying generally. A job as airline cabin crew has been an ambition of mine for many years.

I honestly thought I was too old for such a position but in the summer of 2010 I applied to Monarch Airlines for a cabin crew position.

In November 2010, after going through the application process, entrance test and two interviews I was very pleased to be accepted for a position with this excellent and reputable airline.

I am now waiting for a start date for a six week training course and will hopefully start flying in Spring 2011. With the added help of my skills acquired during my 30 year police service I hope that I can carry out my new Cabin Crew role with complete ease and in a professional way. 

I am absolutely over the moon to be accepted for such a position at 50 years old and feel that I am starting a completely new journey on an exciting career path once again!

More updates on my journey (and travels) will follow soon!

7 March 2011 - Induction day - Manchester

18 March 2011 - I start my six week training course at Manchester

27 April 2011 - 'Wings' passing out ceremony

Life in the air - April to October 2011

On Saturday 30 April I worked my first flight. This was a familiarisation flight on the Airbus 321 followed by the A300 then a few days later on a Boeing 757. As additional crew I was able to take off and land seated on the flight deck. A great experience!

I subsequently flew 130 times in a six month season. The whole experience of working for the first time in the air was tremendous, something I will never forget. Looking after passengers and working with countless professional and friendly crew members. The job itself was a real eye opener and no easy task. You are on the go from boarding the aircraft, through turnaround to flying back. I certainly kept very fit during the six months.

On the down side travelling from South Lakes where I live to Manchester was tiring, particularlu on a run of early flights. Saying this however, I only flew three times a week on average though the days could be anything between 10 and 18 hours with my travel time included.

Class IC One 'Wings' Ceremony - 27 April 2011

Flight Data

Innsbruck left and Sharm-El-Shiek right

Conclusion

I have been offered a contract with Monarch starting April 2012. I will decide in the Spring whether I want to have another interesting and exciting six months in the air again - watch this space!!