On Friday 21st November, a record number of nearly 80 third-year Aerospace Engineering students took to the skies at the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) in Cranfield. The cohort flew in four separate sessions, giving every student hands-on experience with real life flight dynamics.

Two groups departed Queen Mary at 7am via coach, with two additional groups following at 11am. Adding to the day’s uniqueness, two students piloted their own light aircraft from Biggin Hill to Cranfield to join the group, an impressive illustration of the diverse skillsets represented within Queen Mary's aerospace courses.

The flight day, an important component of the Flight Dynamics module, was organised by Dr Eldad Avital and teaching associate Dr Agamemnon Chaidos. Dr Avital accompanied the first two groups to NFLC and returned with the later groups, ensuring that every student who attended had the opportunity to fly.

Students investigated key aerodynamic and flight mechanics concepts in the air, including the parabolic drag law, load factor manoeuvres of up to 2g, and the five modes of dynamic stability. The NFLC team delivered a smooth, well-structured experience, and feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive.

The flight day reflects our ongoing commitment to providing practical, real-world experience with aircraft. It complements other experiential elements of the aerospace curriculum, including first-year field work at the RAF Museum and a rich programme of guest lectures in the third year, from industry and professional bodies including Airbus, the IMechE, RAeS, and visiting academic specialists.