Airchats with Airmacs

• From Cricket to Cockpit: The Journey of Ricky Ellcock

  Join us in this inspiring episode as Ricky Ellcock shares his journey from a wooden hut in Barbados to flying the Boeing 747 for Virgin Atlantic. Discover how he overcame poverty and racism, fueled by a dream ignited on a US aircraft carrier. Ricky's story highlights the importance of resilience and community support, showcasing how he transitioned from cricket to aviation despite facing numerous challenges. Tune in to hear about his struggles with depression and his triumphant return to the skies, proving that "black people can fly aeroplanes". KEY TAKEAWAYS Ricky Ellcock's journey from growing up in a wooden hut in Barbados, with no running water or electricity, to becoming a professional cricketer and pilot exemplifies resilience. He describes his childhood in a "little slave settlement" and the communal support he received from neighbours, which helped him navigate poverty and pursue education and sports. Ricky’s academic success allowed him to secure a scholarship to Malvern College, a prestigious institution in the UK. His parents incentivised his performance with rewards, such as a watch and a bicycle, which motivated him to excel and ultimately led to his acceptance into one of the top schools. Despite his father's discouragement, stating that "black people don't fly aeroplanes," Ellcock was determined to prove him wrong. This moment marked the beginning of his ambition to become a pilot, showcasing how he transformed a negative statement into motivation to succeed. After a successful cricket career that was cut short by injuries, Ricky faced a period of depression. He eventually found his way back to aviation, realising his childhood dream of flying after backpacking through the United States and discovering flight schools. Representation in aviation cannot be understated as there are very few black pilots. He hopes that his story will inspire young black individuals to pursue careers in aviation, demonstrating that success is possible regardless of one's background. BEST MOMENTS “Cricket was my ticket out of poverty, a sport that gave me strength and purpose, and it all started with a simple game using a coconut branch as a bat." "It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. What matters is how many times you get up." "There are not many role models... I hope that kids can look at something like this and think if he can do this, so can I." "This is a story of triumph really." EPISODE RESOURCES Buy Balls to Fly by Ricky Ellcock with coupon code AIR20 and save 20% Print copy - £14.40 + p&p https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/balls-to-fly-out-now Ebook copy - £3.99 https://www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/balls-to-fly-ebook ABOUT THE GUEST Ricky Ellcock is a former English cricketer and qualified pilot. His autobiography, Balls to Fly, chronicles his journey from a Barbadian schoolboy with dreams of playing Test cricket for England to overcoming career-ending injuries. After struggling with depression, he became the first Black captain at Virgin Atlantic, surviving four life-saving brain surgeries. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs with Sam Macadam, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs

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• Flying High: The Mindset of Former RAF Helicopter Pilot Sarah Furness

  In this episode of Airchats with Airmacs, Sam Macadam welcomes Sarah Furness, a former Royal Air Force helicopter pilot and accomplished author. Sarah shares her unique journey in aviation, starting with her aspirations to become a fast jet pilot, inspired by trailblazer Jo Salter. After facing the challenges of the RAF training system, she transitioned to flying helicopters, exploring the nuances of her career and the experiences that shaped her path. With over 10,000 copies sold of her two books, Sarah’s insights into aviation and her personal journey provide a captivating perspective for aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots alike. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the cockpit! Links to Sarah’s books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fly-Higher-Train-your-strong/dp/1781337063?ref_=ast_author_dp https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uni-tasking-Revolution-Focus-really-matters-ebook/dp/B0CX9CB3ZS?ref_=ast_author_dp ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!

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• The Flamboyance of Female Pilots with Tornado GR4 Pilot Mandy Hickson

  Mandy Hickson, author of "An Officer Not A Gentleman" shares her remarkable journey as a pioneering female pilot in the RAF flying the Tornado GR4. Sam and Mandy discuss the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field, and how pilots deal with high-stress situations. Mandy also shares a gripping story of a memorable night in combat during the Gulf War.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Mandy shares a story about her experience with a personality test during military training, where she and her husband were categorised as "play now, work later," while the majority of their peers were the opposite.  Mandy recounts her first flight in a Tornado jet, describing the overwhelming power and size of the aircraft compared to the smaller Hawk she had previously flown.  In her first combat mission in Iraq, quick thinking and teamwork helped Mandy evade a surface-to-air missile. Retasked to attack a radar station, she faced a fuel crisis and a sandstorm, attempting aerial refueling for the first time. During a debriefing session with police officers, Mandy facilitated a discussion about mistakes, encouraging them to share their experiences. This reframing of language helped create a culture of openness, allowing the officers to discuss their "300 events" (near misses) and fostering a proactive learning environment. BEST MOMENTS  "Failure is often seen as a dirty word." “"I realised I had been empowered to lead. I'd made a decision. The decision had sat on my shoulders. I was accountable."  "If you ever hear yourself saying, 'I could have told you that would happen,' then why didn't you?"  "It's about saying yes to things that will help you grow and gain confidence."  EPISODE RESOURCES  Mandy Hickson An Officer, Not a Gentleman: The inspirational journey of a pioneering female fighter pilot: https://amzn.eu/d/iuuZkbT SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs   ABOUT THE GUEST  Mandy Hickson, a former RAF Tornado pilot, was among the first women in combat roles, completing three tours in Iraq over her 17-year career. Now a motivational speaker and author of An Officer, Not a Gentleman (35,000+ copies sold), she shares insights on leadership, teamwork, and psychological safety, inspiring others to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and foster open communication. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business.  Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard! ABOUT THE HOST Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking and meticulous planning.  

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• Unravelling the Mystery of MH370 with Richard Godfrey

  Sam McAdam speaks with Richard Godfrey, an aeronautical engineer who has dedicated over a decade to analysing the mystery of MH370, the Malaysian Airlines flight that disappeared in 2014. Richard shares his personal connection to aviation tragedies, his involvement in the search for MH370, and the various theories surrounding its disappearance. The conversation delves into the impact on the families of the victims, the technological advancements in search efforts, and the ongoing speculation and conspiracy theories that have emerged over the years. KEY TAKEAWAYS The MH370 Independent Group is a collective of individuals, including scientists, engineers, and aviation experts, who came together to analyse data and theories related to the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. Despite numerous theories and proposed locations regarding the disappearance of MH370, no definitive conclusions have been reached, highlighting the complexity of the investigation. The search for MH370 has been extensive, with 41 pieces of floating debris analysed to trace their origin, but the vastness of the Indian Ocean complicates recovery efforts. The lack of closure for families affected by MH370 is a significant issue, as many are still seeking answers a decade later, with some forming supportive communities while others remain stuck in their grief. Advances in technology are being developed to improve aircraft tracking, which could prevent future incidents like MH370, as highlighted by Richards's discussion on the need for mandatory position reporting for ocean flights. BEST MOMENTS  “There are lots of different theories and lots of different ideas... but nothing has come out of any of those propositions" "They feel very strongly that they can’t put it to rest until they know what happened to their loved ones" "We have to continue until we get the full facts discovered" "If you did give up on a search like MH370, it almost sets a precedent that we can reach a stage where we're not going to invest or try to uncover certain situations" EPISODE RESOURCES  The Search for MH370 ABOUT THE GUEST  Richard Godfrey holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Systems Engineering from the University of Salford and a PGD from INSEAD. He has developed avionics systems for aircraft like the Boeing 747 and NASA's Space Shuttle. A founding member of the MH370 Independent Group, he has published 59 papers on MH370. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard! ABOUT THE HOST Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking and meticulous planning. SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs

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  1:12:17
• The First Female Typhoon Pilot: Helen Seymour's Inspiring Story

  Helen Seymour, the first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot joins Sam to share her journey through the Royal Air Force. Helen shares her inspiring story, from her early influences and challenges in training to her operational experiences in Libya. She discusses the importance of teamwork, the pressures of decision-making in combat, and her transition after a medical discharge. The pair also talk about the need for more women in aviation and Helen offers advice to the next generation of female pilots. KEY TAKEAWAYS Helen Seymour's journey as the first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot is marked by perseverance, breaking barriers, and personal growth. Despite initial setbacks, including failing altitude tests and discouragement from her mother, Seymour pursued her passion for flying and became a trailblazer in the RAF, becoming the first female Typhoon pilot in 2009. Her career highlights included serving in frontline operations over Libya during the Arab Spring, where she faced intense pressure and critical decision-making moments as part of her quick reaction alert duty. After being medically discharged in 2023 due to neck injuries, Seymour transitioned to a civilian role, coordinating exercises for Typhoon pilots and co-founding a company offering military-based keynote speeches and training. Throughout her career, Helen has emphasised the importance of setting one's own limits, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams without fear of failure, and cherishing the joy and freedom that flying brought her. BEST MOMENTS  “Don't try and mould yourself to the situation, mould it to you."  "Failing is a good thing. You'll pick yourself up. It's a lesson learned and you will improve the next time." "A lot of changes, unfortunately, come after a disaster."  "I've got to calm down because the last thing you need is the adrenaline pumping when you are about 50 feet away from an airliner with 400 people on."  "Every so often you'd get the odd five minutes where you can just go and fly around a cloud or just take it in." EPISODE RESOURCES Helen Seymour – ON A MISSION ABOUT THE GUEST  Helen Seymour, the first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, made history in military aviation. Raised in Norwich, she discovered a passion for flying through the air cadets. Despite early setbacks and her mother’s initial doubts, she excelled in the RAF, serving in operations over Libya and during the Arab Spring. Post-discharge, she now co-leads a company offering military-based training, inspiring young women to pursue their dreams. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring. We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight. Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard! ABOUT THE HOST Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking and meticulous planning. SOCIAL LINKS www.Airmacs.com https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs

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