First-year Military & Defence Engineering student Lottie Bailey recently gained first-hand experience with one of the RAF’s most recognised teams, spending her half term working alongside the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Known around the world for their precision flying displays, the Red Arrows represent the very highest standards in aviation and engineering. For aspiring engineers like Lottie, the opportunity to work alongside the team offered valuable insight into the fast-paced environment of military aviation.
During the placement, Lottie completed four 12-hour shifts, assisting with aircraft servicing duties and shadowing the engineering team throughout their daily operations. The experience gave her a close-up view of the technical expertise, teamwork and discipline required to keep the aircraft display-ready.
Lottie Bailey, ASI student, said: “It was a really fun experience, the best part was probably sitting in the cockpit and refuelling the jets.”
Experiences like this form an important part of studying at ASI, where students are encouraged to engage directly with the aviation and defence sectors from the beginning of their course.
The Military & Defence Engineering programme includes visits to several RAF bases, including RAF Cranwell, RAF Wittering and RAF Cosford, where students experience life within a military environment. From overnight stays in the mess to time spent working in hangars, the course offers a practical introduction to careers across aviation engineering and defence.
Alongside her studies, Lottie has already built valuable industry connections through local work experience and networking opportunities. Most recently, she attended the ASI Expo, where students met aviation and engineering organisations including MASS and 2Excel Aviation.
With another year of study ahead, Lottie continues to build the technical skills, confidence and industry experience that will prepare her for a future career in aviation engineering.
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