My visit to the Green side

January has come and gone, and yet will never be forgotten.

On the 12th January, my day had come. I arose early to make the worthwhile trip across the country to Dublin Airport, where I would meet one of my biggest inspirations: Captain Davina Pratt, Aer Lingus chief pilot. As we creeped closer to Dublin and I began to see planes at cruising altitude alter their heading, I wondered if there was also going to be a change in mine.

Greeted by the generous gentleman who was kind enough to organise this visit, we walked towards Hangar 6, me tripping with excitement. "She's expecting you" - the humble secretary of Captain Pratt exclaimed. And so she was. I discussed many things with Captain Pratt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting with her. From advice to a friendly chat, melting point of the ice arrived and both advantages and issues about random aspects of the career were conferred.

Afterwards, I was escorted by Captain Pratt and an Aer Lingus engineer to the Operations Centre where plans are filed and problems from aircraft are transmitted among other functions.

'Iolar'

EI-DEC 'St. Fergal'

From there, I was guided to the main floor of Hangar 6 where the aircraft were undergoing maintenance. Luckily, there was an engine check planned for one of the A320s and I was invited to sit in the jump seat and observe the various systems reacting to this. I took a seat in the main cabin as we taxied to the gate at Dublin airport to deliver the aircraft for its next flight. 

A320 flight deck

EI-EAV 'St. Ronán'

Terminal One

Ryanair EI-DYD taxing

To top the day off, my family and I traveled to the spotting point at the side of runway 28. Overall, a brilliant day was had and I wish to express my thanks to those who organised the visit.

My View on Motivation

There are many different definitions of motivation in dictionaries and on the internet. I have used the word many times in different forms of writing, but not until today have I realised what it really means. There is more to motivation than just being "willing to execute a plan or an aspiration", it's about how you combine that with your correct mentality and feelings.

Most people feel 'motivated' to do things, maybe start a fitness plan or decorate their house one bit at a time. However, I wonder is motivation really included in this or is it just a mere list of goals? I often question do people really understand the meaning of motivation and the immense power that it included in its ten letters.

I didn't, until today. While out pounding the road, I belted the tunes out without thinking or feeling anything I was saying. When the weather took a turn for the worst, I captured a picture both with my eyes and my mind. I stood there in the pouring rain, visualised the road as a runway and bolted down it with the lack of reverse thrust. There was no stopping me.

After today, I have come to the conclusion that motivation is summing up everything you feel, throwing it into the pot for a mix and then bringing the plan to life. We must use motivation from one goal in order to be successful in another.

There will always be obstacles, but I am a firm believer that once you overcome one barrier, you can take the rest in your stride.