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INTERVIEW
Captain Chris Pohl, Virgin Atlantic pilot for over 30 years, first considered a career in flying as a child when travelling on the Boeing 727 in Australia. Now, the childhood dream of his 12-year-old self has paved the way to a 30 year success at Virgin Atlantic, where he not only commands flights but also mentors the next generation of pilots. Day-to-day, Captain Chris shares his view from the cockpit with an Instagram following amassing an impressive 429,000 aviation enthusiasts. Chris brings 42 years of industry expertise, ensuring the safe travel of many people, and with an impressive list of star-studded celebrities under his belt. As a true leader and legend in his field, he sat down with us for an interview to discuss how he got to where he was, and to address some of the common concerns of nervous flyers.
All imagery is provided by Chris Pohl.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into aviation?
When I was 12, our family took a holiday from Melbourne to the Gold Coast in Queensland. It was the first time I had ever been on an airliner, and the excitement was palpable as we prepared to board the TAA (Trans Australian Airways) Boeing 727. We approached the aircraft, boarding from the front steps, and as the eldest child, my father placed me in front of him. He then turned to the flight attendant and asked, "Can my boy please take a look at the cockpit?"
Before I knew it, I was ushered into the small, fascinating room at the front of this impressive jet, surrounded by an array of dials, switches, and controls. The Captain, noticing my wide-eyed wonder, asked my dad if I’d like to stay in the cockpit for take-off. Moments later, I found myself strapped into the jump seat by the Flight Engineer, my heart racing with excitement.
I was both stunned and overwhelmed as I watched the crew go through their briefings, checklists, and procedures, all to prepare this magnificent jet for departure. When we finally reached the runway, the captain turned around with a grin and said, "Hold on!" The Flight Engineer assisted the Captain with the thrust levers, and the noise was incredible. As we gained speed, the roar of the engines faded, replaced by the increasing sound of rushing air as we accelerated down the runway.
Once airborne, with the checklists completed, the Captain, First Officer, and Engineer all turned to me with smiles and asked, "How was that?" I was open-mouthed, both shy and nervous, but I managed to ask, "Do you get paid to do this?" They all laughed and answered, "Yes." My next question was, "Can I be a pilot?"
When the Captain replied, "Of course you can," something clicked inside me. From that moment on, I knew exactly where my future lay.
With over 42 years of experience in the industry, how have you seen the aviation world evolve, in terms of aircraft safety, service and international routes?
When I first began flying, it was in piston-engine and turbo-prop aircraft filled with numerous instruments, dials, and switches. Today, I fly large, advanced international airliners equipped with touchscreens, sophisticated radar, and global connectivity that allows us to access live weather information from across the world. Flight planning used to involve a chart, a chinagraph pencil, and a circular slide rule. Now, everything is computerised, providing us with almost unlimited data available on our iPads and through onboard Flight Management and Guidance Systems. We navigate the globe with pinpoint accuracy using GPS, and flying has become twice as safe with each passing decade since I began my career. The increased demand for air travel has also opened up an almost limitless choice of international routes.
You have a massive fan base on social media, where you dispel misconceptions around flying while offering advice to aspiring pilots. What are some of the biggest misconceptions around flying?
Many people with a fear of flying often worry about turbulence. However, turbulence is not inherently dangerous to the aircraft – it’s simply uncomfortable. There are various types of turbulence, and as pilots, we do everything we can to avoid it and ensure a smooth flight experience. I always advise aspiring pilots, regardless of age, to take that first lesson, which could lead to an exciting career like the one I’ve enjoyed for over 4 decades.
There has been an increase in fearful flyers since COVID-19. What advice would you give them to calm down before a flight?
It’s important to understand that flying has become the safest mode of travel. I encourage people to stop watching those crash investigation videos of accidents that happened decades ago – events that are not relevant to modern aviation. Those older incidents involved outdated aircraft and have led to the development of new technologies, procedures, and training, making flying safer every year.
As a pilot with extensive experience, has turbulence been getting worse? How can we prepare for such incidents?
Contrary to what some might believe, the only thing that has changed about turbulence is the way it’s reported. Turbulence today is no different from what it was decades ago when I began flying; it’s akin to the ebbs and flows of a river, with air being a fluid disturbed by various factors that create turbulence, much like currents or waves in a stream. Thanks to vastly improved systems for live weather reporting around the globe, we are better equipped to avoid or navigate through known areas of turbulence, minimising discomfort for our passengers.
What role does the media have in conveying accurate, factual information regarding aviation news? Have they been doing this responsibly, and how can they improve?
While mainstream media is generally accurate in reporting aviation news, the proliferation of inaccurate information on social media can sometimes lead the media to sensationalise incidents and accidents without all the facts.
What do you love about what you do and do you have any advice for aspiring pilots?
Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful that I followed the dreams of my 12-year-old self. Despite the setbacks and challenges along the way, I now travel the world, flying hundreds of people safely and on time to their destinations, regardless of the weather. Over my 42 years of flying, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and experience, which I now share with aspiring aviators around the globe. Instagram allows me to bring people of all ages into my cockpit and give them a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an airline pilot. I hope that by doing so, I can pay it forward and inspire others to follow their dreams and reach for the skies.
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