Elevating engineering dreams - The making of a flying taxi with Grant Mildwaters

Join the exhilarating ride into the future as we chat with Grant Mildwaters,  a visionary who's traversing the realms of jewelry design to the cutting-edge engineering of flying taxis. 

In an industry where the sky's the limit, Grant and his Aerostructure's Team are laying the blueprint for an eVTOL that's as robust as it is revolutionary. With anecdotes about the synergy between Flight Systems, Manufacturing, and safety crews, this episode is a testament to the power of teamwork in reaching new heights. And it's not just about the nuts and bolts; we're tackling the critical aspects of risk assessment that ensure these flying marvels are as safe as they are spectacular.

This installment isn't merely a chat; it's a masterclass in applied structural engineering. We're getting our hands dirty with tension tests on 3D-printed models, challenging the very fibers of innovation. Grant's experiences underscore the value of practical learning, where university theory meets the thrill of material failure. 

Each crack and snap leads to a breakthrough, with Grant's journey highlighting the importance of collaborative discovery, from the lab to the classroom, and right up to the blueprints of tomorrow's transport. 

Fasten your seatbelts for a narrative that celebrates the shared growth and the sheer delight of watching your engineering dreams soar to life.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Takeaway with the MEF."

We hope you found this discussion insightful and engaging. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Get in Touch:

• We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your feedback, questions, or suggestions at neeraj.chadee@mefsc.org.au

Stay Tuned:

• Don't miss our next episode where we'll dive into another intriguing topic. Until then, remember to keep seeking knowledge, staying curious, and finding your own takeaways.

"Takeaway with the MEF" is brought to you by Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast and Advertastic PTY Ltd. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the MEF or its affiliates.

Would you believe that a 12-year-old is part of a team building a flying taxi? That's what's happening with Ewan, the son of our guest, Tom Steyer, who shares how this project is not just about engineering, but about imparting real-world lessons on collaboration, teamwork, and skill-building. Tom, with his finance background, wonderfully illustrates how this project operates like a real company, with different teams collaborating and breaking down silos, a perfect model of workplace dynamics.

This episode is not just about technology; it’s about life lessons. We explore how homeschooling students like Ewan can be enriched by such hands-on experiences, and how workplace collaborations can benefit from a mix of personalities and skills. Tom and I delve into the importance of mentorship, the intriguing balance between structure and flexibility in continuous learning, and the critical role of teamwork in achieving success. Join us for this enlightening conversation and discover the joy Tom and Ewan are finding in their extraordinary project.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Takeaway with the MEF."

We hope you found this discussion insightful and engaging. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Get in Touch:

• We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your feedback, questions, or suggestions at neeraj.chadee@mefsc.org.au

Stay Tuned:

• Don't miss our next episode where we'll dive into another intriguing topic. Until then, remember to keep seeking knowledge, staying curious, and finding your own takeaways.

"Takeaway with the MEF" is brought to you by Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast and Advertastic PTY Ltd. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the MEF or its affiliates.

Ever wondered how to foster success in a diverse manufacturing team? We bring you a riveting conversation on the intricacies of creating an inclusive team that combines a spectrum of skills and experiences. Our esteemed guest, Dominic Vrolijks takes us through the Skunkworks approach, a unique project management strategy famously used by Lockheed Martin, demonstrating how it promotes rapid product development and equips teams with autonomy.

The second half of our discussion zooms in on the stellar work done by UniSC, an organization committed to nurturing design and engineering talent. Learn how inclusivity in team building can lead to skill development and job opportunities for the local community. Gain insights into the significance of building a portfolio early in one's career and the priceless value of having patient mentors. We also delve into the creation of makerspace, a proactive response to the evolving job market landscape. Tune in for an enlightening conversation!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Takeaway with the MEF."

We hope you found this discussion insightful and engaging. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Get in Touch:

• We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your feedback, questions, or suggestions at neeraj.chadee@mefsc.org.au

Stay Tuned:

• Don't miss our next episode where we'll dive into another intriguing topic. Until then, remember to keep seeking knowledge, staying curious, and finding your own takeaways.

"Takeaway with the MEF" is brought to you by Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast and Advertastic PTY Ltd. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the MEF or its affiliates.

In the pilot episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Tim Kelly, the mastermind behind the revolutionary eVTOL Student Team.

 The eVTOL is a unique vehicle that represents a significant leap in transportation technology, promising to redefine how we commute in the future. It's an intriguing blend of a conventional aircraft and a drone, with a focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. 

One of the standout aspects of this groundbreaking project is the role students play in its development. Kelly stresses the importance of fostering a culture of innovation from an early stage. This project serves as an invaluable learning platform for students, providing them with hands-on experience in cutting-edge transportation technology.

Tune in to gain insights into this revolutionary project and join us in exploring the future of transportation.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Takeaway with the MEF."

We hope you found this discussion insightful and engaging. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Get in Touch:

• We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your feedback, questions, or suggestions at neeraj.chadee@mefsc.org.au

Stay Tuned:

• Don't miss our next episode where we'll dive into another intriguing topic. Until then, remember to keep seeking knowledge, staying curious, and finding your own takeaways.

"Takeaway with the MEF" is brought to you by Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast and Advertastic PTY Ltd. Thank you for your support!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the MEF or its affiliates.