MSc in Aerospace Dynamics<\/a>, Arun was able to be the flight test engineer for a first flight of a new aircraft from Cranfield Airport as part of his thesis project. That meant brief, debrief and post-flight analysis were all conducted as part of his studies which may well be the first time in the UK a student has had the chance to be such a pivotal part of a new aeroplane first flight.<\/p>\nThe plane \u2013 designated G-JEMP \u2013 is a Bristell NG5 Speedwing built from a kit by Wayne Precious, founder of Azure Flight Training based at Cranfield Airport. Wayne had asked Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University and an exceptionally experienced test pilot, to guide G-JEMP through its first flight. But Guy had the idea to use the process as a way for an MSc student to run a thesis project focusing on flight testing the plane.<\/p>\n
The project was in two phases. The first was the initial testing to ensure the basic safety of the aeroplane to the standard needed by the Light Aircraft Association to issue a Permit to Fly. The second was an investigation aeroplane\u2019s potential to be operated under Instrument Flight Rules. Arun had the opportunity to be aboard the plane for the phase two test flights, acting as airborne Flight Test Observer. That was to investigate the ability of the aeroplane to be flown safely in cloud \u2013 which the type of plane is not currently approved to do \u2013 and then make recommendations as to how those approvals might be obtained in future.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the experience, Arun said: \u201cComing from an aircraft design background, this project was a fantastic opportunity to gain knowledge and experience to start me on a career path into flight test engineering.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy primary role as a flight test engineer was to plan the tests that are required by the Light Aircraft Association. With the flight test plan and schedule approved, I then created the flight test cards and briefings for each of the test flights, as well as helping the owner complete the required paperwork for the flight test permit.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the aircraft doesn\u2019t have specialised flight test equipment and live telemetry, it was a new challenge to plan the required tests and a different experience from the flight tests in Cranfield\u2019s National Flying Laboratory Classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a student, I can honestly say that this project helped me build experience in various areas. The challenges were exciting and the first flight of G-JEMP will be a lifelong memory for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guy Gratton said: \u201cIt has been a rewarding experience giving an MSc student the opportunity to act as Flight Test Engineer for the first flight of a new build aeroplane, working to real industry standards and documents, and taking the project from the academic realm into the uncompromising standards required of real flight testing.\u00a0In achieving that, the support from Wayne Precious at Cranfield based Azure Flight Training \u2013 who built the aeroplane \u2013 and the airport services including ATC and the fire section have been absolutely invaluable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n