In this series we take a look at employees who, having started out at Pilatus, have now moved on, but may well return to us at some time in the future. Silvan Rüegger is a good example: after discovering his passion for aviation at Pilatus, he steadfastly pursued his ambition to become a pilot. He now flies a Boeing 777, carrying over 300 passengers to destinations around the world.
From polymechanic to long-haul pilot – a Pilatus apprenticeship opens the door to incredible opportunities, and not just with us! Silvan began his professional career in 2006 with an apprenticeship as a polymechanic. Like many apprentices, he started out in the apprentice workshop before rotating through different departments from his second year of training onwards. That gave him an excellent insight into what is involved in the creation of a Pilatus aircraft – from the individual parts to the finished product.
Silvan was always clear about his initial career goal: to complete his apprenticeship with the final assembly unit – which is exactly what he did. He found it particularly fascinating to see how each aircraft enters the hangar with no systems fitted at all, and, once all the work is complete, emerges ready for its test flight. Reaching that moment was a huge source of motivation for him, it shaped his enthusiasm for aviation in a lasting way. To this day, the PC-12 remains his “absolute favorite aircraft”, as he puts it – not least because it made such a mark on him during his apprenticeship.
A Solid Apprenticeship as a Career Basis
After his apprenticeship at Pilatus, Silvan did his military service and then decided to travel the world. Shortly thereafter, he applied to SWISS and began training as a commercial pilot in 2012. The intensive training required a great deal of discipline and perseverance – from theory modules and simulator sessions to his first hours actually in the air.
In February 2015 he was finally ready for his first flight in the cockpit of an Airbus A320 with passengers on board. Taking responsibility for a commercial flight for the very first time remains an unforgettable moment for many pilots – and Silvan is no exception. The A320, a short- and medium-haul aircraft, took him all over Europe and gave him firsthand experience of the varied daily life of an airline pilot.
After eight years on the A320 fleet, it was time for the next step in his career: transitioning to the Boeing 777. Silvan currently flies this wide-body airliner on long-haul routes – to North America, for example, or Asia. The difference is striking: longer flights, bigger crews and an international schedule with stops around the globe.
Proud to Have Started With Us
As for Silvan, he is equally struck by the growth at Pilatus: our brand was less well known in the USA back when Silvan was doing his training. These days, however, he often gets an enthusiastic reaction when he mentions that he used to work for Pilatus. He interprets that as a clear sign of how well the company has succeeded in establishing itself internationally.
Looking back, he admits that things weren’t always easy. He is firmly convinced he would never have made it into the cockpit without the solid training he received at Pilatus, coupled with his love of flying. He is certain of one thing: “Pilatus was the perfect springboard for my career”.
And there is more! Silvan will soon be trying for the next big step forward – earning his upgrade to Captain. It’s a challenge, and he’s already very busy preparing for it. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll be back to fly for Pilatus – when he gets bored with the big birds and long routes! We wish him many happy landings in the meantime!
His “office” today, with plenty of paperwork, just like at Pilatus
Silvan during his apprenticeship as a 19 year-old
Visiting Pilatus and thrilled by the developments
He also takes a very close look at the PC-24
Touchscreens are a new experience for him, as they aren’t part of his everyday flying on the Boeing 777
