Ruby Wood standing outside the Cirrus SR22T plane.
Ruby Wood standing outside the Cirrus SR22T plane.

A passion for aviation - Air Transport management student has some exciting flying experiences

Intro

Ruby Wood, who is studying Air Transport Management (Airline and Airport specialist) at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) at the University of West London has had some exciting flying experiences recently.

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Rub wood taking part in the Platinum Concorde experience on the only original operational Concorde Simulator

Earlier this year she did the platinum Concorde experience on the only original operational Concorde Simulator in the world at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey. Guiding her on how to fly the simulator were former Concorde pilots Mike Bannister and John Tye who gave her lots of chances to ask questions about their experiences of flying.

It was the coolest experience I think I've ever had!” says Ruby. “Concorde is such an icon in the aviation world and being able to say that I have been behind its controls fills me with joy. Mike and John took such an interest in my passion for aviation and said I had a natural ability for flying!"

Ruby Wood sat next to a professional pilot in a Cirrus SR22T plane

After the experience, Ruby stayed in contact with John, and he invited her and her family to fly in his Cirrus SR22T up to see the Vulcan Bomber at Wellesbourne airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon. They flew from Fairoaks Airport in Surrey and Ruby was able to have a turn on the controls.

Ruby said,

It was really inspiring to learn in the cockpit directly from one so experienced. It was amazing to see the Vulcan Bomber up close and sit in the cockpit! I even flew most of the way home!"

Ruby Wood flying the Cirrus SR22T plane with views from above.

Since the start of September, Ruby has been volunteering to do aviation photography for airshows, such as The Victory Show in Cosby, Leicestershire, and Wings and Wheels at North Weald Airfield in Essex. After The Victory Show, she was able to get a flight home in a WW2 aircraft, the 86-year-old C47 ‘Drag ’em Oot’, which was part of D-Day, and saw service during the Second World War. 

Ash Mistry, Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Air Transport Management (Airline and Airport Specialist), said,

What amazing experiences for one of our students! To hear Mike and John, two legends of aviation, comment positively on Ruby's flying ability is amazing to hear. Well done, Ruby!"

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