Tim - Cabin Crew member
What were your first impressions of AirTanker when you joined?
"From the interview day , through to being accepted as a cabin crew member at Air Tanker and then onto joining the company for my initial course in September 2024 * I found the whole process supportive , friendly , down to earth and accessible enabling me as individual the ability to be able to show the kind of person I am and what I am able to bring in order to add real value to the organisation as a crew member"
How did you find the training process? Was there anything particularly helpful or challenging?
"I have been left with a very positive impression of the Air Tanker Management Team and all the trainers who from day 1 took very good care of us, supported , empowered and nurtured both me and the group continually within a safe working framework and space which enabled each of us as individuals and as a group to step into our roles confidently in order to achieve the high possible standard’s immediately. The team spirit created by this team gave me a good ‘feeling’ and reinforced the true value of my role again through fresh eyes and how important, critical our jobs are onboard the aircraft within our everyday role and the day to day tasks we carry out as crew members , which in this day and age unfortunately has been eroded, and lost somewhat. It was very refreshing, for me and exciting to experience the infectious passion throughout the whole organisation. I believe from the moment of the interview selection, to my first day and successfully completing my initial SEP course at Brize Norton the whole Management Team including all the various ‘trainers ‘ truly demonstrated due care , diligence, consistency and 100% demonstrated a genuine desire , commitment to show each one of us complete respect, encouraging our confidence to grow dramatically day by day until our wings ceremony was completed - this is ‘super impressive’"
"From the interview day , through to being accepted as a cabin crew member at Air Tanker and then onto joining the company for my initial course in September 2024 * I found the whole process supportive , friendly , down to earth and accessible enabling me as individual the ability to be able to show the kind of person I am and what I am able to bring in order to add real value to the organisation as a crew member"
How did you find the training process? Was there anything particularly helpful or challenging?
"I have been left with a very positive impression of the Air Tanker Management Team and all the trainers who from day 1 took very good care of us, supported , empowered and nurtured both me and the group continually within a safe working framework and space which enabled each of us as individuals and as a group to step into our roles confidently in order to achieve the high possible standard’s immediately. The team spirit created by this team gave me a good ‘feeling’ and reinforced the true value of my role again through fresh eyes and how important, critical our jobs are onboard the aircraft within our everyday role and the day to day tasks we carry out as crew members , which in this day and age unfortunately has been eroded, and lost somewhat. It was very refreshing, for me and exciting to experience the infectious passion throughout the whole organisation. I believe from the moment of the interview selection, to my first day and successfully completing my initial SEP course at Brize Norton the whole Management Team including all the various ‘trainers ‘ truly demonstrated due care , diligence, consistency and 100% demonstrated a genuine desire , commitment to show each one of us complete respect, encouraging our confidence to grow dramatically day by day until our wings ceremony was completed - this is ‘super impressive’"
Do you feel supported by your colleagues and management? Can you share an example?
"My weak spot always within the training environment are getting grips with the company’s IT system, downloading apps and finding ease with navigating - by the end of my first 2 weeks with the help of the AirTanker Management Team everything was up and running on my IPAD and I was growing in my own personal confidence daily as we kept on practicing on all the various IT packages until we where completely feeling good about everything."
How would you describe the work environment and culture at AirTanker?
"I have found the ‘exam system’ brilliant it eliminated all the stress. Going to a dedicated room , at an exact time just taking a random seat , your IPAD , sit the exam , pass and leave simple , workable!"
"My weak spot always within the training environment are getting grips with the company’s IT system, downloading apps and finding ease with navigating - by the end of my first 2 weeks with the help of the AirTanker Management Team everything was up and running on my IPAD and I was growing in my own personal confidence daily as we kept on practicing on all the various IT packages until we where completely feeling good about everything."
How would you describe the work environment and culture at AirTanker?
"I have found the ‘exam system’ brilliant it eliminated all the stress. Going to a dedicated room , at an exact time just taking a random seat , your IPAD , sit the exam , pass and leave simple , workable!"
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most so far?
"I have to date completed 2 trips to ASI/ Falkland Islands with my third trip shortly approaching and a couple of the short haul flights to Poland. No matter how long you have ‘flown’ before in the past it’s still nerve racking to report as the newbie but here at Airtanker I am left super impressed again!
The operating crew (Pilots/Seniors and main line crew) where all amazing and inclusive and encouraged me to ask as many questions as I wanted too - I worked as Galley Operator both at the front / back galleys under instruction and received some fantastic guidance , help and support. I also enjoyed how interactive and thorough all the safety, medical practice briefings conducted by our Seniors on each of my trips which again created a true team spirit from the very start and kept the team tight, together until we returned back to Brize"
How do you find the work-life balance at AirTanker?
"My main home remains in Antwerp (Belgium) but for the purpose of my cabin crew role here in Brize Norton I have also rented a property on a permanent basis in Carterton I wasn’t how sure how in practice it would all work. All I can say is that is working very well and exceeds my expectation’ - I get to cover all my standby duties from home at the base and do all my operational flights(stress free) and I have found I still have enough days off to go back to Antwerp easily and quickly on my days off every month. I feel I am achieving a perfect balance as I enter my fourth month here with the company".
"I have to date completed 2 trips to ASI/ Falkland Islands with my third trip shortly approaching and a couple of the short haul flights to Poland. No matter how long you have ‘flown’ before in the past it’s still nerve racking to report as the newbie but here at Airtanker I am left super impressed again!
The operating crew (Pilots/Seniors and main line crew) where all amazing and inclusive and encouraged me to ask as many questions as I wanted too - I worked as Galley Operator both at the front / back galleys under instruction and received some fantastic guidance , help and support. I also enjoyed how interactive and thorough all the safety, medical practice briefings conducted by our Seniors on each of my trips which again created a true team spirit from the very start and kept the team tight, together until we returned back to Brize"
How do you find the work-life balance at AirTanker?
"My main home remains in Antwerp (Belgium) but for the purpose of my cabin crew role here in Brize Norton I have also rented a property on a permanent basis in Carterton I wasn’t how sure how in practice it would all work. All I can say is that is working very well and exceeds my expectation’ - I get to cover all my standby duties from home at the base and do all my operational flights(stress free) and I have found I still have enough days off to go back to Antwerp easily and quickly on my days off every month. I feel I am achieving a perfect balance as I enter my fourth month here with the company".
Have you been involved in any community or social activities through AirTanker?
"I was also lucky enough to be in Ascension on remembrance Sunday . AirTanker as a company got invited to join the serving RAF at the local church. We all attended in our uniforms and it was a very special, moving service.
"I was also lucky enough to be in Ascension on remembrance Sunday . AirTanker as a company got invited to join the serving RAF at the local church. We all attended in our uniforms and it was a very special, moving service.
Finally , another fantastic initiative. Just as I was finishing my training, I was making myself a coffee on an afternoon break when I was introduced to one of the seniors at AirTanker. He introduced himself and advised me he would be my Mentor in the coming months. So now I have a dedicated point of contact when / if it’s needed."