Have you always been this focused?

I had finished a DCU degree in computer applications, during which time I did a two week work experience stint. I realised at that point that I didn't want to work in an office. I had, however, always wanted to work as a pilot, but I didn't know how to get into it until I saw an ad for this college, met Eddie (Russell, recruitment director at PRI), and talked about the package available.

It was the all inclusive element that attracted me.

And what do you plan to do now that you have your licence?

I will have my multiengine instrument rating within a couple of weeks, and after that, I'm coming home. My aim is to work in Europe, so I will go about converting my licence to the ATPL.

And does everything you do have to be done so quickly?

Well, the weather slowed us down at first, so it could have been quicker. I flew pretty hard to get though so quickly, but I suppose that the weather was an excuse for not finishing even faster.

Didn't studying for the degree slow you down even more?

Well, I always wanted to be a pilot, because I always though it would be an interesting kind of job, like becoming a doctor. But becoming a doctor takes seven yearsf YYou could always be a flying doctorf But that would require more training.

Anyway, back to the original point. If you always wanted to become a pilot, why study computers?

My first love was computers, so I had to learn everything about them first, before I decided that I didn't want a career in them.

And why study in Canada?

Again, the all-inclusive aspects of the course were attractive. But Canada also gave me the opportunity to get away for at least a year.

My dad was always at me to live outside of Ireland for a bitf AAnd how have you found the close proximity with your classmates?

Everybody comes from a mix of backgrounds, which is interesting . . . I was used to hanging out with people at college, but here there is a different atmosphere. But, in a way, it was like going back to college for a second time.

And what is your eventual ambition?

I'll take about a year, and then start hitting the airlines.

I had my commercial pilots licence within eight months, so it shouldn't take me too long before I can fly in Europe.