Our instructors join Ascent from many different backgrounds, but all have a passion for aviation and for training. Here Sean Link, an Elementary Flying Training Instructor at RAF Cranwell shares his journey.
I grew up in South Wales, with a keen interest in aviation, and went on to study economics at university. After graduating, I worked for a modular flight training school as an operations manager, before moving into a training advisor role at an aviation theoretical knowledge school. Prior to joining Ascent, I worked as an aviation officer for the RAF. During this time, I also completed my commercial pilot training and gained my flight instructor rating.
I was attracted to Ascent by the opportunity to challenge myself by undertaking the Military Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course, while flying one of the world’s leading elementary trainers for military ab initio pilots. The role itself was highly appealing, offering a good work–life balance, excellent employee benefits, and significant scope for career progression.
As an Elementary Flying Training QFI, I am part of a large military and civilian delivery team providing ab initio flight training to the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and international partner nations. This training covers a wide range of disciplines, including basic handling skills, aerobatics, and low-level navigation.
Team ethos
The relationships among peers is strong and very supportive, which is a great help, particularly when the initial conversion course is at its busiest. The team ethos and the support from line management and colleagues is excellent. There is a genuine effort to support staff and help facilitate day-to-day activities.
The Grob Prefect aircraft is modern, well equipped, and extremely enjoyable to fly across a wide range of disciplines. Ascent was very welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed forming new friendships, which helped me settle into the role quickly.
“The work–life balance is a major positive. In previous roles, I worked many weekends and holidays, which could disrupt home life. At Ascent, this balance is strongly supported.”
The level of support from the company is excellent, and the employee benefits are very attractive—particularly the healthcare and dental plans. The working environment is modern, high-tech, and based in a bespoke facility that is truly second to none. Ascent is also highly supportive of maintaining a positive work–life balance, with a work pattern and holiday allowance well suited to a family-oriented lifestyle.
I would advise people from all backgrounds not to fear the military training system. While it can be fast-paced and challenging at times, both Ascent and our military partners are very supportive in ensuring you meet the required standards to complete the course. There is a strong relationship between all parties, and the ‘whole force’ concept really stands out in creating a positive and supportive training environment.
