Interview with our resident pilot Miguel Dias

Sunday, May 12, 2019

What’s your name and where are you from?

My full name is Miguel Amaral Figueiredo Ferreira Dias and I’m from Viseu in the North of Portugal.

How and when did you become a pilot?

During my years growing up I was always connected to the aviation world and in 2009 I began to take the private pilot license, during the following years, my main aim was to raise the necessary funds to achieve the necessary flight hours in order to become a commercial pilot. In 2014 I achieved this goal and became a commercial pilot!

When did you start working for Skydive Algarve?

I started working for Skydive Algarve just over a year and a half ago in October 2017.

What’s a typical day at Skydive Algarve like for you?

I start the day early by taking care of the necessary planning and studying the weather conditions expected throughout the day. I calculate the spot depending on these conditions making sure to drop the skydivers in the correct place. I then do the pre-flight inspection of the aircraft. My day is spent flying the Dornier G92 or the Super Caravan to 15,000 feet every lift flying up and over the beautiful Algarve Coastline! At the end of the day I make the flight plan for the next day and put the plane to sleep.

What’s one of your most memorable flights you’ve ever made?

The flights that stand out the most for me, since flying for the Swallow’s and working at Skydive Algarve are the formation flights, with three aircraft, to drop 45 skydivers simultaneously for the Sequential Games event!

What do you like about being a pilot at Skydive Algarve?

Skydive Algarve is not only one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever flown in my life it also has an extraordinary work environment and a kind of challenging operation which keeps it interesting.

What’s something you’re proud of in your pilot career?

After a long battle to become a pilot, I have the privilege of doing what I love most in life … flying! This in itself is my greatest achievement and I’m proud of that. It also makes me feel a strong sense of satisfaction playing a part in providing people with an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

What do you do outside of flying planes in your free time?

I love to eat well. Portuguese cuisine is the best and there are some wonderful restaurants to dine in the local area. I also love fishing as well as being with friends and exploring new places.

In your opinion what makes Skydive Algarve such a special dropzone for skydivers?

As well as the awesome weather conditions, the extraordinary view and everything that is related to the surrounding area and the Portuguese culture, Skydive Algarve’s team of staff is fantastic. There’s always a welcoming smile on their faces, they receive customers like no other with attention to safety and with the utmost professionalism.

Leave us with a life lesson from Miguel.

No matter how hard the road is, never give up on your dreams.