Raadin has wanted to be a pilot for as long as he can remember. Already focused on his goal, he is now building the insight, connections and experience to get there.
Raadin has wanted to be a pilot for as long as he can remember.
Now in secondary school, while many students are still exploring their options, he already knows where he’s heading. He’s been gliding for several years and has secured two flying scholarships, giving him real experience in the air early on.
But even with that focus, there are still things you can’t work out on your own.
“There’s only so much you can find online. If you don’t know something exists, you don’t know to look it up.”
When Raadin took part in an aviation event at his school, Avanti House in London, organised by Ben and Victoria from Inspiring the Future, it gave him the chance to hear directly from people working in the industry.
On the day, students heard from an aerobatic pilot, a student pilot, and a professional working at Heathrow Airport – each sharing their own route into aviation and what their role involves.
“You can watch videos, but it’s not the same,” he says. “Being able to ask questions and get proper answers makes a big difference.”
Hearing how different people got into aviation helped him see what those journeys actually look like in practice. While other students were still exploring their options, Raadin found himself recognising much of what was being discussed, while still picking up new insight.
“I already feel like I’m there, but there’s still loads to learn,” he says.
The event also changed how accessible aviation felt.
“Before, it can seem like something you can only do if you’ve got loads of money,” he explains. “But hearing from people there, it makes you realise there are ways in if you’re willing to work for it.”
After receiving his scholarships, Raadin has been sharing those opportunities with other students interested in becoming pilots.
Because knowing what you want to do is one thing—but hearing real stories and asking your own questions is what makes it feel possible.
Post event update:
Raadin’s experience didn’t stop with the event. Through Inspiring the Future, Victoria continued to support him by connecting him with professionals in aviation, including Kirsty, a former Red Arrows pilot.
Being able to speak one-to-one, hear how they got into the industry and ask more questions helped build on what he had already learned.
“It was really helpful hearing how they did it,” he says.
Raadin is still set on becoming a commercial pilot, ideally with British Airways, and has already offered to support future events and share his experience with other young people starting to explore aviation.