Listen to this episode below:
What does it take to become a pilot? Join us as Matt Dearden gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey.
After originally catching the flying bug as a teenage cadet, Matt Dearden, switched working a normal 9-5 IT job in England to flying around the jungles of Indonesia in the ultimate bush plane.
Not only is he a Commercial Pilot with 1000s of hours in command Pilatus PC-6 aircraft with Susi Air, flying in the mountains of Papua, Indonesia.
Matt is also a Successful blog owner and guest blogger, Magazine Column writer and Star of the recent Channel 4 docu-series, “Worst Place to be a Pilot”.
Starting Out
- After catching the flying bug as cadet flying Bulldogs, Matt jumped at the chance to turn his aviation dream into reality by gaining his PPL at Aeros in Filton and then his commercial licence at Bristol Flying School based at Bristol Airport.
Initial Training Challenges
- The frustration of the British Weather and it’s impact getting some sort of training currency going, due to cancelled flying lessons. This frustration taught a valuable lesson of patience, which Matt utilises still today in his professional career.
The Aircraft Types
- A diverse selection of aircraft from the Spitfire, to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Turbo Prop, to The Piper Arrow Turbo
Best Flying Advice
- “Have a comfort zone and try and stay within that, but don’t be afraid to step outside of it occasionally“
The Journey
- Fresh out of flying school with 240hrs, Matt left the comforts of home to jump into the right seat as a co-pilot of a Cessna Caravan turbo prop aircraft in Indonesia.
- Promoted to Captain of the Cessna Caravan after a year in Indonesia
- After a taste and lure of more interesting flying, Matt grabbed the opportunity move on to the Pilatus PC-6 Porter.
Current Flying
- Based in Nabire, on the North coast of Papua, Indonesia, flying single pilot in the Pilatus PC-6 Porter, one of the most capable bush flying aircraft in the world.
- Varied daily multi-hop flying, providing essential links for remote settlements throughout Papua.
- Star of the Channel 4 Docu-series “Worst Place to Be a Pilot”.
Proudest Flying Moment
- Getting Pilot In Command of the Pilatus Porter PC-6
Future Plans & Aspirations
- Something with a lot of variety. King Air, Pilatus PC-12 or the business Jets, but not ruling anything out!
Flying Internet Resource
- Flyer Forum: This forum is primarily for discussion on anything to do with general aviation.
Best Aviation Book
- Lost in Shangri-La by Mitchell Zuckoff
Award-winning former Boston Globe reporter Mitchell Zuckoff unleashes the exhilarating, untold story of an extraordinary World War II rescue mission, where a plane crash in the South Pacific plunged a trio of U.S.military personnel into a land that time forgot. Fans of Hampton Sides’ Ghost Soldiers, Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor, and David Grann’s The Lost City of Z will be captivated by Zuckoff’s masterfully recounted, all-true story of danger, daring, determination, and discovery in jungle-clad New Guinea during the final days of WWII.
Favourite Cockpit Gadget
Interview Links
- Visit Matt’s Blog here: Indopilot.blogspot.com
- The “Worst Place To Be A Pilot” TV Programme
- Aeros Flight Training – Gloucester
Matt in Action: A Nabire Bush Pilot Video.
