Testimonials

Mark Bretton - MSc in Aerospace vehicle Design at Cranfield University

Mark graduated in aerospace engineering at the University of Sheffield, after a 12-year career in the Royal Air Force as an Avionics Technician. Therefore Mark already has experience in a multitude of avionic disciplines. Before he was posted to the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering Cosford as an Avionics instructor, Mark was deployed to Saudi Arabia and worked at RAF Lyneham for six years. After having been responsible for students, Mark decided in turn to become a student and pursue a more technically challenging career in the aerospace industry. To be part of the design and development phase of new aerospace technologies would be the next stage in his aerospace career. 

Luke Easy - M.Eng Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath

Luke is in its fifth year of study in aerospace engineering at the University of Bath, where he first focused on general mechanical engineering. During his studies he completed a 12-month industrial placement at GE Aircraft Engine Services Wales, where he was responsible for liaising with customers to define the work scope for aircraft engines that were to be overhauled at the site. Last year he was selected by his university to work as project manager on the design of a single aisle aircraft optimised for the short haul, low-cost carrier market and proved that he was able to lead a team of ten people. Luke’s ideal future career is within the space industry.

Gareth Milbourn - MSc Engineering and Management of Manufacturing Sytems at Cranfield University

Gareth graduated in aerospace systems engineering at the University of the West of England. From the first flying lessons at the local Air Training Corps to the flight test course in his third year, Gareth has always been interested in aircraft. He completed a 12-month industrial placement at Airbus, where he worked on the certification and validation of the A350 XWB composite wing structure. Gareth will pursue a career in Astrium as he got accepted for Astrium’s Graduate Programme. Besides his longtime passion for creating and building, his successes in the Gliding and Rowing clubs have already proven that he knows what team spirit means.

Rajan Mistry - MSc in Aerospace Dynamics at Cranfield University

Rajan graduated in mathematics at the University of East Anglia but always showed a great interest for astrophysics. Besides his passion for solving problems, Rajan, who completed a traineeship as a Formula 1 engineer at Red Bull Racing, has a strong interest in cars and motor racing. Rajan enjoys several sports such Pool and Rugby. Eager to transmit his passion and knowledge to other people, he used to act as a first year student mentor and as a student tour guide. After the course, Rajan is planning to work in aerodynamic research and is also exploring the possibility of undertaking a PhD.

Richard Painter - MSc Integrated Aerospace Systems Design at the University of Bristol

Richard graduated in physics with astrophysics at the University of Bristol, where he was involved in the Bristol University Air Squadron. During his undergraduate studies he learned low-level navigation, formation flying and acrobatics, and was selected to represent the squadron at flying competitions. Besides his passion for flying, Richard has a strong interest in astrophysics and was designing a prototype chassis for the Bristol UKSEDS High Attitude Balloon project to collect stratospheric particles using a floating pneumatic piston seal. Richard, who secured a place on the Astrium Graduate Programme, likes challenges: he has already run the London Marathon and climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro!

Tom Williams - M.Eng Aerospace Systems Engineering at the University of the West of England

Tom is completing his final academic year in aerospace systems engineering at the University of the West of England. Following his second year of study, Tom did a one year placement at Airbus UK where he worked on the A380 as part of a team in charge of re-developing the landing gear monitoring systems.