Lift-off for Dudley teenager with dream job as a helicopter pilot

The teenager, from Gornal, in Dudley, was struggling to find work when he spotted an advert for his dream role on the Government job centre website for a trainee pilot.

He said: "I was searching for a job for about five months and was finding it really tough in the current climate. I went to college and studied to become an electrician, but after I finished nobody was recruiting even though I had all the qualifications.

"Ever since I was young I have wanted to be a pilot but I didn't think it would be possible because of the costs involved.

"One day I decided to look into it and that was when I came across the advert for a trainee helicopter pilot.

"I decided to apply, not really thinking I would get it, but after undergoing a flight test I was told I had been successful."

Former Ellowes Hall School and Dudley College student Mr Millar was invited to Halfpenny Green Airport at Bobbington, where he was taken on a flight and asked to take over the controls of a helicopter.

After a tough interview, he was given the good news that he had secured a position with Senior Helicopters. He will now be paid a salary and have full training carried out by Austin Aviation. Once he is completely qualified, he will fly business people around the country.

He added: "I was up against 600 people all competing for the job. That number was whittled down to 100 and then I was chosen.

"I am absolutely over the moon. I never expected that this would happen to me. My family are all ecstatic and my nan is already asking when I can take her on a flight." Mr Millar, of Gornal, Dudley, will have to take nine exams over the next year in order to obtain his private licence and will be training at the airport up to three days a week.

Chief pilot Alan Austin said: "This is a very rare opportunity for David and he has got a long 12 months ahead of him with nine exams in subjects including flight navigation and air law. I will be training him over the next year with his first flight lesson due to start on Saturday, weather permitting.

"From what I have seen from him, he is very dedicated and prepared to listen and once he is fully qualified, the rewards are going to be great. I have taken all the exams so I know exactly what he is going to be up against, but I will be helping him every step of the way."