Aerial Firefighting to Commercial Pilot!

Meet Andrea Alexandrou as she shares her experiences in Aviation. There are so many options in terms of piloting careers, from banner towing, ferry flights and flying for a commercial airline. Andrea gives us an insight into Aerial Firefighting and her journey to becoming qualified as a commercial pilot.

What inspired you to become a pilot and what did your first steps into the industry look like?

Having a pilot father who is currently still active, my love for aviation begun at a very young age. After 5 years of working as a Physiotherapist, when I was finally financially stable, I started pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot. I managed to complete my PPL whilst working, something that was not easy because I had to balance work and training. When it was time to continue my training, I took the big step of selling my shares to complete my licenses.

Can you describe the role of an aerial firefighter and what a typical day fighting fires from the air looks like?

I was fortunate to get a job in the aerial firefighting unit of my country as an observer. In this position I have to handle all communications, I am responsible for navigation and coordination during firefighting operations.

A typical day starts early in the morning with the preparation of the planes and then briefings with all the firefighting units in Cyprus. When the phone rings for a fire we need to be airborne in 15 minutes max to attend the fire. Overflying the fire site after communicating with the ground, we then need to plan with the pilot the attack method. When you are on the site watching the fire from the air it may leave you a bit in awe. It is something you need to respect and be afraid of at the same time.

What was your most memorable flight?

One of the most memorable flights I had was the day I completed my commercial licence. That landing after my test is something I will never forget. I remember I cried from happiness when the examiner told me I’d passed and that I was now a qualified commercial pilot. After 4 years of hard work, I’d managed to achieve my dream.

Where would you like your career in aviation to take you? Has this differed from any initial aspirations?

Nothing differed from my initial aspirations. I always wanted to fly the big jets like my dad and my goal still remains the same!

What is the best piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring pilot?

Never stop believing in yourself. Work for it. If you have the determination and the vision you will achieve what you now think is not achievable.