Kevin Uke, our former Sustainability Officer at Nordica and Xfly, is about to achieve his lifelong dream of being a commercial pilot. In September 2023, he completed his base training in Cyprus, marking a special moment in his transformative journey.

"It may seem unusual that I want to be a pilot and protect the Earth at the same time. But I see it as my way of keeping balance. Besides, it's as exciting as it is challenging to look for sustainable solutions in a field like aviation," says Kevin.

Can you briefly describe your journey from being a Sustainability Officer to becoming a pilot?

I completed my aircraft piloting studies in 2019. Challenges from the 2020 Covid pandemic made it hard for me to secure a piloting job, so I shifted focus to my other interest: environmental protection and sustainability. I joined the Chemical and Environmental Engineering master's program at TalTech in 2020. During this period, I also worked as a Sustainability Officer at Xfly for 1.5 years, focusing on sustainable strategies for the airline.

An opportunity to join the A320 non-type rated FO program emerged, and I took this chance to become an A320 pilot. The training included weeks of ground school, thorough self-learning for theory, and nearly 20 simulator sessions for practical application.

I had an unmatched experience piloting the A320, specifically the ES-NAB, at Paphos airport in Cyprus. This was my first encounter with such a large plane. I enjoyed the new challenge offered by the larger and faster A320, compared to my previous experience with the C172.

What motivated you to make this transition?

I've been motivated since 2011, as I continued my studies at Tallinn Secondary Science School for a foundation in Estonian Aviation Academy. Upon completing the Academy just before the pandemic, I shifted my focus to my secondary passion, environmental protection. It might seem unusual that I want to be a pilot as well as protect the Earth. But, I see it as my way of maintaining balance. Plus, it's exciting to search for sustainable solutions in an area like aviation.

We realized we needed more pilots, including those without A320 type rating, so I applied. After a successful assessment, I didn't hesitate to pursue my passion for flying. Despite having to pause it due to difficulties, I'm now grateful to be able to continue this dream.

How did it feel to be in the cockpit for your first flight with A320?

It was during the base training with A320 where we get to fly the airplane for the first time. During the base training, pilots conduct their initial 5 take-offs and landings, also known as touch and go's. It is the same airplane we use daily but it only carries us, the trainees, and instructors for this flight, no passengers.

It was amazing. Everything happened quite quickly so there is not too much time to let yourself be overwhelmed by emotions. However, post-training, I felt accomplished and ready to land the large aircraft. The positive emotions still linger, and I'm eager for my initial flight with passengers. 

Do you believe your background gives you a unique rapport with the team, given your understanding of both the operational and sustainability aspects?

Understanding aviation's impacts on the environment helps me make decisions to potentially save additional fuel where possible. Aviation is highly regulated with many established procedures. I anticipate our new Sustainability Team will further develop our Environmental/Sustainability Management System, as this will reevaluate and enhance our operational aspects, focusing on fuel efficiency, waste management, and other sustainability considerations.

Sustainability management in airlines is also much more than just reducing fuel burn. For instance, it has significant social implications. The aviation industry can sometimes be quite conservative in this aspect. 

Upcoming years will bring changes, and I believe we can always improve. Good luck with the work ahead! We will certainly integrate new practices as per EU directions and new regulations.

How has this career shift impacted your personal life and aspirations?

As usual, there are positive and negative sides. The main compromise I made was my flexibility and free time. I used to work partly remote, but can't do that as a pilot. On the other hand, I'm pursuing my childhood dream and it feels fantastic. I believe I'm doing what's best for myself. Let's discuss again in six months to see if my perspective changes.