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Back in July, together with some of the Aerospace Technical Professional Network volunteers I helped out on the IET stand at the RAF Tattoo at Fairford.  The stand which is organised by the Swindon Local Network, has evolved over the years from a 3’x3’ space to the point where this year, it was one of the largest in terms of floor space in the Innovation Zone marquee.


In addition to the STEM activities that the Swindon LN had provided, which consisted of some excellent quality hands-on activities that they’d acquired for the weekend, there were a number of IET Education 5-19 items such as ‘Build a Torch’ and new for this year ‘Build a Glider’.  The Aerospace TPN volunteers had fun being competitive in seeing whose glider could go the furthest!  Sadly despite being the daughter of a former Aeronautical engineer, it hadn’t rubbed off on me and my glider flew a few feet before hitting the deck!  


Speaking of gliders, there was also a dual seater glider simulator provided by one of the local Gloucestershire gliding clubs, which proved popular with adults and children.  I had hoped to have a go myself but there was such a queue. Mind you in view of my efforts with the Build a Glider kit, perhaps it was just as well I didn’t get in the simulator!   


The Aerospace TPN were there to promote IET membership/professional registration and also raise awareness of the TPN and it was great to have members/non-members stop by the stand to engage with what was on offer, we hopefully picked up some new members for our Aerospace Engineering Communities area as well.


David Lindley, the TPN Chairman who works for Hybrid Air Vehicles brought along a scaled down wind tunnel and some models of the Airlander, so he could demonstrate lift and drag at various speeds.  HAV also provided two of their apprentices on the Friday and they did some experiments with balloons and helium which were interesting and popular with adults and children alike.


This year it was the 100th anniversary of the RAF and the Tattoo, so there were lots of special activities going on throughout the weekend.  There was also some interesting aircraft in the flying displays. I must remember next year to take ear defenders with me, as the noise from the Typhoon and some of the other fighter jets was truly deafening. It certainly sorted out my ear wax problem!


We captured some images from inside and outside the marquee, a few of which are attached to this blog, but you can view more by clicking here


Did you make it to the tattoo this year, if so what was your favourite aspect of the event and if it was the flying display, which aircraft provided the best display?