How our name took flight. 

Every great adventure begins with a story, and the name Skywalker Flight Training is no exception. While it carries a playful nod to Star Wars, its roots are deeply connected to Jersey’s aviation history and the remarkable journey of Captain Lee McConnell, the school’s founder.

Years ago, Lee worked as a young customer service agent at Servisair, where he often checked in the late Jack Walker, owner of Jersey European Airways (later Flybe). Jack, knowing Lee dreamed of becoming a pilot, would stop for quick conversations about aviation whenever their paths crossed.

On one occasion, Jack mentioned he was deciding on a callsign for his airline and had narrowed it down to two options: “Jersey” or “Skywalker.” Lee, a devoted Star Wars fan, enthusiastically suggested “Skywalker.” Though Jack ultimately chose “Jersey,” he wasn’t ready to let go of “Skywalker” entirely. He requested the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to place the callsign on hold—just in case he decided to use it in the future.

Decades later, as Lee was establishing Ortac and its flight training school, he remembered that conversation and decided to see if “Skywalker” was still available. Initially, the CAA believed the name was no longer an option, but further investigation revealed that Jack’s decision to hold the name all those years ago had preserved it.

For Lee, reclaiming the callsign felt like fate. By bringing “Skywalker” to Jersey, he not only honoured the name’s origins but also gave it a new chapter—one dedicated to inspiring a new generation of pilots.

Today, Skywalker is more than just a callsign or a brand. It represents the spirit of adventure, the connection to Jersey’s aviation legacy, and the fulfilment of dreams—whether in the cockpit or a galaxy far, far away. For Skywalker Flight Training, it’s a name that inspires everyone who walks through their doors to reach higher and aim for the skies.