Moonika Oras on 2021-04-28
Wings of Xfly – Joël van Rossum, the pilot who will get you through the day safely.
- What inspired you to become a pilot? Why did you decide to become a pilot?
When I was very young, I was already dreaming of flying. However, I was convinced that becoming a pilot didn’t happen to normal people, so I never pursued my dream. Fast forward a few years and I was finishing my first year of law school. I loved my studies but I could never quite shake the idea of flying. I decided to take a leap and do the grading, just to find out ‘what if’. After a few rounds of tests, I got a letter at home with the results. I passed! A few months later I did my first solo and in 2012 I was hired for my first airline job. Even though there have been some challenges on the way I have loved every day of my job since I started.
- What do you love about your job?
Most importantly I love the teamwork involved with flying. We meet up with the crew, talk about the day and get to the aircraft. Each of us knows what to do and we all trust each other to do a good job and get us through the day safely. The passion I see while working together with my colleagues is contagious and when reaching our final destination after a good day of work, I always feel very happy and proud.
- What is your proudest moment at Xfly?
It’s hard to pinpoint one moment. However, I feel proud of all of us for sticking together during our last year. When cuts hat to be made people choose for the team instead of for themselves and as a result, we’re here. Coming closer to the end of this crisis every day.
- What would you recommend to any young person dreaming of becoming a pilot?
If flying is your passion, I can only say you should go for it. Prepare for some good times and some difficult challenges, but in the end, it’ll be worth it!
- What is your superpower?
My superpower is caring about each person. When I meet my friends, my family, and my colleagues, I want to know everyone is feeling comfortable, happy, and has a good time. All together we’re doing a great job while having fun, so something like going to work, never really feels like work.
- What is your favourite holiday destination?
I love Italy for the food, nature, and weather. Next, I have a trip to central Brazil planned for later this year, which I’m really looking forward to. But before I want to think of a holiday, I’m really looking forward to getting back to flying. It’s been a little over one year since my last flight, so I can’t wait to take a ‘holiday’ from my sabbatical and get back in the air.
- How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
For me the best way to relax after a busy period of work is doing sport, spending time with loved ones, and being outdoors. I love to enjoy Estonian nature, go to the gym and when there is a chance, go out for a sail.
- A quote what inspires you…
It’s not really a quote, but maybe inspiring for some anyway. On many occasions when I’m faced with a bump in the road, I watch a video on YouTube called ‘The Best Commercial Pilot MOTIVATION’. It’s a simple clip with some beautiful shots. For me, it’s a good reminder of why I love what I do and a good motivator to try to be the best version of myself.
