Claus Jorgensen is a fully qualified helicopter pilot and it wouldn’t have been possible without the financial assistance of the PFA.
Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson concludes his exclusive interview with Jorgensen and discovers that the former
Coventry and
Blackpool midfielder is the man to turn to in emergencies.
Q: How much support did you receive from the PFA?
A: The PFA have been excellent as I have received help in the past for an accounting course too. This helicopter pilot’s licence cost a lot of money.
I did this qualification in two and a half years so they gave me special dispensation to receive money on completion and they were a massive help. I wouldn’t have been able to become a pilot without them.
Q: Is there a potential career in flying for you?
A: I thoroughly enjoyed the training programme and fitted it in whilst I could around my training and playing commitments. To apply for a commercial licence is a big step from flying recreationally and getting a few hours under your belt. To gain a commercial licence you will need another big lump of money and that is expensive. It is something I can work towards in my own time.
Q: Do you get a buzz when flying a helicopter?
A: It is very exciting and I can remember my first solo flight when I was under examination. It lasted about six minutes and was really exciting. It is very addictive and enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.
Q: Do you have to prepare for emergencies?
A: I have trained for an emergency landing. If there was an engine failure then people seem to have an idea that the helicopter will just drop straight out of the sky. However, the rotors keep turning if you use the correct controls and it is all about how you guide the helicopter down.
It gave me a big confidence boost to know that I could do it and it demystifies a lot of the myths. Mind you, you would need to keep a level head if it happened in real life though, but this training gives you that knowledge.
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