Soaring Towards the Future: Students Explore the Possibilities of Flight

The Air and Space Institute - in partnership with the Department for Transport's Generation Aviation and Reach for the Sky programmes - was thrilled to present the Future of Flight event. Aimed at ASI students and school pupils across the Newark and Sherwood District, the event inspires and ignites a passion for aviation, paving the way for the future of flight. With a focus on the latest advancements in aviation technologies, including drones and hydrogen-powered aircraft, attendees had the opportunity to hear from two remarkable aviation ambassadors. 

Daniela Agachi, an aerospace engineer and advocate for zero-emission aviation, took the stage to share her journey and passion with the audience - working in this dynamic field inspired young learners who may be considering a career in aerospace engineering. The presentation delved into the cutting-edge technologies in development to reduce carbon emissions in aviation and make air travel more sustainable for future generations. Her enthusiasm and expertise will undoubtedly shape a greener aviation industry - igniting a sense of wonder and possibility for prospective students. 

Aviation's path to zero emissions lies in embracing the power of electricity, the only scalable zero-emission solution. The urgency of the matter calls for swift decisions rooted in engineering expertise, fueling the development of innovative technologies.  It's time to move away from inefficient engines and welcome new propulsion systems that promise a greener future for aviation. These discussions and deliberations on sustainable aviation are not just conversations among experts; they are vital exchanges that must be shared with the future generation of engineers. Together, we will shape the future of aviation into a cleaner and more sustainable industry.  

Police Sargeant – Keith Bennett, with extensive experience in front-line policing, captivated the audience with his insights into Drone technology. As the drone and counter-drone capability lead for West Midlands Police, he plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of drones in emergency services. Delving into the various applications of drones in law enforcement, search and rescue missions, and other critical operations, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the vast potential of drone technology and how it is revolutionising the aviation industry. 

Police Sargent, Keith Bennett, the flight safety manager for West Midlands Police Drones team said: “Technology has moved on very quickly. 650,000 jobs will arise by 2030 – it's beneficial to start developing these skills - you can go from never flying a drone to having a successful career.  

“There is a multitude of careers that you can have with Law Enforcement, including; Search and Rescue, the Fire Brigade and Ambulance – all these services use drone technology for situational awareness, to live-stream footage from the sky to give a unique perspective. The cameras can be used to survey a site where there is an inherent danger. There are also careers in drone development, involving software programmes and app development and roles to update regulations to make operations safer and more efficient.  

“The GVC course enables anybody to fly a large frame drone in an urban environment. You can earn a living and base a career on drone flying.”  

Ross Tarnowski, Head of Learning and Skills of Engineering and Technology at the Air and Space Institute said: "At ASI, we strive to inspire the next generation, guiding them towards the boundless opportunities awaiting them in the aviation sector. With exciting partnerships, expertise and aviation ambassador talks - like today's Future of Flight event, it allows young minds to have accessibility to enriching experiences like no other." 

Daniela Agachi, Fuel cell Engineer at ZeroAvia said: “Different types of skills are needed in education. It’s important for people not to be limited to one skill - you need to be open-minded and committed to finishing projects and to show resilience and independence, we encourage young minds to take ownership from the start.  

“You will fail several times before you succeed. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t good at mathematics. A colleague - who is a great engineer started his journey doing art in high school. We look for diversity, especially for civil engineers and architects, to have different mindsets because this is where the new ideas derive from.” 

Future of Flight was an opportunity to learn about the latest aviation technologies and explore the diverse career pathways within the industry - gathering valuable insights and gaining a clearer understanding of the range of exciting aviation opportunities that await young people.   

Unleash your potential and reach for the skies at ASI - be immersed in a world with cutting-edge aviation technologies and incredible opportunities. Whether your interests lie in engineering, piloting, air traffic control, or even space exploration, the event provided a glimpse into the future possibilities of an aviation career. At the Air and Space Institute, we offer a variety of courses to get you on the correct pathway to your chosen profession.   

Our latest Space and Engineering pathway is an incredible opportunity. If you don't meet the entry requirements for our level three programmes - our one-year, level two ASI course is here to ignite your passion and set you on a trajectory towards a fulfilling career in the aviation, air and space, and engineering sectors. Immerse yourself in a curriculum specially crafted to unlock the mysteries of space, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to take your next steps!