Alfie Rowles

From a young age, I’ve always sought out challenges and pushed myself to grow, taking part in a wide range of activities to become the best version of myself. I’m highly motivated, disciplined, and thrive under pressure — qualities I know are essential in aviation.

Sport has played a major role in shaping these traits, particularly through my dedication to cycling and hockey. As a junior cyclist, I’ve competed in races where focus, mental resilience, and consistency are vital. When things don’t go to plan — which is often the case in competitive sport — I take a methodical approach to review my performance, identify what went wrong, and improve for the next event. That mindset of constant reflection and improvement is something I carry into every challenge.

In hockey, I’ve played in men’s teams since I was 15, which helped me quickly develop strong leadership and communication skills. I’ve often contributed tactical input and helped guide team decisions, but just as importantly, I’ve learned how to listen to others and work collaboratively under pressure. These experiences have taught me how to stay calm, make informed decisions, and lead with purpose — skills that I believe are crucial in all activities through out life.

 Aviation has been one of my greatest passions for as long as I can remember. From my earliest memories of flying as a passenger, I was never content to simply look out of the window — I was always drawn to the cockpit, curious about what was happening at the controls and fascinated by the incredible coordination it must take to fly an aircraft. I’ve been mesmerised not just by the power and elegance of flight, but also by the engineering, systems, and precision that make it all possible. Over the years, this fascination has only grown stronger. I often find myself researching how different aircraft function, watching cockpit footage, and reading about flight operations, airspace control, and aviation safety. For me, flying represents the perfect balance of technical skill, discipline, focus, and responsibility — all qualities I strive to develop in myself. The thought of one day stepping into a cockpit, not as a passenger but as a pilot in command, is something that truly excites and motivates me.