Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA)

Come listen to Mehrdad Pirnia from Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) talk about the future of electric planes ⚡️✈️, powered by test data from the Waterloo Wellington Flight Center! 🌍🔋. CBC interview link: https://lnkd.in/gz-qkMnV #ElectricAviation #WaterlooEngineering

✈️ #TrainingThursday: The Sustainable Development Goals – Aviation’s Role in a Sustainable Future 🌍 Can aviation can be a force for good in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The 17 SDGs are a global blueprint for a better future, addressing challenges from climate action and clean energy to quality education and reduced inequalities. So, where does aviation fit in? ✈️ While aviation is often seen through the lens of emissions, its impact on the SDGs is far-reaching—both positively and negatively. From enabling global trade and tourism (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) to bridging gaps in healthcare and education (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being & SDG 4: Quality Education), the industry plays a pivotal role. But here’s the catch: No single entity can achieve these goals alone. The key? Collaboration. 🌱 Governments, airlines, manufacturers, and researchers must work together to innovate cleaner technologies, develop sustainable fuels, and establish policies that balance growth with environmental responsibility. In about 5 minutes, this Snap Course covers: 🔹 What the SDGs Are: A quick overview of the 17 goals. 🔹 Aviation’s Impact: How the industry supports—and challenges—the SDGs. 🔹 The Importance of Collaboration: The importance of partnerships driving sustainable progress. 🚀 Achieving the SDGs by 2030 demands action today. Explore how collaborative efforts in aviation can turn challenges into opportunities. 👇 Check it out here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gP7b4nTA What role do you think aviation should play in achieving the SDGs? Let’s talk! 🌍🤝

Great to hear CBC's Craig Norris interview UW's Mehrdad Pirnia about electric aviation research conducted by the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics and partner Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre.  https://lnkd.in/gKmj-9U3

✈️ #TrainingTuesday: Rising Waters, Rising Challenges – How Flooding Threatens Aviation When we think about climate change and aviation, CO2 emissions usually take center stage. But rising sea levels and increased flooding risk poses an urgent threat—particularly to airports. 🌊 With many major airports built along coastlines or river deltas, the risks are clear. In fact, some of the world’s busiest hubs are already managing instances of water on runways and overwhelmed drainage systems. How can the aviation industry adapt? This Snap Course explores: 🔹 Airport Vulnerability: Which airports are most at risk from rising sea levels? 🔹 Resilience Strategies: From nature-based solutions like trees, green roofs, and marshlands to permeable pavements, explore interventions designed to absorb or redirect floodwaters. 👇 Check out the course, here 👇 https://lnkd.in/g_AYsKcZ For the airport experts in my network, which strategies is your airfield prioritizing?💡

User Experience and Physiological Modeling for pilot training using VR Principal Study Investigator: Dr. John Edison Muñoz Cardona Co-Investigator: Dr. Shi Cao We are looking for individuals to participate in a study aimed at assessing user experience and physiological responses while engaging with interactive simulation technologies for skill training. Participants will fly the ALSIM AL 250 Flight Simulator and perform a series of flight tasks, including taxiing, normal takeoff, circuit flying, and normal approach and landing. During the simulated flight, researchers will collect data such as flight data recording, video recording, audio recording, heart rate, skin conductivity, eye movement, and flight instructor assessment. The entire study will last about one hour. Participants will receive a compensation of $10 for each hour of participation. To be eligible for participation, you must meet the following criteria: (1) be between 18-64 years of age; (2) possess fluency in English to accurately read and interpret instructions; (3) hold a valid pilot's license (such as a Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License), or be a student pilot who has successfully completed their first solo flight and can execute standard radio communications, checklists, and circuit patterns; (4) able to provide informed consent. To ensure a positive user experience, individuals with the following conditions will not be eligible: visual impairments (e.g., glaucoma), balance issues, pregnancy, and medical implants (e.g., bypass). This research will be conducted in the WISA Flight Simulator Lab (EV1 242) at the University of Waterloo. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (ORE#45409). If you are interested in participating, please contact Anika at afshafi@uwaterloo.ca with “VR Pilot Training Study” in the subject line.

🌟 Happy International Women's Day 2025! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements, contributions, and strength of women around the world. At WISA, we are proud to be part of a community that empowers women in aviation and works tirelessly to break barriers, foster leadership, and create opportunities for future generations. Together, we continue to inspire, support, and uplift one another. Today, let’s honor the women who have paved the way, and those who are shaping the future of aviation and beyond. Let’s keep flying higher! ✈️✨ #IWD2025 #WomenInAviation #WISA #Empowerment #GenderEquality #BreakingBarriers #Leadership #CelebrateWomen #AviationCommunity #FutureOfFlight 🌍

✈️🎙️ Curious about the future of air travel? Join Dr. Suzanne Kearns, Founding Director of WISA, on the Growth Mixtape Podcast as she shares her visionary perspective! In the captivating episode "For the Love of Flight," Dr. Kearns delves into the evolving landscape of aviation, exploring the critical role of diversity in shaping its future. She also sheds light on the groundbreaking innovations that are poised to revolutionize the industry, making air travel more sustainable and accessible. Prepare to be inspired by her insights and join the conversation about what lies ahead for the skies. 👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gYkdwU2S #WISA #FutureOfAirTravel #Podcast #DiversityInAviation #AviationInnovation #SuzanneKearns #SustainableAviation #AirTravelTrends 🌍✈️

🌟 Meet Zoey W., 2024 Elsie Rising Star Award Winner! ✈️ Zoey’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting her flight training at just 15, she has soared through roles as a flight instructor, a pilot in the North, and now a First Officer on the Boeing 777 at Air Canada. With an Advanced Diploma in Aviation Management, a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics and Aviation Management, and an MBA specializing in aviation and international business, Zoey’s dedication to growth is unmatched. As a board member of the Urban Pilots Network, she inspires and educates young people from urban communities about opportunities in aviation, paying it forward every step of the way. ✈️ "I look forward to seeing you on the line!" 📣 Do you know an outstanding woman who has contributed significantly to aviation and helping others? Nominate them today for the 2025 Elsie Awards! Visit our website to learn more. #ElsieAwards2024 #RisingStar #WomenInAviation #Pilot #UrbanPilotsNetwork

✈️ #TrainingTuesday: Aircraft Design & Climate Impact – Small Changes, Big Difference! Did you know that the type of paint used on an aircraft can influence its climate impact? Lighter weight paints not only reduce drag but also improve fuel efficiency and extend maintenance intervals. Alongside winglets and lightweight composites, design innovations and retrofits can work together to lower emissions. In less than 10 minutes, this Snap Course introduces: 🔹 How winglets enhance fuel efficiency 🔹 The role of lightweight composites in cutting emissions 🔹 Innovative paints for drag reduction and longer lifespans 👇 Check it out here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gw7w9MTB This is just scratching the surface of how changes to existing aircraft design can impact climate outcomes. What other ideas are you aware of? Let’s discuss!

A Comparative Study Investigating the Effectiveness of Pilot Training Using PI-1000 Flight Training Device and Advanced Technologies Principal Study Investigator: Dr. Michael Barnett-Cowan We are looking for participants to take part in a research study investigating how advanced flight training technologies can be used to assess and evaluate pilot performance. This study will examine how different training tools influence flight task execution, including takeoff, climb, cruise, steep turns, and landing in the PI-1000 Flight Training Device. Some participants will also receive training on Microsoft Flight Simulator before testing. The study will involve either 1 or 2 sessions, each lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Participants will be compensated $10 per hour. To participate, you must: (1) be between 18-64 years of age, (2) have normal or corrected-to-normal vision (contact lenses permitted; glasses not compatible with eye-tracking glasses), (3) not be diagnosed with any neurological disorder or middle ear condition, (4) not have a history of seizures or motion sickness. No prior flight experience is required to participate. Participants will be grouped based on their experience level. This research will be conducted in the Toby Jenkins Applied Health Research Building at the University of Waterloo. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (ORE#45625). If you are interested in participating, please contact Narein Chenthivelnathan at nchenthi@uwaterloo.ca with “Flight Training Study” in the subject line.