Hello, and welcome to The Aviation Hub! My name is Andreas, proud owner and founder of TheAviationHub. A little about me, I have a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies from the University of Liverpool, UK. I have learnt much of the PPL and ATPL theory during my time at University, and gathered 20 hours flying the Piper PA38 out of Liverpool John Lennon International Airport (EGGP).
Aviation has been interwoven into my life from the moment I was born. My grandfather took me with him to the airport as he watched planes all day long. The first time I flew on an airplane was when I was 2 years old. Even though I don't remember it, it was an iconic moment in my life of the first flight of many to come! Growing up in Manchester, UK, I was lucky to have an incredible place called the Aviation Viewing Park, offering amazing views right next to taxiway Alpha at Manchester Airport, EGCC.
I think flying is best summed up by this perfectly accurate quote by Charles Lindbergh (Orteig Prize winner after making the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris): "[Flying is where] I shed all conscious connection with the past. Live only in the moment in this strange unmortal place, crowded with beauty, pierced with danger."
My flight training officially began when I took my first 'introduction' flight in 2018. After my introduction flight, I really got started on the PPL materials in October the same year, flying the Piper PA38 at Liverpool, EGGP, among commercial traffic. An iconic memory for me was after a lesson, when I was in control on final, and a Flybe Q400 was holding short for me. In my little 65 knot airplane! It really doesn't sound too special but that short glance over to the left of the runway, seeing the impressive Q400 as they waited for me to land, is a memory I hold closely.
I have always had the goal of flying for the airlines, by getting my ATPL. However the cost of this license is upwards of £100,000. By working a typical job at a high salary, it would take me over a decade to reach this amount. In 2021, I found a scholarship - the first and only one of its kind - being offered by FTEJerez to fund two ATPL's to low income individuals. After 7 months of unreal dedication, I attended the final event in Jerez but sadly did not get a scholarship. I was in the top 10 of all candidates, and whilst this is an achievement of some sort, it is still not the outcome I dedicated myself to achieve. Below is an image of the top 10 candidates, taken around an hour before the winners were announced. You can see me, third from the left.
I envision TheAviationHub to be the place aspiring pilots come to for inspiration, help, and for connections. I also hope that TheAviationHub will help all who are interested in any part of aerospace and aviation find enjoyment, and inspiration for their lives. If you believe in being a part of these goals, stick around and give us a follow on social media, or even send me a message and say hi!
Welcome to TheAviationHub - soaring freely, forever.
Leave a comment under this post and introduce yourself - and tell us one of your best aviation memories!