The UMSAE Aero workshop
Winnipeg Mayor visits engineering student teams
"All the hard work and success pays off when we have the honour of having to show our work to great guests" - Luc Maxwell (power lead)
Winnipeg Mayor, Scott Gillingham paid a visit to the Price Faculty of Engineering on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The goal of the visit was to talk to students on the UMSAE teams and learn about what they do. He also got the unexpected opportunity to be strapped into the Baja vehicle and took a ride around the parking lot!
The tour started in the EITC Atrium where the UMSAE Aero team had an aircraft that they built on display. Mr. Gillingham asked great questions, which the students were pleased to answer. The students explained how the competition has different requirements every year, from wingspan to payload. UMSAE Aero won first place in Florida earlier this year, an experience that they won’t soon forget. They joked about how they are the only team that conducts test flights in sub zero temperatures, which should gain them some bonus points for their hardiness. The Aero team has also had the opportunity to have their work on display at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
“It is always an honour and privilege to have esteemed guests, and appreciation for our success and hard work throughout the year. This visit was an amazing experience and great opportunity” – Anirudh Kalia (UMSAE Outreach Director)
UMSAE gift Mayor Gillingham with team t-shirt
The group journeyed up to the sixth floor where the Aero team has their workshop. Mr. Gillingham was inquisitive about the student experience and was interested in how much the students learn from participating in these teams. The students talked about how valuable the hands-on experience is, as it takes learning beyond course work. You need to take what you learn in textbooks and then learn how to apply it. The teams have support and guidance from faculty members, but the students are the ones that lead the projects. It’s an extra-curricular activity that students from different departments, and in different years of study, come together and dedicate their time to.
Mayor Gillingham showing his approval after his ride in the Baja vehicle
The final stop was to the Stanley Pauley Engineering Building where Mayor Gillingham spoke with the other UMSAE teams, Baja, Formula and Formula Electric, about their vehicles. The students were enthusiastic about explaining the different components of their vehicles and what tests they need to pass in competition. When asked by a student if he wanted to take a ride in one of the vehicles, Mayor Gillingham said yes without hesitation! It was a great end to an engaging tour for all involved.