For Flying Out Loud

In this episode, I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome a Stuart McInally, whose story is as bold and inspiring as they come. At the highest level of professional sport, he stood not only as a world-class rugby player but also as a captain representing his country. He earned 49 caps for Scotland, captained the national team at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and was a respected figure on fields across the globe.

But rather than hanging up his rugby boots and settling for a quiet life, he chose to chase another dream - one that takes him from scrumming down in packed stadiums to cruising thousands of feet above the Earth. Having started flying years earlier, he made the courageous decision to retire from rugby, swap his rugby boots for flying boots and pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. His story is a testament to pursuing what you love, no matter where you start.

Follow @stuartthepilot on instagram!
With thanks to  @edinburghrugby for the kind use of the introductory video.

This episode is sponsored by Flight School Wingman. Expert support to help you achieve your dream of becoming a pilot. Learn more about their courses here https://flightschoolwingman.com/academy/becoming-a-commercial-pilot-courses

Support the show and buy me a coffee - it helps to keep the episodes coming!

Support the show

In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Wings for Warriors, a charity giving wounded veterans a future worth fighting for—literally. 

From one of our guests who survived a sniper attack in Afghanistan and found purpose in the cockpit, to another, who overcame the loss of a limb to achieve his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

From battlefield to flight deck, my two guests in this episode are proving that resilience, determination, and a second chance can take you to the skies.

So, buckle up—this is one you don’t want to miss!

Please consider donating to Wings for Warriors by clicking on this link: https://www.wings4warriors.org.uk/donate#:~:text=PayPal%20Donations,box%20on%20the%20PayPal%20page.

Support the show

In this episode we welcome Lieutenant’s Michael Vivian and Scott Sunderland to the For Flying Out Loud podcast. They are two serving members of the Royal Navy, both serving as Fleet Air Arm pilots on the Wildcat helicopter. In 2024, these two pilots embarked upon a challenging but as you’ll learn, extremely rewarding journey to re-launch the display of the Wildcat Helicopter in an exhilarating pairs display season. 

Unlike most other display teams,  the job of these isn’t to display for the public. It’s to teach the next generation of aviators to fly and fight the Wildcat Helicopter. 

2024 saw the team awarded the Steedman Sword at RIAT for best British Display Team, beating the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Chinook Display teams of the RAF. The first time this had been won since the predecessors to the Black Cats, the Lynx pair in 2003.

Support the show

Daniel Robinson is a former RAF fighter pilot who started his career flying the Tornado F3. One of Britain’s top fighter pilots, In 2006, recognised for his outstanding flying ability and natural flair for building effective teams, he was chosen as the first non-US citizen to fly the 5th Generation F22 Raptor for the US Air Force.
 
In 2006, a life-defining moment and intersection of time, education and experience combined with his passion for aviation saw him venture into a completely new realm at the very cutting edge of technology. A chance encounter.
 
In this episode it was a great pleasure to welcome Daniel Robinson, founder and CEO of Red 6.

This episode is brought to you by SkyChaser Aviation Recruitment - finding you the perfect pilot for your operation. Learn more about them here https://www.skychaser.aero/

Content warning: This podcast episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some individuals.

Support the show

In August 2021 at just 19 years old, Zara Rutherford started on a journey to fly solo around the world in a Shark ultralight aircraft. In Jan 2022, 155 days later, this was completed. And in doing so, she broke the Guinness World Record for the youngest woman flying solo around the world and also reduced the gender gap of this record by 11 years between the current youngest male who was 18 and the previous female record holder who was 30. What an incredible achievement!

Zara is also a published author and you can purchase Zara's book 'I Flew Around the World' here.

Support the show

Support the show

Aviation is such a great community of likeminded people, but some people just have that knack of bringing that community together in a way that is truly inspirational. I first came across today’s guest on instagram, drawn in by his infectious character, unique presenting style and his ability to make the ‘behind the scenes’ of an airport come to life for millions of people around the world.

Mohammad Taher is a former engineer turned aerodrome systems specialist who has used his infectious enthusiasm for aviation and the aviation community to pivot his career. Now regarded as one of the best motivational speakers in the aviation sphere, he is also a TEDx speaker, skydiver and triathlete (Is this James Bond I hear you say?!) As of today, he has more than 152,000 followers on instagram and is rapidly gaining global recognition from airports, airlines and more.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   

Support the show

In 2023, British Airways launched the Speedbird Pilot Academy, the first time in many years since British Airways had launched a fully funded cadet scheme, giving the realistic option for anyone aged 18-55 to become a pilot. Remaining committed to further increasing diversity in the aviation industry, British Airways was determined to increase awareness and visibility to people from all backgrounds, not just those that can afford the initial training costs. What a fantastic opportunity this was!

In this episode we speak to three of the successful Speedbird Pilot Academy applicants, all of which also share a passion for the sport of competitive gliding. 

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   

Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   

Katherine Moloney is the Marketing Director of Transair Flight Equipment, an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport two years running and a private pilot with helicopter and fixed wing licences. She also has an admirable following of more than 230,000 followers on Instagram and is founder of Elevate(her) Aviation. In this episode it’s a great pleasure to welcome Katherine Moloney to the For Flying Out Loud podcast!

Visit this link to learn more about Elevate (Her)!

Support the show

If you enjoy this episode, please consider showing your support at this link :)   

Roger Cruickshank is a former Eurofighter Typhoon pilot who served in the Royal Air Force for 21 years, completing 2 front line tours. He has been deployed operationally all over the world, including Iraq, Syria and Baltic Air Policing out of Estonia and Romania. In 2017, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in the Operational Honours List for an act of bravery when he saved the lives of allied soldiers who were pinned down by Daesh fighters. 

 A former Olympian, he also competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics Downhill and Super G Alpine Skiing events, though (as we’ll discover), not without complication. After losing a close family member to suicide, he has been campaigning towards mental health awareness for over a decade and, in 2016, wrote a book called, “Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind”.

Please consider supporting the fantastic charity that Roger now campaigns for - JET, The 'John Egging Trust' supporting young people achieve their aspirations. You can also purchase a copy of Roger's book, 'Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind' at this link with all proceeds going to the John Egging Trust. 

Support the show