Aeronautical Engineering Personal Statement
Aeronautical Engineering Personal Statement
The first time I flew in a Boeing 747 aged 11, I was captivated by the implausibility of the aircraft; by the idea that something so heavy could defy gravity with such speed and grace. This sense of wonderment has never left me and my insatiable curiosity about aircraft has invoked a real interest in their mechanics. Watching documentaries on the challenges of building space shuttles or the Airbus A380 gave a real insight into the complex and often surprising nature of engineering in practice; I was intrigued that during wing vortex development for the A380, birds were analysed to investigate wing tip performance. I am an avid reader of Engineering and Technology magazine and recently enjoyed an article on the launch failure of the Proton-M rocket. This inspired me to visit the NASA Kennedy Space Centre where I viewed the components engineered to produce the amazing Saturn V and spoke to an astronaut about handling space shuttles. Studying mechanics in both my Maths and Physics A-Levels has inspired me to fuse my academic ability with my passionate interest, in order to work in this exciting field: aeronautical engineering is the obvious choice.
I am most interested in aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion, as although there have been massive improvements on the primitive piston engine, such as the advent of the jet engine, there is still much to be done to optimise the efficiency of both aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion systems. A new development in propulsion could be designing a new form of jet engine to use alternative fuels as after crude oil reserves are exhausted, no existing jet engine will be able to operate. Reading ‘The Mechanics of Flight’ gave me an undergraduate level taste of aeronautical mechanics and encouraged me to think laterally about these systems. Although I am the first person in my family to go to university, I feel more than ready, and am currently taking a course developed by Cambridge University to teach the skills needed for university including presentation, research and essay writing.
I take pride in always achieving the best possible results through giving 100% and encouraging others. I was commended after my Gold DofE Expedition by my examiner as having ‘Natural Leadership Skills’; also reflected by my election to deputy head boy at school. My duties have included organising the prom and giving presentations as well as working with teachers and students to promote cohesion through events such as a sports day. As leader of my school orchestra I make key musical decisions alongside playing solos in school concerts, which demands commitment and responsibility. In my local youth orchestra, which I have attended weekly for 9 years, as co-leader I know that teamwork is essential for a perfect performance. Engineers frequently work closely together, and I believe that two heads are often better than one; something which has become apparent as I have volunteered in my school Maths department to help younger students, and seen them progress as a result. Interpersonal skills have also been important in my work experience. During a 2-week placement at Standard Bank PLC I dealt with customers, observed meetings and upheld the confidentiality policy, gaining the trust of the company. I have since worked for a telecoms company, allowing me to use my computer knowledge to help customers, which has been very rewarding. In my free time I enjoy both sport and music. I am training privately for a Triathlon to improve my physical performance, and will take my grade 7 in violin this year.
Just as Brunel did with the railway, I wish to leave a lasting impact on the aviation industry and this degree would give me the tools required to pursue my career as an engineer for a multinational company such as Boeing or Airbus. This area of engineering never ceases to amaze and excite me; and I can bring true passion, as well as skill, to the field.
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