David Falcó Orduna: An unforgettable year at Cranfield

As I am closer to the end of my stay at Cranfield, it is incredible to look back and see the growth, both academically and personally. It is unbelievable how fast this year has gone, with intense periods of studies, exciting projects, and unforgettable experiences.

The first bits of 2024 have been very challenging going through all the modules of the MSc and working hard on all the group assessments and exams. From performing a conceptual design of an aircraft wing to hands-on experiments on many of Cranfield’s Wind Tunnels, I have enjoyed and learned a lot both in the theoretical and the practical aspects of aerodynamics.

Currently, I am fully focused on my thesis, making use of Cranfield’s HPC (High-Performance Computer) for my CFD simulations. This time, the workplace has shifted from the classroom to more individual research with the support of my supervisors. However, I am always interacting with classmates eager to explain and let you see first-hand what are they working on, such as the tests done at the 8 x 6 wind tunnel with Cranfield’s Saab model.

Balancing studies and life

At Cranfield, there is plenty of time for everything. Beyond the course, I have enjoyed my time in the UK. Playing tennis and watching football have been great ways to relax and recharge. I have been incredibly lucky as both club and country have been successful during my time here. First, Real Madrid gets to the Champions League Final in London, and I could see them lift the trophy from the Victoria

 

Embankment Real Madrid fan zone, as well as see how London transformed for this important event. Then I experienced a fantastic Euro cup with Spain beating strong rivals up to the final in a crowded Cranfield Students’ Association (CSA) atmosphere.

 

NFLC experience

Last July was full of aeronautical highlights. I never get enough of seeing planes. First, I had the student flight experience at the NFLC Slingsby with Pete Hughes on the commands, having fun in the air with many acrobatics and experiencing from the cockpit, the effects of control, stability, and stall.

 

I attended two events that I had highlighted on my calendar before coming to Cranfield as a “must-go”.

The first one was the Royal International Air Tattoo, where I caught up with Graham Braithwaite with Cranfield’s Saab 340B, part of the “Pushing the Boundaries” display, and I had a blast with the incredible flight performances from different air forces around the world.

Not even a week later, I found myself with my Cranfield University badge at the Farnborough International Air Show more industry-focused. There were so many aircraft, both on static and flying display that I would have stayed there for more time to be able to see everything carefully. But it is incredibly motivating to see the industry and products you will work on showcasing that amount of power with civil aircraft, climbing vertically and feeling the earth vibrate with the fighter jet engines. For me, the highlight was seeing the iconic Spitfire in flight, as it is one of my favourites airplanes, and I had never seen one flying, and hearing that Rolls-Royce Merlin engine sound was just magnificent.

Looking ahead

As I wrap up my thesis and prepare to present my findings, I am getting ready to leave Cranfield. It has been an incredible year, I’ve had the best preparation possible before jumping into the industry and kick-off my career as an aerodynamics engineer.

The Careers and Employability Service, especially Lucille Folker, has been invaluable in supporting me through interview preparations and providing feedback on my applications. As eager as I am to see my next steps, I will make the most of these last weeks at Cranfield to end this chapter on a high note.