The rumble beneath my feet, the scent of jet fuel in the air, the vast expanse of the sky beckoning – these sensations have always been my compass, guiding me toward a lifelong fascination with flight. Even as I approach the culmination of my engineering studies this July, the thrill of aviation remains as potent as ever.
Graduation isn’t just an end; it’s the moment the wheels finally lift off the tarmac, the beginning of a new journey. This post isn’t simply a reflection on my academic path, but rather a charting of my trajectory, from the initial spark of inspiration to the runway of professional possibility. It’s a story of “taxing,” of carefully navigating the pathways of education and experience, preparing for the moment I can truly soar. Like many dreamers before me, I’ve always looked skyward, drawn to the freedom and boundless potential that flight represents.
And like Da Vinci, whose words about tasting flight and forever yearning to return resonate deeply, I believe that the pursuit of flight is more than just a career; it’s a calling. This journey, though challenging, has solidified my conviction that engineering, combined with a relentless passion for aviation, is my path to making a real contribution to the world of flight.
Laying the Foundation
My fascination with flight wasn’t a sudden epiphany; it was a slow burn, kindled by countless hours spent watching planes take off and land at the local airport. The sheer power and elegance of these machines, defying gravity with seemingly effortless grace, captivated my young imagination. I wasn’t just watching airplanes; I was envisioning myself in the cockpit, soaring through the clouds, exploring the world from a different perspective.
This early fascination wasn’t just a daydream; it fuelled a genuine curiosity about how things worked. I took apart old toys and electronics, trying to understand their inner workings, driven by an insatiable need to understand the mechanics behind the magic. In high school, I gravitated toward science and math classes, recognizing them as the fundamental building blocks of engineering. I joined the science club, eagerly participating in experiments and projects, always seeking to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications.
Building model airplanes became a passion, not just for the fun of it, but for the opportunity to experiment with aerodynamics and design. I remember one particular model, a sleek glider I painstakingly constructed, that actually flew remarkably well. The feeling of seeing my creation take flight, even for a brief moment, was exhilarating. It solidified my belief that engineering wasn’t just about equations and formulas; it was about bringing ideas to life, about turning dreams into reality.
My high school years were about more than just academics; they were about nurturing that initial spark of interest, fanning the flames of my passion for aviation, and laying the groundwork for the journey ahead. It was during this time that the dream of becoming an engineer, contributing to the world of flight, began to take shape, becoming more than just a distant aspiration, but a tangible goal.
Choosing the path
The path to pursuing my passion for aviation wasn’t a straight line; it was a winding road filled with unexpected detours and frustrating roadblocks. Immediately after high school, the reality of obligatory military service loomed. Like many young men, I harbored dreams of becoming a military pilot, envisioning myself soaring through the skies in a fighter jet.
However, fate had other plans. A medical condition, discovered during the mandatory physical examination, shattered those aspirations. The disappointment was profound; it felt like the first major turbulence in my flight plan. The dream of military aviation was grounded before it even took off. Disheartened but not defeated, I attempted to navigate the world of higher education. I enrolled in university, initially choosing a different subject – Automation, Information, and Control Technologies. While the technical aspects of the field held some interest, the spark that had ignited my passion for aviation was missing. The academic environment felt disconnected from my true calling, and the weight of my circumstances, the frustration of my dashed pilot dreams, made it difficult to focus. The initial attempt at university ended in a dropout.
The rationality of studying without a clear connection to my aviation goals was lost. The dream, although dimmed, never fully extinguished. It flickered in the back of my mind, a constant reminder of what I truly wanted to achieve. Decades later, in 2018, that flicker reignited into a flame. Life circumstances had shifted, providing an opportunity to revisit my academic pursuits. I decided to return to university, determined to finally pursue my engineering degree and, ultimately, my aviation dreams. This time, the focus was clear: every course, every assignment, was a step closer to the skies. The intervening years had provided valuable perspective, and I approached my studies with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity. However, misfortune struck yet again.
Just six months shy of graduation, in February 2022, I was forced to put my studies on hold for another two and a half years due to unforeseen circumstances. The timing was particularly cruel, so close to achieving my goal. The frustration was immense, but the dream of flight, the yearning to contribute to the aviation world, kept me going.
Finally, in September 2024, I was able to return to my studies, more determined than ever to cross the finish line. This journey has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring nature of passion. The detours and delays have only strengthened my resolve and solidified my commitment to a career in aviation. I’m now back on the runway, preparing for takeoff, and I’m more ready than ever to soar.
Diving Deeper
Returning to university in 2018 felt like re-entering the atmosphere after a long and unexpected spaceflight. There was a mix of excitement and trepidation, a sense of unfinished business coupled with the realization that I had a lot of ground to cover. The intervening years, while challenging, had provided a valuable perspective. I returned with a renewed sense of purpose, a burning desire to not only complete my degree but to excel, to make up for lost time, and to finally realize my aviation dreams. The initial courses, while familiar, felt different this time. They weren’t just hurdles to clear; they were essential building blocks in the foundation of my future.
I approached each lecture, each assignment, with an intensity and focus that I hadn’t possessed during my first attempt. The core curriculum, the calculus, physics, and introductory engineering principles, became more than just abstract concepts; they were tools, instruments in the hands of an aspiring engineer. I devoured textbooks, sought out extra resources, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions, determined to master the fundamentals. The university environment, once a source of distraction, became a source of inspiration. I connected with professors, engaging in discussions about their research and seeking their guidance. I joined various online Aviation Engineering groups again, finding camaraderie with fellow students who shared my passion. This time, however, I wasn’t just a passive participant; I actively sought leadership roles, organizing events, mentoring younger students, and contributing to projects. I wanted to immerse myself fully in the engineering community, to absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. As I progressed to the upper-level courses, the real challenge began. Aerodynamics, aircraft design, propulsion systems, flight control – these subjects weren’t just theoretical anymore; they were the keys to unlocking the world of flight. I remember struggling with a particularly complex assignment in abstract algebra and group theory, spending countless hours trying to understand the intricacies of airflow and lift generation. But the feeling of finally grasping the concept, of seeing the equations come to life, was exhilarating. It was a reminder of why I had returned, of the passion that drove me to overcome every obstacle.
I recognized the critical importance of practical experience and sought opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and application. This led me to an invaluable opportunity: working with Latecoere, a major Airbus subcontractor. This experience wasn’t just an internship; it was a deep dive into the real world of aircraft manufacturing. I worked on A320 Electronics Rack Module, later on manufacturing the two side skirts of the nose landing gear compartment, and then I moved up to the position of Production Organizer on the A350 Doors line. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into the complexities of aircraft design and manufacturing. I learned about finite element analysis, CAD software, manufacturing processes, and real-time quality control procedures. Working alongside experienced engineers at Latecoere allowed me to see firsthand how theoretical concepts are applied in practice, how design decisions impact manufacturing processes, and how crucial collaboration is in the aviation industry.
This experience not only improved my technical skills but also taught me the importance of attention to detail and the need for rigorous testing in aircraft design. The experience at Latecoere wasn’t just a line on my resume; it was a transformative period that solidified my understanding of the aviation industry and fueled my passion for contributing to its future. It made my return to university even more purposeful, as I could now connect the theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. I approached each challenge with a hunger for knowledge, a determination to make up for lost time, and a burning desire to contribute to the world of flight. The setbacks and delays had only fueled my passion, making me even more determined to succeed.
This time, I wasn’t just studying engineering; I was living it, breathing it, and preparing for the moment I could finally take off.
Ready to Take-off
My senior year has arrived, bringing with it the culmination of years of study, hard work, and unwavering dedication. It’s a bittersweet moment, filled with the excitement of graduation and the anticipation of what lies ahead, but also tinged with the realization that this chapter is coming to a close. The capstone project, started as small talk with a very close friend of mine- a multirole drone for wild fire patrols, has become the central focus of my academic life.
This project isn’t just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to put everything I’ve learned into practice, to tackle a real-world challenge, and to contribute something meaningful to the field of aviation. My experience at Latecoere, where I learned about aircraft structures and materials, has been invaluable in this project. I’m applying the knowledge I gained there to optimize the design, focusing on reducing weight and improving durability. Working on this project has been an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. It’s pushed me to think critically, to problem-solve creatively, and to collaborate effectively with my team members. It’s also reinforced the importance of meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and attention to detail – qualities that are absolutely essential in the field of aviation.
As I approach graduation, the job search has also become a priority. I’m actively seeking opportunities to apply my skills and knowledge in a challenging and rewarding role within the aviation industry. My experiences at university, particularly my time at Latecoere, have given me a clear understanding of the diverse career paths available and have helped me define my own aspirations. I’m particularly interested in aircraft design, propulsion, structural analysis, systems engineering, flight testing. I’m confident that the combination of my academic background, my practical experience at Latecoere, and my unwavering passion for aviation makes me a strong candidate for entry-level engineering positions. I’m eager to continue learning, to contribute to innovative projects, and to make a real impact on the future of flight.
The journey from my initial fascination with airplanes to this point has been long and challenging, but it’s also been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve overcome setbacks, I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’ve emerged stronger and more determined than ever. I’m now standing on the runway, ready for takeoff, excited to see where my passion for aviation and my engineering skills will take me.
The future is uncertain, but I’m confident that I’m well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
I’m ready to soar.
