- Tell us about your background getting to where you are today?
Working as a commercial pilot is a dream come true and it all started at the age of 5.
As a young boy I dreamt about flying objects. This dream grew into a strong passion, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else other than piloting an aircraft.
Born in Cape Verde Islands but left the country during my early years. I grew up in a suburb outside Gothenburg Sweden and to succeed in that segregated environment required higher discipline and motivation.
After many ears of dedication and focus I joined a flight school at the ag of 23. Started my commercial pilot training and graduated 2005.
I got my first job as a part time pilot/first officer flying the PA (Piper Aircraft) 31 2 weeks after graduation. 6 months later I joined a larger company as a first officer and started my type rating on the Boeing 737.
Today 2022 I’m an experienced airline captain with over 14 years’ experience within the aviation industry.
- Where are you from?
I’m originally from Cape Verde Islands but moved to Sweden at the age of 5
- When did you start aviation?
January 2002
- How did you get into aviation ?
A strong passion for flying objects drove me towards the aviation industry. - What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?
Fear of failing!
As we all know things are not easy in life. You need to dare to fail to be able to succeed.
I didn’t dare to do mistakes and fail before. But when I realized that it was ok to fail if you did stand up and fight afterwards. Well failing where not that scary anymore.
- Are you currently signed or independent?
Currently working for a major airline as an airline captain/Line training instructor. - What do you want people to take away after talking to you?
I would like that people start to believe in them self’s.
I strongly believe that everything is possible in life despite background.
You are the limitation, and you are the biggest obstacle you will ever face.
With 100% dedication, motivation and the right mindset you will be victorious in your different goals in life.
- What is your greatest achievement as a pilot?
Helping others and giving back to the community creates a feeling of achievement. I have had the great opportunity to lecture and talk to today’s students that are facing present future challenges. “If one of them would not give up school and focus on the future as I did would be a great win”.
- What does a day inside your shoes look like?
As a pilot I try to live a balanced life as much as possible. Maintaining a balanced family life to work relationship is a high priority of mine.
A typical day at home would be breakfast, kids to school/kindergarten, gym, household chores, picking up the kids, dinner and socialize with my family and repeat.
Flying passengers from A to B safely will be included to the typical day mentioned. - Anything else you want the audience to know about you?
Besides family and being a pilot, I do my outmost to motivate others around the world.
It could be at different schools or via my social media channels with the name @pilotruilopes
“Interviewed by Bentley Records PR”
Devan Leos talks PR live on Ticker News with Mike Loder
