Training & Career Beginnings

How did your training at OSM shape you as a pilot?

For me, training at OSM was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. Balancing ATPL theory with flight training pushed me to my limits — there were times when I’d spend hours preparing for flights, only to shift straight into intense study sessions for exams. It was a constant juggling act, but it taught me resilience. 

OSM shaped me into a pilot who can handle pressure, stay calm under stress, and prioritize effectively. When you’re managing a demanding schedule like that, you quickly learn how to adapt, stay focused, and make decisions when it matters most. These skills have stuck with me, and they’ve made a real difference in how I carry myself both in and out of the flight deck.

Why did you choose to attend OSM, and what made you apply for Norwegian?

One of the initial reasons I chose OSM was its location. Being close to home made it easier to stay focused and grounded during such an intense training period. But more importantly, I was drawn to the school because of the strong reviews and the professional reputation it had within the aviation community. The opportunities that came with OSM’s partnerships with major airlines also made it a clear choice for me.I saw it as a place that could open real doors in my career.

Applying to Norwegian felt like a natural step. I’ve always been more drawn to short-haul European flying. The pace, the variety of destinations, and the more frequent takeoffs and landings make every day interesting. Norwegian also stood out to me as an airline where pilots genuinely enjoy staying long-term. It has that Scandinavian home feeling, yet offers a dynamic and challenging flying environment, especially with destinations like Tromsø and Svalbard. And of course, the opportunity to start out as a First Officer on the 737 was a huge bonus.

What part of your pilot training at OSM did you find most difficult, and how did you overcome it? 

Honestly, the hardest part for me wasn’t necessarily the flying or the exams, it was figuring out how to balance life and school. At first, I had no idea when to stop studying. There was always something more to learn or prepare, and I’d end up pushing myself way too hard without taking breaks. Eventually, I realized that burning out wasn’t helping me at all. I had to learn to step back, take a breather, and actually rest. Once I found that balance, things got a lot easier. I was sharper, less stressed, and even enjoyed training more. It was a tough lesson, but one that made a big difference.

How did your time at OSM prepare you for the real-world airline environment?

Of course, you learn the obvious, how to fly a plane, communicate with ATC, and follow procedures. But what really prepared me for the airline world was handling last minute changes and making decisions even when you’re tired or things don’t go exactly as planned, which is what some days at work are really like. A big one was developing better people skills. You fly with different instructors who all have their own teaching styles, which mirrors what it’s like flying with different captains as well.

What’s one piece of advice that’s stuck with you throughout your career?

One piece of advice that’s really stuck with me is that everyone makes mistakes, what matters is how you handle them. In aviation, it’s easy to be hard on yourself when something doesn’t go perfectly, but learning to put it behind you, take the lesson, and move on is crucial.

What’s the biggest difference between flying as a student and flying as an airline pilot?

In flight school, there’s almost always someone guiding you, and you’re expected to ask questions and learn. In the airline world, you’re still part of a team, but you’re expected to know your duties and handle them professionally. You also start thinking beyond just flying the plane, making the flight smooth for passengers, staying on schedule, and working efficiently with the crew. It’s a big shift in responsibility and mindset.