Soaring to Success

The opportunity for KIT to partner with the Air League arose early in the Autumn term of 2020 and in the midst of a global pandemic. Motivations were two-fold: to allow KAA students to explore opportunities in the fields of aerospace and engineering, not immediately available given that many are from under-privileged backgrounds, and to increase the engagement and retention of women in male-dominated subjects such as Physics and related careers.

Through their outreach programme, 'Soaring to Success', the Air League offered a series of modules showcasing a range of routes into both the aviation and aerospace industries.

Excitingly, this would be followed by the chance for students to experience flight first-hand through either gliders or powered aircraft. Thanks to KIT donors, all those students who signed up to the programme were able to take part in this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Unfortunately, due to restrictions in place as a result of Covid-19, the programme modules were not able to go ahead in their entirety, but two - one hosted remotely by Boeing and another outlining how to become a pilot - were well-attended. Finally, after two reschedules, the flight days were also able to take place in September 2021 at Elstree Aerodrome.

Twenty-four GCSE and A-Level students, fourteen of whom were female and 34% eligible for Free School Meals, were able to take part in the flying experience day. Each student was able to fly alongside an experienced pilot and even take control of the aircraft. In addition, there were tours of the control tower, hangar and airfield, as well as workshops on branding, operation and sustainability within the industry.

Here are some direct quotes from participating students:

A Year 12 student especially liked ‘sustainability and the focus on making flying more environmentally friendly using hydrogen and electric power.’

Another liked, ‘seeing the process from starting the plane to hearing the radio commands between pilots and the tower.’