"The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul." – Walter Raleigh
This quote beautifully captures the essence of aviation, but what about the simplest forms of flight—gliders? No engines, no complex machinery, just the beauty of physics and creativity taking to the skies. That’s the magic we set out to explore at the Aeromodelling glider workshop in MIT Thandavapura, an event that blended the thrill of flight with the joy of hands-on learning.
The Journey Begins
It was a crisp and quiet early morning when my teammate and I set off for an adventure that promised to be as inspiring as it was fulfilling. At 3:45 AM, we hopped into a cab, sleepy yet excited, and made our way to Yelahanka station. The wait for the train, delayed by 30 minutes, gave us time to chat about the day ahead. By 9:00 AM, we arrived in Mysore, greeted by our driver, who whisked us off to the campus of MIT Thandavapura. A hearty breakfast along the way recharged us for the day’s events.
A Special Inauguration
Upon reaching the college, we were honored to be part of a special event: the inauguration of their brand-new Aeroclub. The air was electric with the energy of eager students and faculty, all buzzing about the possibilities this new initiative would bring. It was inspiring to witness the launch of a platform designed to foster innovation and passion for aviation.
Taking Flight: The Glider Workshop
With the inauguration complete, it was time to dive into the main event—the glider workshop organized by AEROGO. The focus of the workshop was on two types of gliders: coroplast gliders and catapult gliders. We began by introducing the students to the fascinating world of gliders, explaining the basic principles of aerodynamics in a simple and engaging way. Concepts like lift, drag, and weight came alive through hands-on demonstrations and relatable examples.
Hands-On Construction
Once the basics were covered, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get building! Armed with sheets of coroplast, scissors, adhesives, and a lot of enthusiasm, the students set to work constructing their very own gliders. The atmosphere was lively, with curious questions, bursts of laughter, and a growing sense of accomplishment as the gliders began to take shape.
A Taste of Flight
After a quick lunch break, we moved to the best part of the day—flying the gliders. Watching the student's faces light up as their creations soared through the air was nothing short of magical. Some gliders soared high on their first attempt, while others needed a little tweaking, but every flight was met with cheers and encouragement.
Wrapping Up
As the sun began to set, marking the end of the workshop, I reflected on what made the day so special. It wasn’t just about teaching; it was about sharing the joy of creating something with your own hands and seeing it come to life. It was about igniting a spark in students' minds, showing them the possibilities of flight, and encouraging them to dream bigger.
Conclusion
The glider workshop at MIT Thandavapura was more than an event—it was a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. The inauguration of the aeroclub added an extra layer of excitement, setting the stage for many more such initiatives. As we packed up to leave, I felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this experience, and I couldn’t wait to see where the students’ newfound inspiration would take them.
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