A new pilot from Toulouse at the controls of the Air Saint-Pierre ATR
Geoffrey Parades arrived a few weeks ago in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to pilot the ATR for Air Saint-Pierre. A look back at his journey and his aspirations.
Originally from Toulouse, this aeronautics enthusiast initially turned to the world of finance and business management. Always looking for internships related to his chosen field, the young man finally realized the obvious: he had to achieve his dream and become an airline pilot.
Thus, from 2018, he began training at Airways and validated his theoretical diploma the following year. After hours of practice in a flight school near Versailles, Geoffrey obtained his European license which made him a professional pilot.
I started flying gliders.
Geoffrey first practiced on gliders, these motorless devices carried by hot air currents, capable of traveling for kilometers for hours after being towed and then deposited in the air by an airplane.
Then it will be the aeroclub period with the meeting of friends and instructors which gives the necessary fiber to go to the end of the course. He will also fly planes intended for the dropping of military and recreational paratroopers.
“A passionate job » as this young man from Toulouse points out, who got on well with a young man from the archipelago during this training. Having become a pilot for Air Saint-Pierre, the latter informed him of the availability of a position on ATR within the local airline company.
Very interested in this new challenge, Geoffrey then specialized in ATR, a device recognized as reliable but with a very elaborate cockpit, which required teamwork.
With 700 flying hours and 40 hours of ongoing dedicated training, this is how Geoffrey arrived on our islands last November.
“It’s very natural and very nice! »
Geoffrey Parades enjoys his island life very much despite the particular weather conditions for piloting, in particular crossing winds and icing conditions. It was provided by the pride of the local historical company that is Air Saint-Pierre and the fact of participating in the opening up of the archipelago.
Next step for Geoffrey: spend at least three years with Air Saint-Pierre, then continue, why not, his career on the Air Canada fleet.