2017 has proved a year when dreams have come true for a 20-year-old who has been taken on as a pilot at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Ever since he was a little boy, Rajandeep Singh has always dreamed of flying.

And this week he has fulfilled his ambition and began his apprenticeship as a commercial airline pilot with Jet2.com.

Mr Singh, from Idle, was brought up in Farsley and attended Fulneck School, in Pudsey.

While still studying in school, Rajandeep would spend his spare time at Leeds Bradford Airport, notching up 40 hours of air time with a company called Multiflight.

“I took a few more lessons at Leeds Bradford Airport and it was there that I decided that I wanted to carry on with it and do the full course,” he said.

“I flew with Multiflight, whilst I was doing my studying in Bradford, and continued to do so throughout my A-Levels before I was accepted onto a course at Oxford Aviation.”

With A-levels in chemistry, physics and psychology in hand, he threw himself into his training course passing 14 theory exams and at least 30 internal practice exams over the next 18 months to gain his wings.

After passing with flying colours his next step was to start applying for positions and was thrilled to have been accepted onto an apprentice course almost on his doorstep with Jet2.com.

“It couldn’t have worked out any better for me than to get a position on my doorstep. It was Leeds Bradford Airport that drew me to flying so to be accepted to train there was the best thing ever.

“I am the first in my family to become a pilot. I don’t come from an aviation background as both my parents are in the care business.

“It was all I ever wanted to do from as early as I can remember.”

On Monday Mr Singh began his apprenticeship which includes completing 12 months on the ground before commencing his training on the B737 Aircraft. This starts with a cabin crew training course and development work across all business areas to understand as much as possible of each team and before taking to the aircraft itself.

Phil Ward, managing director, Jet2.com said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest wave of pilot apprentices, including Raj, to our growing Jet2.com team this week. Raj and his fellow apprentices have been through a competitive process to make it onto the programme and we are looking forward to watching them develop their skills and knowledge as they grow with us.”

With the youngest pilot in the UK flying at the age of 19, Mr Singh can consider himself amongst the nation’s newest breed of airline experts.

He added: “I would urge anyone to have a go at it.”

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