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The next generation of aeronautical engineers?
The future of aeronautical engineering looks bright as excited tamariki from Campus Corner Early Learning Centre toured NMIT’s new Aviation Hangar.
NMIT was delighted to host a keen (and cute) group of potential future aviators at its brand-new Aviation Hangar on its Nelson Campus recently. Led by Head Teacher, CJ Strange and Senior Teacher, Tish Lingard, Local Early Learning Centre, Campus Corner brought their three and four-year-old tamariki to the hangar for a memorable experience.
The new NMIT Aviation Hangar has been fully retrofitted to provide a hands-on learning experience for the first cohort of Level 3 Aeronautical Engineering students. The hangar houses four full-sized and functional aircraft, including the lightweight fixed-wing Cessna 150, and two retired Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft – a BAC Strikemaster training aircraft and an Iroquois Helicopter, known as “Huey”. This variety of aircraft, along with specialised electronics and mechanics workshop spaces, give NMIT’s aeronautical engineering students the hands-on experience they need to fly into a career in aeronautical engineering.
The tamariki from Campus Corner were able to not only tour the facilities but get an up-close-and-personal experience with the aircraft in the hangar. Aviation Tutor, Dave Turner showed the group around and was excited to share his experience with the children.
The BAC Strikemaster Training Aircraft proved a favourite amongst the children, each getting a chance in the pilot's seat.
"It’s really funny that a seat can fly out of the plane when you push something!”, one child remarked as Dave explained the ejection seat mechanism.
Campus Corner, located just across the carpark from the Aviation Hanger, has a close relationship with NMIT , providing discounted childcare to both kaimahi (staff) and ākonga (learners). Their handy location gave the children a sneak preview of the aviation programme as the hangar was fitted out back in November 2024. They had front-row seats to watch as the Iroquois Helicopter, the “Huey,” was loaded into its new home. NMIT was excited to welcome the tamariki for a second look at the Huey and give them a seat aboard. As part of the tour, Dave showed the children the specialist rescue equipment used in rescue missions.
CJ Wright, Head Teacher at Campus Corner said it was great for the children to learn about aviation in a tangible way
“This hands-on experience sparked curiosity, excitement, and wonder”, she said.
Dave enjoyed hosting the group, noting that their enthusiasm could lead to an interest in aviation.
“It was great to see the young future aviators from Campus Corner; I hope we see a couple of them join us on our new aviation maintenance courses in a few years.”
