Sean Marx Norén – My Aviation Journey

How it all started

When I was a kid, both my mom and dad worked at Stockholm Arlanda Airport for SAS. Their shifting schedules meant that my younger brother and I often spent time in Sky City, eating lunch or dinner while watching planes take off and land. It didn’t take long for that environment to spark an early fascination with aviation—something my parents quickly noticed and supported.

My flight training experience

I’ll always be grateful to the incredible team at OSM Aviation Academy who helped take me from “Zero to Hero.” I began with very little knowledge, and thanks to their professional and supportive training environment, I now work for my dream airline. The education I received there truly shaped the pilot I am today.

A day in the life at SAS

A typical day begins with driving to the airport and parking at P45. I head to the crew base and meet my Captain. Together, we review the weather, flight plan, relevant NOTAMs, and decide on the appropriate fuel load. Then we brief the cabin crew and walk out to the aircraft to begin the day.

No two days are the same. Some are long with multiple sectors, ending with a hotel check-in, in some beautiful city in Europe. Others are short, bringing us right back to Arlanda. The variety is one of the things that makes this profession so exciting.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face on the job?

The unpredictability. As I mentioned, no two days are alike. So many different components go into every flight—from ground handling and fueling to crew coordination and catering. Things don’t always go to plan, and you’ve got to be ready for anything.

And of course, the toughest part might just be resisting the urge to overload my camera roll with photos from the flight deck!

Handling longer flights and fatigue

While I haven’t flown long-haul at SAS yet, we do operate some longer sectors to Southern Europe which can be tiring. I try to get 7–8 hours of quality sleep and stay mindful of my nutrition. And when needed, a good cup of coffee or two always helps.

Memorable flying experiences

There have been many!

- During my solo cross-country with OSM, I did a low approach at Arlanda and flew over my hometown of Alsike, Knivsta in a Cessna 172—an unforgettable moment.

- After flight school, I rented a DA40 and flew from Västerås to Visby with my girlfriend for a perfect weekend getaway.

- Flying the Fokker 50, I once transported the Skellefteå AIK hockey team to Örebro and got to watch the game with the crew before flying them back—such a fun mission.

- My first SAS flight to London Heathrow in the Airbus A320 stands out. We landed on Runway 09R with a queue of 15-20 aircraft waiting to take-off, including an Emirates A380. To top it off, it remains my best landing in the A320 to date!

How has the aviation industry changed since you started?

Though I’ve only been flying since 2021, I’ve seen real changes already. When I graduated in April 2023, job opportunities were scarce. Now, in 2025, the industry is clearly recovering and growing again after the challenges of COVID-19 with many companies recruiting again!

Common misconceptions people have about being a pilot

You don’t need perfect grades to become a pilot! As long as you meet the entry requirements and pass the selection tests, you’re good to go.
Another common misconception is that we’re constantly away from home. In reality, many of us are home more than people might think.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a pilot?

Never. Give. Up.
Struggles are part of the journey, and I’ve had my fair share. But if you keep reminding yourself why you started, you’ll find the strength to keep going. Believe in yourself and push through.

What’s the best part of your job?

The view from my office and the chance to travel the world. Working with true professionals and experiencing different cultures, both on the flight deck and during layovers, is something I deeply value. This job is a blessing, and I’m incredibly proud to call it my profession.

How are you navigating your life as a SAS Pilot?

I still learn something new every single day at work. The diversity of operations—from short flights to Umeå to longer trips over the Alps to Rome—keeps things fresh and exciting. I’m looking forward to what the future holds at SAS and truly enjoy every moment flying the Airbus A320.