Leonardo Mechanical Engineer wins RAeS Young Person Lecture competition

13 May 2022

Leonardo first year Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Jennifer Miles, has won the RAeS Yeovil Branch’s 2022 Reggie Brie Award for their annual young person’s lecture competition.

Jennifer chose to base her presentation around rotors and engineers, and was motivated to enter the competition to demonstrate what flight mechanics can achieve in the wider world. Highlights of her presentation included details of flight physics and the technology behind a tandem helicopter. A tandem helicopter has two main rotors that provide much higher lifting capability, as well as added stability to carry cargo.

Jennifer said: “Flight mechanics is fundamental to aviation as it allows you to understand preliminary flight performance and simulate designs before deciding on a final configuration. We use simulation software that offers a reasonably accurate assessment of the initial concept, reducing the need to physically test systems, and decreasing the carbon footprint of the programme through the reduction of flight hours.”

Jennifer, 26, grew up in Exmoor National Park and became interested in aviation after learning about the history of flight test and how it has progressed from the Wright Brothers to today’s cutting-edge technology.

Her success comes just a few months into her first year as a gradate at Leonardo's Yeovil helicopter facility. The company's graduate scheme has seen many high flyers receive recognition for their achievement. In fact, Jennifer received her award from last year's recipient, Amy Petrie, herself a graduate of the scheme.

The competition allows young members to practise their presentation skills in front of a panel of expert judges, before fielding questions in a more developed discussion session. RAeS Yeovil Branch is one of the most active branches in the UK and it aims to develop the potential of young local people to raise their awareness of aerospace and aviation so they might consider a career in this field in the future.

Elizabeth Brie first established the awards in honour of her father Reggie Brie MBE, a pioneer of rotary wing aviation. Over the years, Elizabeth worked with great dedication to increase young people’s awareness of the contribution of UK aerospace and aviation specialists make to Britain’s international standing as a global innovator.