Meet the GAC Member - Phillip Ruda

31st August 2025

Have you always been interested in Aviation?

It’s likely a well-trodden path, like many, I had always wanted to be a pilot from a very young age. Prior to going to university, I aspired to join the RAF. Although my love was of the big stuff rather than fighters, I was always amazed by the incredible things the Hercules pilots could do with that huge hunk of metal in the sky and fancied a go. However, health limitations meant I would only be eligible for ground duties, so my thoughts turned to commercial aviation. Again, I discovered that whilst the CAA would likely pass me fit, the chances of employment as a commercial pilot would have been remote, especially with competition for places at that time. Consequently, life continued a different journey.

Some thirty years later, we find ourselves in lockdown with Covid at large. This provided time for reflection, and considering those things I had always wanted to do but hadn’t given myself the opportunity. At the very top of that list was revisiting the dream of being a pilot. Now with family nearly all grown up, and resource available, and a very supportive and understanding wife, I was able to plan starting training as soon as we could all leave our homes without fear of the plague.

As a regular visitor to Goodwood both on business and pleasure, plus having heard good things about the flying school the choice of school was a no-brainer. Being 6’4” and the size of a shed, the first step was to see if I could actually fit in the C172S. My first encounter with Charlotte was making my first attempt at getting in the cockpit this was not a graceful thing to observe. Which was quickly followed by me falling off the aircraft onto my backside after a failed attempt to survey the fuel cap on top of the wing. How Charlotte kept a straight face I have no idea.

My training was spread over an extended period. Certainly, longer than I had envisaged. Weather was the main limiting factor which resulted in some painful gaps in training at times. However, this also had the benefit of allowing me to fly with most of the instructors on the roster to manage clear weather slots as best as possible. All offering something different, each with their own take on the process and execution, and all an absolute joy to spend time with. Whilst some may say that switching instructors is disruptive, I found it added to my experience and gave me a far broader knowledge of not just the skills needed but the nature of being a pilot and what works beyond the theory. They all added something different and I value each of their insight to this day.

Whilst the instructors had the glamorous bit, the Ops team could not have been more supportive and helpful to me throughout the entire process. Whether organising bookings, dealing with training queries, or just being excited by my progress and listening to my ramblings after a great lesson, it was an important cornerstone to the whole process.

 

Any favourite moments of flying? 

So many !! It’s hard to pick only one. My first solo, the feeling of elation after the cross country, and passing my skills test are the obvious ones. One particular challenge I needed to test was my sensitivity to motion. I really didn’t know whether my brain and body could cope with some of the more extreme skills we had to practice. In one lesson I asked my instructor if we could test my ability to cope with the one manoeuvre most students dread, the incipient spin. We climbed, and after some instruction on how to recover, my instructor began the spin and I recovered the aircraft. After I had gained my bearings, I realised that I could cope, and asked to try again, as I wanted to get better at the technique. Second time was better….I asked for a third… my instructor looked at me with a quizzical look, and said “most students are happy with one, maybe some will do two, but very few want a third….” I laughed and said was so surprised I could cope I wanted to keep testing myself and get the process right. I needed to be sure that if I was in that situation, especially with someone dear to me in the passenger seat, I could keep them safe no matter what.  A huge personal hurdle I was thrilled to overcome, and an experience I will never forget.

 

Who is your aviation hero? 

Again, there are many. Present-day I would have to say fellow GAC member Tim Peake. What an extraordinary journey he has taken, and how he has given back that experience to so many, inspiring the next generation of pilots and astronauts.

 

What’s has been the best piece of advice you have been given about flying?

Relax ! Enjoy the journey ! More right rudder !

 

Read more about the Goodwood Aerodrome and becoming a GAC member.

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  • aerodrome

  • GAC Exclusive

  • flying at goodwood

  • Flying

  • Flying Lessons

  • Aerodrome Cafe

  • Flying Membership