Gary Woods’ Post

Great opportunity for the right people with the right mindset. Aviation engineering has many paths and this is the starting blocks to a long career where each day can be very different.

Probably the best apprenticeship out there for anyone interested in a career in aviation.

And that is the Capstone Project complete. All taught modules of the Cranfield University #MSc_Safety_and_Human_Factors_in_Aviation complete. Over the last two weeks we’ve had a taster of what it feels like to conduct group research under time pressure, working together to apply the things we’ve learnt in the last 8 months to future proofing the aviation industry and risk assessing Single Pilot Operations. Friday morning all four groups presented and it was fascinating to see how we ended up using very similar methodology but coming up with very different insights based on our own experiences and background. I really enjoyed leading Group 1 with King-Yee KO, who has many years working as an aircraft technician in Hong Kong, Cornelius Chukwuma who is an experienced Nigerian Air Force engineer officer and Nishant Patel (Student Affiliate RAeS) who recently completed a bachelor’s degree in aircraft maintenance, having carried out his studies in Ukraine after moving there from India. We were the only group with such similar professional backgrounds but it is fascinating to see how the differences in experience and culture played a part in our analysis. I’m excited about some of the conclusions we’ve reached and am keen to develop our core concept further. All in all the Capstone project really highlighted to me the great privilege I have been granted to take a year out of my career as a Royal Air Force engineer officer to study full time with a wonderful group of people who are all as passionate as I am about making our skies safer. My perspective has grown so much over the time we’ve had together, and while I’m so grateful to the RAF and the Chief of the Air Staff’s Fellowship scheme for the opportunity, it has been made truly valuable by the staff at Cranfield and the students who have shared their time and their insights with me. Now we all turn our focus to our Individual Research Projects. I came into this degree with a proposal already prepared - it was part of my Fellowship application process and the real motivation for me in applying for the course was to do research into #fatigue_management_in_aviation_maintenance. But I was so interested during project proposal time a few months ago on the topics that my colleagues were selecting. It’s going to be an interesting few months! In the meantime, here’s the summary line from the report that Group 1 of the Cranfield Univeristy MSc SHFA Capstone study have submitted. *We are not yet at the end of our technological evolution in aviation. This is just a step along the way, and we cannot know where it will lead. The journey may yet take us to other places that we have not yet imagined. Whatever the goal, the path or the destination, the beginning and the end of our endeavour must be to be either as safe or safer than we are today.* #aviationsafety #womeninengineering #womeninSTEM #keeplearning #careersinaviation

🌟 Exciting Achievement! 🌟 I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently completed a certificate in Aircraft Maintenance and Safety Engineering. This course has equipped me with essential knowledge that will be invaluable as I embark on my upcoming internship in aircraft maintenance. Key Learnings from the Course: - Introduction to Aircraft Maintenance: Understanding basic practices, safety procedures, and the fundamentals of maintenance operations. - Ground Handling Operations and Equipment: Gaining insights into the essential equipment and procedures involved in aircraft ground handling. - Subsystem Servicing: Learning about the maintenance and servicing of various aircraft subsystems. - Safety and Inspection: Emphasizing the importance of safety practices and inspection procedures to ensure aircraft reliability and compliance. - Aircraft Hardware and Materials: Familiarizing myself with the materials, systems, and processes used in aircraft hardware. I’m looking forward to applying this knowledge in a practical setting and further expanding my skills in the field. #AircraftMaintenance #SafetyEngineering #Aviation #ProfessionalDevelopment #AircraftEngineering #MechanicalEngineering #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth #AviationMaintenance #AerospaceEngineering #AeronauticalEngineering #MaintenanceEngineering #EngineeringSkills #AviationSafety #GroundHandling #SubsystemServicing

🛠️ Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic: Your Route to Certification 🛫 Interested in a career that takes you to new heights? Aircraft mechanics are so important in the world of aviation, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircrafts worldwide. Here's how you can join this elite group of professionals in the UK. 📚 Education First: Start with a solid foundation by pursuing a recognised qualification. A Level 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering is a great stepping stone. It's crucial to have a strong grasp of maths, physics, and engineering principles. 🔧 Hands-On Experience: Nothing beats practical experience. Seek apprenticeships or on-the-job training opportunities. These provide invaluable insights and skills that you can't learn from textbooks alone. 🎓 Further Studies: Consider further education such as a Foundation Degree or a BSc in Aircraft Engineering. These qualifications can enhance your knowledge and may offer a direct path to certification. ✈️ CAA Approval: In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the regulatory body. To become a certified mechanic, you'll need to obtain a Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence. This involves passing several exams and completing practical experience. 🔍 Continuous Learning: The aviation industry is always evolving. Stay ahead by engaging in continuous professional development. Attend workshops, seminars, and courses to keep your skills sharp and up-to-date. 🌐 Global Standards: Remember, aviation is international. While CAA certification is key in the UK, familiarising yourself with EASA regulations will broaden your opportunities. 🤝 Networking: Join professional bodies and online forums. Engage with peers and experts to stay informed about industry trends and job openings. #AircraftMechanic #AviationCareers #AerospaceEngineering

#SACAA #Busary #Programme The SACAA Bursary Programme is now open for applications: ➡️ Pilot (Fixed Wing & Helicopter ➡️ Aircraft Maintenance Engineering ➡️ Aeronautical Engineering Despite some interesting debates at the recent National Aviation Gender Summit about the validity of requirements for Maths and Science, I wholeheartedly agree with this criteria. Aviation is an unforgiving environment from a safety perspective. We need the best and the brightest to operate at the highest standards and with the safest approach. May these bursaries provide the best opportunities to the best candidates who display will and skill.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology seems to be navigating the choice students are making -- college versus #technicalschool -- and later using workplace education benefits to go to college. Domenic Proscia noted students are delaying higher degrees and are joining the #workforce as soon as they get their #certifications in an interview with Aviation Week Network. "At Vaughn, we see this as a good first step for students new to the field. We want our graduates to be successful through programs such as lifetime career counseling and support. We also know that graduates take advantage of tuition reimbursement opportunities that most companies offer, and we encourage them to get into the industry and take advantage of those opportunities. Those who are destined for leadership roles will prioritize education as their careers progress." Interestingly, he discussed #aviation and #aerospace workforce competition noting the skills for aviation match those of #manufacturing and many other industries. "To grow the workforce #pipeline, aviation could consider defining career pathways for new hires, working toward better compensation and benefits packages, and offering more #apprenticeship and #internship opportunities to students. Equally important is the need to partner and support the institutions that provide those certified #technicians with equipment donations, regular campus visits to speak to students about the opportunities, work with the institution’s feeder high schools to promote the field, and offer scholarships for under resourced and underserved individuals who often struggle to afford certification programs." All great advice. This is a really insightful interview. https://lnkd.in/e_Dr2jjB

"In the UK and EU, it takes around 3 years to train to become qualified to work on, service and repair aircraft*. It’s a specialist engineering licence that is needed and it comes from the Civil Aviation Authority (or EASA member state). Every aeroplane we’ve ever travelled on will have been declared airworthy and signed off by a Certified engineer. The places where people can train to get this specialist licence are few and far between… and getting steadily fewer each year as airfields & opportunities are closed. The graphic below shows the most recent stats on the numbers of CAA UK registered engineers… there were 11,639 of them in total in 2021. But look how many of that total were about to reach retirement age, or were over retirement age… take them out of the total and the true figure is around 9500 instead! That is not very many people with the necessary skills and qualifications to keep us all safe in the skies above, and below. There are specialist engineering apprentices studying at #EGBN Nottingham City Airport, steadily working towards this vital qualification." Sarah Deacon *NB: Minimum 3 years - starting with General Aviation machines (e.g. SEP/MEP) - it takes several more years to then train for further qualifications ("B" licence) and specific Airliner Maintenance Type Ratings! #SaveNottinghamAirfield #GeneralAviaition #futureflight #eVTOL #eCTOL #UAM #RAM

To become a #pilot, there are several steps that one needs to follow: 1. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high school diploma or equivalent education is usually required for aspiring pilots. This provides basic knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing higher education in aviation. 2. Attend Aviation School: Next, students must enroll in flight training programs offered at aviation schools or colleges. These courses typically range from 30 hours to 120 hours long and cover topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, and flight physics. Completing these courses enables individuals to obtain their Private Pilot License (PPL). 3. Build Flight Experience: After obtaining their PPL, candidates need to build flight experience through logged flight hours with certified instructors. This helps them gain confidence, improve their flying skills, and qualify for more advanced certifications. 4. Earn Advanced Certifications: Aspiring commercial pilots will need additional certifications beyond their PPL before they can apply for jobs at airlines. Some common certifications include Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Multi-Engine Rating, and Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP). 5. Apply for Jobs at Airlines: Once qualified, pilots can start applying for jobs at various airlines based on their preferences, certification levels, and flying experience. They may also consider joining airline training programs to enhance their career prospects further. 6. Stay Updated with Industry Changes: Finally, it's crucial to stay updated about changes and advancements in aviation technology, regulations, and safety protocols to maintain proficiency throughout one’s career as a pilot. Continuous learning contributes significantly to staying competitive and relevant in this field. Note: Becoming a pilot requires dedication, hard work, persistence, and financial investment towards acquiring education and licenses. It's essential to ensure that one meets all eligibility requirements set forth by aviation authorities before embarking on this journey. #pilotlife #aviation #flighttraining #pilottraining #becomeapilot #careeradvice #dreamjob #aviationindustry #airlinepilot #flightacademy #pilotcareer #aviationcareer #pilotjobs #pilotlicense #flightexperience #aviationpassion #pilotgoals #aviationeducation #pilotjourney #pilotcommunity #pilotinspiration #aviationtips #pilotadvice #aviationknowledge #pilotwisdom #pilotmentorship #aviationnetworking #pilotdevelopment #pilotmentor #aviationmentorship

The Canvas Expo this year had an incredible vibe. The JNP Aviation Training stand was located next to our neighbours, the Tauranga Aero Club, and it was fascinating to observe the enthusiasm of senior school students eager to become pilots. Simultaneously, many students approached us with excitement, asking, "Wait, we can take gateway courses in marshalling?... there are other aviation jobs?...... not just pilots?" It's interesting how, in my experience working in both education and now aviation, discussions at stakeholder meetings often focus heavily on pilots and engineers. However, when students explore on their own, they are open to a wide range of opportunities beyond what we traditionally emphasize. It's great to be able to promote aviation education to a broader audience, providing stepping stones for those who might initially see careers as pilots or engineers as unattainable - or as the only option.