Fresher’s and Firsts

I’m sure for a 500 word post on my first 2 weeks at Sheffield I could simply make a list of feelings and emotions and that would be it, though I get the feeling that may be a little tedious to read. Instead I’ll try to fit in everything that I’ve done, though that could be difficult.

I guess the start is packing bags and loading the car, a mixture of feelings at this point; excitement, nervousness, eagerness to get here and start making new friends. Leaving home is fairly similar, and let’s be honest, different for everyone.

Arriving in Sheffield is the same as arriving in any city I’ve been to, a maze of roads; you just have to hope you’re on the right one and not about to be hit by a tram! Arriving at Endcliffe (student village) was much nicer, if only for the lack of trams, at that point there was a sense of relief and apprehension. Relieved because we were finally there (it’s only an hour and a half from home but that feels much longer the first time), apprehensive to see what my flat was like, how many people I’d be sharing with and all those other unknowns. When I did get into the flat I was pleasantly surprised to find that my room was huge, there were only 4 of us in the flat and all seemed fairly nice.

The Matrix bouldering wall in the Goodwin Sports Centre, a good place to spend the evening with other climbers.

CU acoustic night, Upstairs at Costa in Broomhill

CU acoustic night, Upstairs at Costa in Broomhill

I’ll stop waffling on about moving in and get on with fresher’s/intro week. It was a great week to make friends and meet plenty of people, not only within the department between talks, but also from the rest of the university through the huge range of activities throughout the week. By huge range I mean that I was struggling to choose each day! It was easy to make friends as everyone was looking to make friends and you had a warm welcome from everyone. One of the places I met the most people was at the CU (Christian union) acoustic night, it was a great night to relax and talk over a coffee to people from all over the university. 

One of the highlights from fresher’s week was the model glider competition which we all took part in within the department. The challenge was to build a glider from a number of pieces of balsa wood which achieved the longest total flight time over two flights. There were plenty of designs around and plenty of failures; I would say my group was on the better side of failure though it certainly wasn’t great. Either way it was a great way to get to know a smaller group of people better which was really enjoyable and seems to have made some lasting friendships.

The Balsa Baron from Team ‘Winging It’

There were so many other events to do, and so many societies and sports teams to look in the fairs, but at the end of the day fresher’s was a busy week.

First Lecture

First lectures last Monday were a little tedious as many were introductions to topics, but things improved towards the end of the week. I’m still trying to find the best way to make notes in lectures and settling in to the new learning style takes some time.

A little student participation in lectures

A private side room and bar just for us!

I’ll finish up with the AEROSOC social from Thursday night. It was great to be with so many people doing the same course and to enjoy spending time together on a night out. It was a great way to round up my first two amazing weeks at uni.

My Favourite Aircraft

I've gotten so caught up in starting uni that I had completely forgotten about this post, I had started to write it but it no longer fits the context I was writing in so I'll start again...

A question often asked when you say you're studying Aerospace Engineering or just that you like aircraft is "What is you're favourite plane?" I've had to answer it a couple of times in the last week, my favourite is easy so I'll leave that to the end, but a top 5 would be much more representative of what I like, and also a bit more difficult to work out. Anyway, here goes:

I say here goes, but before I get started with the top 5 I will quickly list a few that didn't quite make the list but I like and on a different day might make the list:

• L39C Albatross
• F-16 Fighting Falcon 
• Eurofighter Typhoon
• Panavia Tornado
• Airbus A380
• Boeing 747-800
• Boeing 787-900
• Airbus A350
• Cessna 337 Skymaster
• Icon A5
• Vickers VC-10
• Airbus A400M
• Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
• Avro Lancaster
• Douglas DC-3 
• Radial Rocket

5: The Boeing Stearman

Breitling Wing-walkers at RIAT 2013

© Graham Haley

I have always loved the Boeing Stearman for the look and sound of it, also, the thought of flying in one with the open cockpit has always been a dream for me. The old bi-plane design with radial engine up front has a sense of nostalgia to it that reminds me of World War 1 aircraft. I also get a reminder of the early days of flying when the pilot had much less instrumentation in the cockpit and each flight was it's own adventure.

I have always had a soft spot for the sound of a radial engine and if you haven't hear one I suggest listening to this link on the Radial Rocket site. I can remember walking home from school one sunny afternoon around a year ago, I looked up when I heard an unusual sound. Sure enough there was a bright yellow Boeing Stearman flying at around 1,500ft. The sight of an aircraft like this that you don't see flying everyday combined with the wonderful engine note really did make my day.

© Graham Haley

4: Supermarine Spitfire/Hawker Hurricane

Hawker Hurricane (Left), 2 Supermarine Spitfire's (Right) @ RIAT 2010
© Graham Haley

I have never been able to choose my favourite of these two iconic WWII fighters, the noise made by the Rolls Royce Merlin and Griffon engines used in them seems to have an effect on everyone. Although the sleek metal design of the spitfire is enough to win over most, you have to admire the wood and canvas rear half of the Hurricane as well as it's status as the unsung hero of the Battle of Britain.

Although I can't decide on a favourite, they are both great aircraft and British icons. If anyone was to ever offer me a ride in one I definitely wouldn't say no.

3:  SIAI Marchetti SF.260 

Image from http://www.pilotfriend.com

Aside from the fact that I would love to own one of these aircraft in the future and tremendously enjoy flying the one I have for flight sim, there is one reason why I really like them...

Wing-tip pods (fuel tanks)!!! 

Image from http://www.pilotfriend.com

Almost all aircraft can be made to look better by the addition of wing tip fuel tanks, fact. The Marchetti is a wonderful airframe that is fully capable of aerobatics as well as being a superb cruising aircraft for general aviation due to it's high speed. They are flown but a number of air-forces as trainer aircraft and by some as fighters, most notably they are flown by 'Air Combat USA' who featured on one of the 'Top Gear' American specials.
2: Avro Vulcan 

Another British icon to add to the list, the cold war delta wing is recognised by many. I have been privileged enough to sit in the pilot's seat of one of these aircraft as well as standing under at least 3 that I can remember. One of those 3 was XH558 at RIAT this year when we were allowed to cross a live taxiway in one of the best hours of my life (that however was to do with a multitude of aircraft passing including the Red Arrows and an Airbus A400M).

XH558 'Raising the Gear' after take-off on Saturday 20th July @ RIAT 2013
© Graham Haley

The number of systems visible in the bomb-bay of a Vulcan is incredible. In XH558 there is also the plaque's of supporters names on the bomb-bay doors. For those that don't know Vulcan XH558 is the only Vulcan still flying and is privately owned by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. Currently they are looking to do some major works to the aircraft in order to extend flying life by another 2 years but the aircraft will be grounded in 2015. If you do ever go to see XH558 then look for my name on the final plaque in the bomb-bay.

One of the main reasons that the Vulcan is so famous is it's part in the first Operation 'Black Buck' where XM607 flew from Ascension island to the Falklands and back with the help of Victor tankers. I have been fortunate enough to meet the pilot of the first mission, Martin Withers DFC, which at the time was the longest bombing mission in history. 

XH558 taking off from runway 09 on Saturday 20th July @RIAT 2013
© Graham Haley

Not only do I love the Vulcan for it's history and the amazing story of it's successes, but like man others I love the sight of the huge delta wing flying through the sky. Finally, anyone who has ever heard the sound from the 4 Rolls Royce Olympus engines will understand my love for this amazing aircraft.

1: De Havilland Sea Vixen 

The only flying Sea Vixen at RNAS Yeovilton Airday 2009
© Graham Haley

 For my explanation of why I like the Sea Vixen so much I shall just tell you the story of first seeing one. RNAS Yeovilton Air Day was the first airshow that I went to (I'm not aware of going to any others that I may have been to earlier in life), I was in one of the hangars having a look around at the stands when I heard some awesome jet engine sounds. Not the roar you get from a Typhoon or F-16 using reheat, but a bassy, thunderous sound. Upon poking my head outside the hangar I saw what I thought was a superb aircraft, clearly old, but the twin tail booms and swept wing design with the fuel tanks on top of the wing was simply the best thing I had ever seen. A cliche I know, but it really was love at first sight.

The only flying Sea Vixen at RNAS Yeovilton Airday 2009
© Graham Haley

After the Sea Vixen had landed and the Rolls Royce Avon engines whined whilst she taxied, (I say she as the aircraft is known as 'Foxy Lady') I went over the have a look. The details on the Sea Vixen were something else, the triangular jet intakes in the wings, the slightly offset cockpit and the general look of the aircraft was superb. Unfortunately the camera and my use of it were much poorer than they are now so I don't have any superb photo's of it, but one day i hope to go down south and at least see one flying again.