FIA 2016: Tim Peake opens Futures Day
In his first official UK appearance since landing after his epic journey to the International Space Station, Major Tim Peake today officially opened Futures Day at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2016. Futures Day is one of the largest engagement opportunities for young people to learn how their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can lead to an exciting career. Experts and professionals from industry are on hand to speak to young people from schools, universities and youth associations from across the UK; providing insight and guidance as well as a range of hands-on activities.
Speaking at the official opening to Futures Day, Major Tim Peake said: “I was here two years ago and it’s a real honour to be here again at the Farnborough International Airshow 2016. Futures Day, I think, is the most important day at the Air Show, the reason I say that is because it’s all about the guys here, about their future and the future of the space industry.”
Major Tim Peake then took questions for nearly an hour from more than 100 assembled children in the show’s Space Zone.
Major Tim (second from left, above) went on to present awards following the final of the International Rocketry Competition held earlier at the Airshow, with the awards ceremony taking place in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO CD (above, right), who is a qualified pilot of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, President of the Light Aircraft Association and a Fellow of the the Royal Aeronautical Society. A team of Year 7 and 8 pupils from Abbeyfield School in Chippenham, Wiltshire (above) came second against schools from the USA, France and Japan in the final. All of the teams had competed in national competitions which required them to design and build a rocket capable of taking off to a target altitude of 850 feet with two raw eggs on board, landing them intact.
Speaking about the competition, Major Tim said: “I may have been launched into space in a rocket but the guys here would know more about that process than me.”
John Pickering, Cross Phase Leader of STEM at Abbeyfield School said: “Gutted not to win but delighted to have taken part and receive our second place prize from inspirational figure Major Tim Peake.”
The youth model rocket competition is now in its tenth year, organised in the UK by trade association ADS Group. Designed to encourage teamwork, creativity and innovation, The UK Aerospace and Rocketry Challenge had an overwhelming number of entrants this year. More than 185 students and 34 teams from across the UK took part in preliminary rounds.
Photo By Phil Weymouth / Copyright FIL
Paul Everitt (above), CEO of ADS said: “It was a great honour to have Major Tim Peake officially open Futures Day at the Farnborough Airshow; I can think of no one more inspiring for the young people who attended the day to meet. I was delighted he could present the awards at the Rocketry Final and congratulate the team from Abbeyfield School on their achievement.
“The future success of our industries is dependent on a new generation coming through with qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths. Futures Day and The Rocketry Challenge are and engaging way for young people to explore how these subjects are put into practical use.
“These young people have the potential to succeed in our industry and enjoy successful and rewarding careers.”
Futures Day is a great opportunity for young people to become inspired by the career opportunities available to those studying STEM subjects. With participation from organisations including Rolls-Royce, Thales, Raytheon and MBDA, it serves to introduce students to the breadth of UK industry, as well as to inform teachers and advisors.
There was a range of interactive and engaging activities, led by industry experts, provided throughout the day including:
Explore a replica of Mars with a remote-controlled rover
Build a missile
Trial aircraft simulators
Understand how aircraft safety systems work, make decisions to ensure a safe flight
Design how to drop a parcel of aid to a remote village from an A400M
Meet the record-breaking Icarus Wingsuit Team, and build and flight-test an ironman-like model wingsuit
Build and test a model glider
Career advice from industry leaders.