Oli Russell

From an early age Oli knew he wanted to be an airline pilot. Educated in Guildford he was awarded the GAPAN Sir George Gaggero PPL scholarship in 2004 and completed it that year at Goodwood flying school in West Sussex. 
Following advice of his GAPAN mentor he went to University and studied Geography for three years whilst keeping his PPL flying going in his free time. 
After graduating from Southampton University Oli couldn’t find an integrated course that started for at least eight months. During his time off he did a week’s work experience for Scandinavian Airlines at London Heathrow Airport which then turned into a full time job. He worked on the ramp as a Ramp Co-ordinator and helped out with SAS’s other airline contracts. 
In February 2007, Oli started on an integrated course at Flight Training Europe (FTE) at Jerez, Spain. During the recession he instructed at Fairoaks near London and gained experience as a pilot experience on medical flights.  In November 2010 he got his big break and now works as a First Officer on the ERJ145 for bmi regional out of Edinburgh. 

We asked Oli about his most memorable flight to-date... “It would most likely have to be a seaplane trial lesson in Victoria, Canada” he says. “It initially went against every instinct I had, taking off and landing on water but I soon got used to it. It was a fantastic experience and I would jump at the chance to do it again”

He is currently an observer on the Guild’s Education and Training committee (ETC) where he is representing the GYM & has started to get involved in the PPL scholarship scheme. If members of the GYM are interested in getting involved with either of the Guild’s Technical committees drop Oli a line for more information.