Moving on from the Obvious - Access to Build

Over the Christmas period, I was trying to push the idea that we needed to keep the aged concept of children being creative builders. The days of the Lego kit are still with us, but there is little to make children interested in the engineering prospects that come with them.

Unlike the kits of the past, they are more toy-based now, the meaning has moved across to a play-centred approach. With that, I want to target those that will still see these kits as a source for their future, allowing them the opportunity to become engineers in the years to come.

This review is about the new kits on the 'block'. I have recently had a look at Wilko's Blox. They offer a range of models from spacecraft to a nifty little velociraptor. As strange as that is, they sell some very efficient designs. The model that I built was that of a snail. I am still amazed at the build quality, even in the youngest of hands, the blox hold together with an undeniable grip.

Quality for £2!

On the whole, the quality of the pieces is impressive, unlike the early days of replicating Lego, these bricks hold together very well and the instructions are easy to follow. There is a clear comparison between the aesthetic of each model offered by Wilko against 'the leading brand'. The end results look great but lack the detail that the designers at Lego are able to achieve. Saying that, for the price point on show, they are more than adequate.

The kit that I adore the most, is that of the hot air balloon. The kit is very sweet and allows for a generic option for both boys and girls. As an aviation enthusiast, the airport is also a must buy at some point. At a price of £14, these would set you back at least twice that price for Lego. There are times when Wilko has sold these at half-price. I was able to purchase five sets, of varying sizes, for less than £10! It looks like there is a block-building toy that is in most people's price range.

Potentially bridges the gender gap.

Major STEM points to consider are the fact that the components are fully compatible with Lego, and the boxes are printed with both the dimensions of the resulting item, and a reminder that you can build anything you want. A must if we want to inspire those that are open to it.

Accessible pricing for all.

Look out for my extended-kit-review, in more detail, on my YouTube channel at MeegoshMedia. I will be covering the 5-in-1 Spacecraft Kit, Robotic Motorcycle and two bonus mini-kits.

Happy Building to you all!

NOTE: Images are property of Wilko.com.

APT - Becoming a Pilot, Presented by Pilots!

My trip to Kura's Air Pilot Training event in Stratford-Upon-Avon

I finally arrived at 10 to find an array of well dressed gentlemen, this included pilots from various airlines. There is a general buzz in the room as we wait for the 'show' to begin! I feel somewhat underdressed, suits and pilot badges shine over the coffee cups adorning the room.

Standing in the auditorium, it draws your eyes towards the stage. The Kura logo is splashed up high, with mist looming amongst the beams of light. There is an array of stands from flight companies, all ready to get you into the air.

Piles of pens are calling me. A 20p pen with a logo on it can make my day. The biggest thumbs-up right now, is seeing some 10-16 year olds attending. I can't help but feel that had the ease of access to apps such as Event-Bright existed n my teens, perhaps I would have followed this career! I would have liked to see more youngsters embracing the knowledge that this presentation had to offer!

Speaking to the chaps at Virtual Aerospace, their passion for flight simulation is inspiring. Finding out that they build fully integrated cockpits is amazing, and may see me head out for a try one day.

There are so many challenges to pilot training, watching the speakers talk about their careers should push even the most academically shy of people to have a go. This key part of the day focussed on enjoying the overall aspects of being a pilot. The love for flying clearly shines through, though I can't help feel that STEM groups from local school could have had some time here.

What came from this though, was that jobs in aviation, like many industries, are buoyant for periods of time. Landing on the right moment can really help career prospects and starting the progression towards your goal. A useful addition was an answer to a question about the selection processes for training. Personal skills are important! The message was simple, with 30% fail on first time aptitude tests, don't give up. A knock back isn't the end!

The training aspects were very interesting, the key message: Stay away from cheap Type-Rating promises! Just because they offer 500 hours flight time, the door likely awaits you at its conclusion. The prospect of flying on other continents as a means of adding hours was a great one. The cost is a staggering outline though, moving upwards of 50-60k!

They talked about the rosters and the life of a pilot. With the overall use of automatic systems, they answered the ultimate question: Is it really as glamorous? It is evident that it is! The need for new pilots in the near future is substantial. The Magic-8-Ball isn't likely to be needed very soon. With ambition and determination, the path is ready to walk down.

The BA Cityflyer initiative was one to take note of. They are progressing with a rolling program for First-Officers. With a frozen qualification, you can apply for a place. With a bonded 2-year type rating, this is great for those who are ready! Being ready is vital, making your way through the qualifications early is a clear move in the right direction.

The companies here are all offering a way of life. The idea of a career is embedded though, with only the whispers of what expenses should befall you.

With literature in hand, some more pens and a memory stick, I need to find a way of bridging this event with schools! How can we move these ideas, inspiration and experiences into the Primary field? Drawing children towards the idea of flight being closer than they may ever think is the primary goal here! Where there is aptitude with dreams, there is possibility.

All in all a keen event. I was told that it was Kura's first one of these. It was good to see a variation of vendors, all with a goal to get you into the sky, be it real or virtual. As a veteran of flight simming, I would like to have seen more presence from the community, this might have been a good time to own a Fly UK badge.

With the stage set, it is time to bring these together. As engineering firms are grasping onto opportunities in schools, it is time for the air-bound industries to come and play too.

A special mention to Hana from Take Flight, she gave me the answer to my question, and it was before I had to leave for my train! Watch this space as I may be able form the connection that I have been hoping for.

How do you feel about flight? Does it scare you? Are you like me, entangled in a loving relationship with the thought of flight, whilst awaiting the time you might grab a set of real controls?