In our first conversation with Stuart, we explored his remarkable transition from playing professional rugby for Scotland to pursuing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. At the time, he had just embarked on his ATPL studies, facing the challenge of diving back into education after years in professional sport. Having successfully completed his ATPL exams, we caught up with him again to hear about his journey and his next steps.
A Year of Intense Study and Family Life
Stuart completed his ATPL exams in December 2024, having started in January of that year. Despite taking a four-month break when his twins were born, he managed to complete all 13 exams in just 12 months – a remarkable achievement.
“I went pretty hard at the start, getting through eight exams in the first four months. Then, when the twins arrived, I took a break before finishing the last five exams in the final four months,” he shared.
Studying full-time allowed Stuart to balance his education with family life, but it wasn’t without its challenges. “I’d study in the mornings, then take the afternoons off to spend time with the kids. It got tough when I was up at night with them and then straight back to studying during their naps, but it was all worth it.”
Adapting to a New Learning Environment
Returning to structured study after years in professional sport can be daunting, but Stuart found motivation in the clear path ahead. “I think it helped that I was genuinely interested in what I was learning. Unlike studying for a degree, where you might not always see the end goal, I knew exactly why I was doing this and what it would lead to.”
He also developed effective study habits, opting to work outside the home to avoid distractions.
The Benefits of the Modular Route
Stuart chose the modular route for his ATPLs, a decision he continues to stand by. “One of the biggest advantages was being able to set my own exam schedule. I’d only book an exam when I felt fully prepared, which gave me confidence going into each one. I also liked having the flexibility to fit in other aspects of life – whether that was going to the gym, seeing friends, or playing a round of golf.”
He acknowledges that modular study requires discipline. “If you struggle to structure your own learning and stay on track, an integrated course might be a better fit. But if you can manage your time well, modular training gives you control over your progress while still allowing for a balanced lifestyle.” Stuart believes that Modular Training is very rewarding. “The need for discipline makes you in charge of your destiny – and that’s a learning tool for life.”
What’s Next?
With his ATPL exams behind him, Stuart is now focused on flight training. “I’m currently working on my Multi-Engine Instrument Rating in Perth and aim to complete my Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) soon after. If all goes well, I should be ready to start applying for airline jobs by the end of the summer.”
As he moves closer to his goal, he continues to document his journey on social media. “I’ve received great feedback from both aspiring pilots and former rugby colleagues who are thinking about their next career move. Sharing my experiences has also helped me build a strong aviation network, which will be invaluable when I start applying for jobs.”
Advice for Future Pilots
For those considering ATPL training, Stuart emphasises the importance of perseverance. “Don’t get too bogged down if something doesn’t click right away. Sometimes a topic will make more sense later as you progress through the course. And remember, there’s a big difference between learning the material and just memorising questions – you need to understand the concepts.”
He also advises students to make full use of available resources. “I’d definitely recommend getting the physical textbooks as well as using the digital materials. Having a book on hand for quick reference during progress tests was really helpful. And don’t hesitate to engage with the BGS student community on Facebook, they are great for sharing insights and advice.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Stuart’s journey from professional rugby to aviation has been nothing short of inspiring. With his ATPLs completed and his flight training progressing well, he’s now on track to achieving his dream of becoming an airline pilot. We’ll be eagerly following his progress and look forward to catching up with him again – hopefully in the cockpit of a commercial airliner!
Follow Stuart’s journey on social media, where he continues to share insights into his training and the transition from sport to aviation.
