It started in the cockpit of a 727, when I was 12.

I was 12 years old, on our first and only family holiday on board an aeroplane — a Trans Australian Airways 727 at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport.

My father asked the flight attendant if I could see the cockpit. Once we were in there, the captain turned around and asked if I'd like to stay for takeoff.

I'll never forget it. In those moments, as the aircraft lifted into the air, I decided I'd found my career. It turned into my entire professional life.

Flying lessons weren't cheap. From the age of 12 to 18 I saved up half the money I needed for an integrated flying course — nine months, zero to hero, as we called it. I was fortunate to get a loan for the other half from my wonderful Uncle Fred, and I paid him back once I got my first job.

Finding that first job was the most difficult part — and I've had many since. I've done target towing for the Navy, been a flying instructor, flown charter and night freight cargo. Then came a series of airline jobs: six airlines, in five different countries.

Over 45 years I've flown more than 30,000 hours as a professional airline pilot, ending up in the left seat as an international captain. I've also spent a big part of my career training and examining other pilots — which taught me just how many good people stumble at the start for avoidable reasons.

The journey wasn't always straightforward. I made mistakes, took a few wrong turns and learnt some lessons the hard way. If I can help you avoid even some of those, this club will have done its job.

"Every pilot starts with a dream. Let's turn yours into a flight plan."

— Captain Chris Pohl