The Airline Selection Podcast

Airline Selection Programme
  • 0.0 (0)
  • AVIATION
  • BIWEEKLY SERIES
The Airline Selection Podcast

Welcome to “The Airline Selection Podcast,” where we share insights into an airline pilot’s career through real-life stories and expert advice to help you achieve success in airline selections. Hear firsthand from experienced pilots, instructors, and recruiters on what’s expected of a pilot today, learn from incredible stories, build sound decision-making skills, understand Crew Resource Management (CRM), and discover airline expectations through time. Join us and let these insights guide you to a fulfilling career in aviation.

Season 1

  1. Episode 1: British Airways Cadet Selections back in the 1960s

    EPISODE 1

    Episode 1: British Airways Cadet Selections back in the 1960s

    Welcome to the first episode of the Airline Selection Podcast, hosted by airline captain and major airline recruiter, Guillaume Debauchez. In this inaugural episode, we kick off the Calvin Speaks series, where Guillaume interviews his close friend and aviation expert, Calvin Shields. Calvin shares his remarkable journey, starting as a cadet in the late 1960s with British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) – the precursor to British Airways’ long-haul operations. Now a former British Airways captain and examiner, and later a pilot for Singapore Airlines, Calvin offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the airline industry. In this episode, Calvin discusses: • His experience in airline selection during a time when the process was manual, slow, and vastly different from today’s methods. • The challenges of becoming a pilot in the 60s and how selections have evolved over the decades. • His role in shaping the training processes at Singapore Airlines. • Comparisons between modern pilot training and the early days of his career.

    25 min
  2. Episode 2: British Airways Cadet Training 55 years ago, Part 1

    EPISODE 2

    Episode 2: British Airways Cadet Training 55 years ago, Part 1

    Welcome to the second episode of the Airline Selection Podcast, hosted by airline captain and major airline recruiter, Guillaume Debauchez. In this episode, Guillaume continues the Calvin Speaks series with an insightful interview featuring his close friend and aviation expert, Calvin Shields. Calvin shares his remarkable journey, beginning as a cadet in the late 1960s with British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), the precursor to British Airways’ long-haul operations. As a former British Airways captain, examiner, and later a pilot for Singapore Airlines, Calvin provides a unique perspective on the evolution of the airline industry. In this episode, you’ll hear Calvin share: • His experience in airline selection during a time when the process was manual, slow, and vastly different from today’s methods. • The challenges of becoming a pilot in the 1960s and how selection processes have evolved over the decades. • His influential role in shaping the training processes at Singapore Airlines. • Comparisons between modern pilot training and the early days of his career.

    30 min
  3. Episode 3: British Airways Cadet Training 55 years ago, Part 2

    EPISODE 3

    Episode 3: British Airways Cadet Training 55 years ago, Part 2

    Welcome to the third episode of the Airline Selection Podcast, hosted by airline captain and major airline recruiter, Guillaume Debauchez. In this episode, Guillaume continues the Calvin Speaks series with another engaging discussion featuring his close friend and aviation expert, Calvin Shields.   Calvin brings his wealth of experience as a former British Airways captain, examiner, and Singapore Airlines pilot to this insightful conversation. Together, they explore the nuances of airline selection, pilot training, and the evolution of the aviation industry.   In this episode, Calvin shares: • The challenges of modern-day airline selection, offering actionable advice for aspiring pilots navigating today’s competitive processes. • The evolution of pilot training, comparing the structured methods of today to the simpler, more manual processes he experienced at the start of his career. • Insights from his global experience, including his influential contributions to training at Singapore Airlines and his time as a cadet with BOAC. • Timeless lessons on resilience and adaptability, drawn from decades of navigating the skies and mentoring pilots.

    30 min
  4. Episode 4: Learning from Accidents and Incidents

    EPISODE 4

    Episode 4: Learning from Accidents and Incidents

    Episode 4 of the Calvin Speaks series on the Airline Selection Podcast is packed with insights for aspiring pilots, cadets, and aviation enthusiasts. Drawing from decades of experience as a pilot and trainer, Calvin Shields offers a deep dive into the evolving aviation landscape alongside host Guillaume Debauchez. Highlights of the episode include: • Discover how modern tools are reshaping the learning process for aspiring pilots • Learn how Calvin and Guillaume have guided countless pilots to success • Practical tips for staying resilient, motivated, and focused during the airline selection process • Explore emerging opportunities and trends for the next generation of pilots

    33 min
  5. Episode 5: How UK Aviation Shaped Pilot Career Paths in the 60s and 70s 🇬🇧

    EPISODE 5

    Episode 5: How UK Aviation Shaped Pilot Career Paths in the 60s and 70s 🇬🇧

    Welcome to Episode 5 of the Airline Selection Podcast, brought to you by the Airline Selection Programme. Join your host, airline captain and major airline recruiter Guillaume Debauchez, and special guest Calvin Shields for another insightful episode of the Calvin Speaks Series. In this episode, Calvin takes us through his career journey in aviation, comparing the industry’s early days with today’s evolving landscape. From the exclusive nature of air travel in the 1960s and 70s to the shift in recruitment and pilot demand, Calvin shares valuable insights into how career paths have transformed. He also discusses the challenges of navigating airline selection processes and the importance of preparation, especially when the job market fluctuates due to external and internal circumstances. Key topics discussed include: • The evolution of the aviation industry and airline staffing needs. • The rise of no-frills airlines and their impact on the industry. • The challenge of anticipating recruitment needs in major airlines. • Insights into the realities of airline selection, failure, and debriefing. • How to prepare effectively for interviews and stay motivated even after setbacks.

    22 min
  6. Episode 6: A 45 Year Aviation Career – From BOAC to BA TRE to SIA Management Captain

    EPISODE 6

    Episode 6: A 45 Year Aviation Career – From BOAC to BA TRE to SIA Management Captain

    Welcome to Episode 6 of the Airline Selection Podcast, brought to you by the Airline Selection Programme! Join your host, airline captain and major airline recruiter Guillaume Debauchez, as he welcomes back Captain Calvin Shields for another fascinating episode in the Calvin Speaks Series. In this episode, Captain Shields takes us on a journey through his 45-year aviation career, from the early days of BOAC to commanding the Boeing 747. He shares firsthand experiences of how flying has evolved—from navigating without GPS to the rise of automation and digital technology. Key topics discussed:  - The analogue era of aviation—flying before automation and modern tech. - Transitioning from BOAC’s VC10 to the iconic Boeing 747, and what it was like flying long-haul trips lasting up to three weeks. - Climbing the ranks at British Airways and Singapore Airlines, from First Officer to Captain and Line Trainer. - How he accumulated 27,000+ flight hours and what four decades in the cockpit have taught him about flying, training, and career progression. From mastering celestial navigation to shaping the next generation of pilots, Captain Shields’ story is a must-listen for aspiring aviators!

    53 min
  7. Episode 7: When Flight Simulators Didn’t Exist – Pilots Before Had to Get It Right the First Time!

    EPISODE 7

    Episode 7: When Flight Simulators Didn’t Exist – Pilots Before Had to Get It Right the First Time!

    Welcome to Episode 7 of the Airline Selection Podcast, brought to you by the Airline Selection Programme! Join your host, airline captain and major airline recruiter Guillaume Debauchez, as he sits down once again with Captain Calvin Shields for another insightful episode in the Calvin Speaks Series. In this episode, Captain Shields takes us back to the early days of his aviation career, when flight simulators were nearly non-existent, and pilots had to train on the actual aircraft. He shares what it was like to earn a type rating on the VC10 without modern training technology and how pilots of the past had to master every aspect of flying—without room for mistakes. Key Topics Discussed: - Pilot Training Before Simulators – Learning every nut and bolt of the VC10 before stepping into the cockpit. - The High-Stakes Type Rating – Performing steep turns, Dutch rolls, and emergency descents on the real aircraft. - The Evolution of Simulators – From basic mechanical systems to today’s highly advanced flight simulators. - The Reality of Training Flights – Spending weeks in Shannon, Ireland, practicing maneuvers with no safety net. Before full-motion simulators revolutionized pilot training, aviation demanded a whole different level of precision and hands-on skill. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and those curious about the history of flight training.

    31 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to “The Airline Selection Podcast,” where we share insights into an airline pilot’s career through real-life stories and expert advice to help you achieve success in airline selections. Hear firsthand from experienced pilots, instructors, and recruiters on what’s expected of a pilot today, learn from incredible stories, build sound decision-making skills, understand Crew Resource Management (CRM), and discover airline expectations through time. Join us and let these insights guide you to a fulfilling career in aviation.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada