Benjamin
"As a Simulator Pilot, I play the virtual counterpart of a real-life pilot."
Working as a Simulator Pilot in Copenhagen
What do you do as a Simulator Pilot?
I get to contribute in a very direct way when training our Air Traffic Controller students. As a Simulator Pilot, I play the virtual counterpart of a real-life pilot and communicate with our students in the simulator and on the frequency. One important aspect of our job is to make sure we are up-to-date with all the specific procedures and rules for the airspace in which we train. In Denmark, we train for Kastrup airport and the domestic airports as well, which provides diversity in our work since all the airports and airspaces require different approaches.
How would you describe Entry Point North’s culture?
I would say it is professional and laid back at the same time. We all have different backgrounds – students, pilots and other colleagues – but everyone has a passion for aviation. I think we have a welcoming and helpful culture, if you need support with anything you can just reach out to your colleagues and there is always someone to help.
How do you relate to our core values in your daily job?
We run many different courses with various complexity when it comes to both airspace and type of traffic, so being BRAVE is quite important - to push boundaries and improve yourself as it can be challenging at times.
Tell us about your career journey so far with Entry Point North.
I started in 2017 as Simulator Pilot on an hourly basis, working alongside my training to become a commercial pilot. It was a great way to make some extra money while studying. I then left the company for some years to work as a commercial pilot at the big airlines. As time went by and me and my partner decided to start a family, I wanted to find a job which offered a bit more stability and allowed me to be based in Copenhagen. I am glad I got to join Entry Point North again – now I have the possibility to fly 20 airplanes instead of just one.
What is it like to work at the Copenhagen site?
We have a good atmosphere among the colleagues and enjoy each other’s company. One moment we can joke and laugh around, and the next we are in position handling multiple airplanes in a new airspace which requires us to be professional and focused.
From a business perspective we work very closely with our main customer Naviair, the Danish Air Navigation Service Provider, in making sure we deliver training in accordance with their needs and expectations, which is also an interesting aspect of the job.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I have a little daughter and because life with small kids can be quite hectic, I must admit I look forward to relaxing during my time off.