Introduction
Hello, my name is Callum and I’m an aeronautical engineer from the UK. I currently work on large engine designs for Rolls-Royce and specialise in aircraft performance and evaluation. This role includes analysing lots of data to assess civil airliner performance and ultimately advise customers on how to improve their efficiency over their route networks. It involves creating digital aircraft models, running route capability analysis, and understanding flight operations. Aside from work, I am pursuing my Private Pilot Licence which has been a long-held dream of mine. I am passionate about everything aerospace so it is a dream-come-true to be able to work in this field!
My journey into an aviation career
I was inspired by aviation at a very young age. I was lucky enough to travel abroad when I was a child and I was always more excited for the flight than the holiday itself! My grandad would take me up to see the cockpit to meet the pilots on each flight: I guess this is where my passion for aviation started. Fast forward a few years and everyone knew what I wanted to do when I grew up – become a pilot! To scratch that itch I joined my local Air Cadet squadron and was awarded both a gliding and a flying scholarship where I flew solo on both. Following this though, I struggled with funding my flight training for pilot jobs so decided to change direction. I went to university to study Aeronautical Engineering and enjoyed it so much that I enrolled for a Master’s degree in Aerodynamics. As someone who enjoys learning new things, these two courses were challenging but incredibly enjoyable. Before graduating with my Master’s degree, I applied for and was fortunate to be offered a role in large engine design at Rolls-Royce.
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An average day in my role
An average day in my aircraft performance role varies depending on the projects I am working on. I could be running route analysis for a sales campaign, generating new digital aircraft models, or analysing flight data to provide flight operations assistance to airlines. I need to be constantly learning about the aviation industry to develop my knowledge of civil airliner design, aircraft performance, route networks, and flight operations. Because of this, it’s a really interesting job for someone who enjoys learning new things and is a self-confessed AvGeek!
At a large company like Rolls-Royce, there is a lot of scope to develop your individual skillset and tailor your career to what you find most interesting or enjoyable. For instance, I started at Rolls-Royce as a whole engine designer where I developed safety systems for one of our large civil engines. Because of my interest in aircraft, I pursued a move into aircraft performance which satisfies a lot more of my interests than the whole engine design role did. It’s a continuously evolving process though and as I progress through my career I’m sure my knowledge and interests will develop further.
My tips for aspiring aviation professionals
My top tips for any aspiring aviation professional are:
1. Do anything to gain experience in the industry.
Get involved with a local group that has an interest in aviation – this could be a gliding club, a plane spotters group at the local airport, or the Air Cadets like what I joined. This will give you exposure to aviation and experiences that will pay dividends when it comes to applying for jobs and courses. Any experience is good experience!
2. Join a professional institution.
I am an Associate Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and regularly read their magazine, attend lectures, and partake in events they run. Being part of an organisation like this allows you to meet other people in the industry and develop your knowledge. It also shows potential employers that you are serious about your career in aviation and are genuinely interested in working in the industry.
3. Make your own path into the industry.
Don’t assume the only way into aviation is to gain a place on flagship recruitment schemes run by large companies. Don’t get me wrong, apprenticeships and graduate schemes are fantastic training programs, but they also tend to be highly competitive. I applied directly for my whole engine design job at Rolls-Royce rather than joining the graduate scheme. A colleague of mine applied for a different graduate scheme and then transferred to engineering once he had completed his scheme. Think outside the box when applying for roles!
4. Finally, be persistent and remain passionate about aviation!
It can be a challenge trying to get your first role within the aviation industry but don’t despair! There are lots of varied interesting roles available in aviation and each will offer a different perspective on the industry. I am currently training for my Private Pilot Licence and this is providing exposure to a completely different aspect of aviation from what I do in my aeronautical engineer jobs. The exciting thing about this is I don’t know where my pilot training will lead me next or what it will add to my career. Stay persistent and continuously pursue your aviation passion.
To find out more about aeronautical engineering and follow my pilot training journey, visit my website, or follow me on Instagram: @flyingcallum.
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