Aviation Society
Aviation Society
Being a member of the Aviation Society was one of the most thrilling and fulfilling aspects of my time at Buckinghamshire New University. Joining the society felt like a logical next step for someone who is passionate about aviation and is enrolled in the Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training course. However, I was surprised by how much it would improve my university experience on all levels—academically, socially, and personally.
The Aviation Society was like a second family from the start. Whether you were a first-year student just starting your journey, or a final-year student deep into coursework and flight hours, the society brought us all together through a shared love for aviation.
Our monthly or biweekly aviation-themed quizzes were one of the most memorable aspects of the society. These quizzes weren't your typical ones, though; they were challenging, thrilling, and frequently hilariously competitive. Everyone gave it their all because there were prizes up for grabs. When a free coffee voucher or aviation merchandise is up for grabs, you'd be shocked at how enthusiastic people can get about airline trivia, aircraft tail numbers, and airspace regulations!
Beyond the competition, though, these tests were an enjoyable way to learn more, connect with classmates from different years, and maintain our mental acuity with both general and technical knowledge. They fostered a feeling of community, and I frequently found myself anticipating them more and more.
Our trips to see planes, particularly at Heathrow Airport, were another highlight. These excursions were among the most thrilling social gatherings. It's hard not to feel inspired when you watch aviation in action at one of the busiest airports in the world, regardless of your interest in the engineering side of aviation, commercial airline operations, or simply the excitement of watching planes take off and land.
With binoculars, cameras, and hot beverage flasks in hand, we would spend hours at spotting points, obsessing over airline liveries, aircraft models, and even real-time flight route tracking. In addition to being instructive, these outings were a fantastic way to relax and make new friends in a laid-back, common interest environment.
However, the Aviation Society's emphasis on people and the environment rather than just aircraft truly caught my attention. Our visit to Bournemouth Beach, where we participated in a clean-up campaign to gather trash and support environmental preservation, was one of our most impactful experiences.
Spending the day with friends by the sea, keeping our coastlines clean, and having some crucial discussions about aviation sustainability made for a healthy experience. It served as a reminder that, as the industry's future leaders, we must also help to create a more accountable and environmentally conscious future.
Additionally, the Aviation Society went above and beyond to introduce us to the actual aviation sector. We had the incredible opportunity to tour the British Airways office, which allowed us to get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how one of the country's flagship airlines operates. Many of us were inspired to consider our future career paths with the priceless insights we acquired.
It was even more thrilling when the society arranged for TUI and Jet2 to visit our university and interact with students. These weren't your typical presentations; industry experts shared their personal stories, offered guidance on how to get started, and enthusiastically and honestly answered our questions.
Hearing from professionals in the field we were training for was tremendously motivating. What's the best part? All aviation students from all years were welcome to attend these events, so even first-years could get a sneak peek at what life might be like after graduation.
The BNU Aviation Society's inclusiveness and activity are its greatest features. The society ensures that everyone is included, regardless of whether they are a student pilot, an aspiring operations manager, or simply someone who enjoys flying. Everybody has a place, a voice, and a chance to participate.
I was able to make friends and connections outside of lectures and flight briefings by being a part of the society. It gave us a place to help each other, have fun, get more knowledge about the field, and feel like we were a part of something greater than ourselves.
Join the BNU Aviation Society if you're thinking about doing so. It's among the best choices you'll make while attending college, I promise. It's a journey full of memories, development, and an unending love for the skies, from entertaining quizzes and seeing planes at Heathrow to cleaning beaches and meeting airline professionals.
