High-flying apprentices studying at MTC Training - the training arm of the Manufacturing Technology Centre - are getting the chance to build major components for an airworthy light aeroplane in an initiative to give them valuable manufacturing experience.
The apprentice team is celebrating after completing the first stage of the project - a critical structure for the left wing. They plan to have both left and right wing assemblies complete over the coming weeks, along with the aircraft's fuel tanks.
Apprentices from the MTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry are part of a consortium that includes students at Aston University Engineering Academy and the Royal Air Force, working on Project Slingshot – the Air League’s aircraft building initiative which seeks to deliver STEM learning through building a light aircraft.
Supported by the Department for Transport, Project Slingshot will result in the manufacture of an airworthy Sling 2 aircraft for cadet and youth flying training and the delivery of Air League flying scholarships.
The project will give MTC Training's apprentices an insight into a career in aerospace and aircraft manufacture, as they gain hands-on experience by building the aircraft assemblies to a professional standard. The assemblies will be shipped to RAF Cosford for final assembly into a complete aircraft. After approval by a light aircraft association inspector the aircraft will take to the skies for its maiden test flight. The aim is that the apprentices who built it will get the chance to fly in it.
Project Slingshot is designed to give participants hands-on experience in aviation manufacture and flight in addition to developing valuable skills in engineering, project management and teamwork. The team has learned about aviation manufacturing quality standards including traceability, record-keeping standards, visual inspections and technical approvals as well as the practical skills of aircraft manufacture.
The team is led by Luke Mullins as senior technical advisor, supported by programme delivery manager James Wagstaff. Both are former technicians in the RAF. Project manager is Shakeela Cumberbatch.
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