About Me

Hi, I’m Kiran, a cyber security consultant with a lifelong dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

Growing up within earshot of Heathrow’s Northern Runway, I was that wide-eyed kid who begged his parents to take him to the (now demolished) visitor centre just to watch the planes take off. Those early visits, sparked a passion for aviation that has never truly faded.

I studied Information Technology and Business Systems at the University of Hertfordshire, graduating in 2015. After university, I joined a graduate scheme at a consultancy and eventually found my place in cyber security, where I’ve built a successful career… But the thought of flying has always been in the background.

When I was 13, my parents booked me a trial flight at Booker Aviation, I still remember the excitement of taking controls of a plane for the first time ever, even if I was a slightly rounder version of myself at the time.

I joined the Air Cadets during school and later became part of the University Air Squadron in my final year of university to gain some flying hours. I’ve applied in the past for MPL and ab-initio schemes, but whether it was due to finances, self-belief, or just not being ready, I never quite managed to take that final step. Over time, I convinced myself that not coming from a wealthy background, wearing glasses and just the low-probability of ‘making it’, meant the dream was out of reach.

So why now?
I’ve reached a point in life where, despite the success I’ve found in my current career, I can’t ignore the persistent feeling that this isn’t what I want to do forever and that I don’t want to live my life with the regret not trying.

Early in 2024, I was on a stag do when I got chatting with the groom’s father-in-law, a former RAF Tornado pilot and now an EasyJet Captain. We talked about flying, my background, and how I’d always dreamt of becoming a pilot. At one point, he looked at me and said something that really struck a chord, “I can see from talking to you, it’s in your blood. So just go and do it” … that moment really stayed with me.

Unfortunately, I broke my foot on that stag do in a freak accident, meaning I was out of action for 6 months with a double metatarsal fracture at which point it was winter – not the best time to start flying.

However, during that time, I started looking into realistic ways of getting into flying, as my life circumstances had changed since I was in my early 20’s, it meant that I needed to find a route that didn’t require me leave my current job for two years which would put my partner and family under huge financial pressure. My search led me to a book called “How to Become a Pilot in Europe” by Kudzanai Chikohora. It introduced me to the modular route, a far more flexible and affordable approach than I’d ever considered.

At first, I was frustrated. Why hadn’t I found this sooner? But as my partner always tells me, “Everyone is on their own path, and maybe it’s happening now, because now is the right time.”

So here I am, in my 30’s with a long-term partner, two cats and a mortgage, finally deciding to pursue the dream that never really went away.

This blog will follow my modular journey from day one. I’m naturally self-critical, so what you’ll read here will be honest and personal. I want to share every part of the experience – the highs, the struggles, the excitement, and everything in between.

Welcome aboard this journey to the flight deck.