NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Location: Preston, UK
Job Title: Airworthiness Engineer – Typhoon Flight Safety Analysis, BAE Systems.
What inspired you into aerospace? I always wanted to pursue something STEM-related at school but had never really considered aerospace engineering as a career; that was until I met a Specialist Engineer during an event run by BAE Systems called ‘Bring Your Teenager to Work Day’. It was this insight which opened my eyes to the possibilities within engineering and which has influenced my career path to date.
What is the best thing about your current role? I enjoy how varied my role in airworthiness is. One moment I could be analysing occurrence data for trends, the next I could be reviewing InService Tasks for Typhoon operators.
What made you join the Royal Aeronautical Society? I joined the Society while I was a Technical Engineering apprentice as I wanted to develop my understanding of the aerospace industry and also get involved in RAeS activities. I started attending my local Branch lectures and was asked to join their committee as the Young Persons Representative. Since then, I’ve also supported the Society’s outreach activities and most recently I’ve been elected onto the Young Persons Committee.
What do you hope to get out of your membership? I hope to further my professional development and become professionally registered. I would also like to continue my involvement with my local Branch and the Young Persons Committee to encourage more young people to consider engineering as a career.
What three items would you take with you to the space station? My camera, a LEGO set of the International Space Station (although astronaut Satoshi Furukawa has already beaten me to that one!) and my iPod with audiobooks/ music.
What’s your favourite aircraft and why? That’s a tricky one but I’d have to go with the Avro Vulcan. I’ll never forget XH558’s farewell tour back in 2015 and seeing the aircraft fly straight over our heads!
Who is your biggest inspiration? Many people have had a big impact on my life, from the Specialist Engineer who sparked my interest in engineering, to the people I’ve worked with throughout my apprenticeship and beyond. I’ve found it’s often the small things that make the biggest difference.
Piece of advice for someone looking to enter your field? I’d say make the most of the opportunities that are out there and be proactive in seeking out opportunities that you believe will add value – not every opportunity will be easy to come by. Also, remember that you can enter engineering in so many different ways – apprenticeships, graduate schemes and direct entry roles to name a few. Take time to research the different routes and follow the path that feels right to you.