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Lucas Fernandes
Captain
After gaining a BSc in Biology I pursued my ambition to become an airline pilot. I gained a cadet pilot placement with Monarch Airlines and joined Monarch in 2013. I decided to diversify my flying and I joined AirTanker in 2016.
In the summer of 2016 I unfortunately had to process the death of a colleague whilst down route. It was an overwhelming time in my life that I was not prepared for. Back then I utilised an informal version of peer support with colleagues. The act of simply talking through life's challenges and have a peer actively listen and empathise, can help you more than you might think.
My motivation for becoming a pilot peer volunteer is to help demystify the perceived social and financial losses for pilots that want to discuss mental health topics and to provide an avenue for confidential support to fellow pilots. I'm relieved a peer programme has been created and that us peers are further supported by clinical psychologists, should further professional guidance be sought.
John Donne coined the phrase "no man is an island" and this certainly rings true if you've ever shared something that has been troubling you. So, no matter the issue don't hesitate to take the first step and get in touch with us for confidential peer support.
Jon Ruffe
Captain
I joined the AirTanker family in January 2015 after working at both Monarch and easyJet. Since starting with the company, I have been based with my family in the North Cotswolds, where I enjoy spending time outdoors; mountain biking, walking and running.
My motivation for becoming a Pilot Peer is to help colleagues in a time of distress, as I can empathise with the stresses associated with a career in aviation. With two small children, I appreciate the difficulties my colleagues face in trying to maintain a work-life balance, and I have come to understand first-hand the need to prioritise mental wellbeing. I want our company to be a place where we are all happy and thriving, and hope that I can support colleagues in making it so.
Stephen Richards
Captain
I’m Steve and I joined AirTanker in 2015 and have been a captain here since 2016. I’ve been flying commercially for 15 years across 5 different companies.
I wanted to be involved in peer support because I’ve seen close family members go through tough times and battle the thoughts that can creep into our heads from time to time. I felt helpless to support them and wanted to do more. Actually I’ve learned through this process that sometimes we just need just to be there to listen, and I mean really listen.
I know in the past I’ve needed to talk more then just “beer talk” in a bar. It would have been great to have this service then. It might only be a phone call and a chat. It might be a few phone calls over a few weeks and months. It might be getting extra help. It really doesn’t matter as long as it helps you in the end. And a chat in the bar over a beer after will always be just that, with no mention of this role whatsoever. Cheers!
Mike Sinclair
Captain
I'm Mike and I joined AirTanker in 2017 having previously spent 14 years flying in the RAF. As one of the Sponsored Reservist pilots I'm still involved with the RAF, operating military tasks on the Voyager as and when required.
Having the chance to help a colleague in need was my main motivation for becoming a pilot peer. Although we’re incredibly lucky to do the job we do, it undoubtedly comes with it’s own unique pressures which are sometimes best understood, only by ourselves.
Like many who've served in the forces, I have known what it's like to experience prolonged periods away from home in sometimes challenging environments and witnessed the pressures and strains people and their loved ones can be put under. Without doubt, being able to talk to colleagues and share one's experiences goes a long way to relieving some of these pressures and the peer support programme undoubtedly draws on this theme that often 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Since becoming a peer support volunteer, I've realised how much more this programme can offer and that sometimes we might need more than just a chat with a mate. With the support of leading aviation psychologists, the PSP is an excellent way of sharing concerns in a confidential manner and I feel very grateful that we can draw on this help, should any of us ever need it.
Ed Jackson
Captain
I’m Ed and I joined AirTanker in 2016, having previously spent 13 years in the RAF. As a sponsored reservist I’m fortunate to operate the aircraft in a variety of different roles and I additionally have a training responsibility, which I find very rewarding. This job does have unique challenges and pressures, which are perhaps best understood by fellow aviators. The peer support program offers a valuable tool, under the expert guidance of leading aviation phycologists which can offer more than just a ‘chat with a mate’. It’s hopefully reassuring to know this service is available, and you will always have a friendly voice who will understand the pressures you’re under.
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