An Aerospace Engineering student from Solihull College & University Centre is on an upwards career trajectory as he spends his free time studying for his next pilot’s licence.
Hugo Oxby, 17, is studying on the College’s Aerospace Engineering courses at Woodlands Campus. He always had an interest in flying and when he was 13, he got on his bike, cycled to his local flying club, and asked to join.
He was just 14 when he took his first solo flight – at the time making him the youngest pilot in the UK. He comments: “The freedom it gives me is great. It’s the most incredible experience and I have seen some amazing sights. I have flown to Wales and across Cyprus.”
Hugo has flown over 60 flights as a solo pilot. He is now studying to take the next step and pass his engine plane licence when he is 18. This means he will be able to take passengers with him. He adds: “My instructor always says the most dangerous part of flying is driving to the airport. I feel very safe when I’m up in the sky and can’t wait to get my next licence to be able to take people up with me and they can share this experience.”
Hugo completed his work experience at Birmingham Airport and was able to see behind the scenes of the A380. He is now finishing his first year of his Level 3 Aerospace Engineering course and will look to apply for the RAF as a pilot when his course finishes.
The College’s Woodlands Campus features an aircraft hangar containing a former Royal Navy Aircraft, along with flight simulators, wind tunnels and other state-of-the-art equipment.
