Aviation, STEM, and women!
News Article / March 10, 2021
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By Captain Amanda Kok
March, with longer days, warmer temperatures…and spring, of course, is one of my favourite months of the year. March is also National Engineering Month, and it marks International Women’s Day and the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. One thing I love more than doing what I am passionate about every day, is sharing my incredible love of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), aviation, and how they are the focal point of my career.
I am a CF-188 Aerospace Engineering Officer (AERE) and a Project Officer in-training at the Fighter Operational Test and Evaluation Flight (FOTEF) of 434 Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron, based at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta. This is a dream come true for an aerospace nerd, such as myself. As a child, my eyes were always turned towards the sky – much to my peril. Clumsy on the best of days, my inattention while walking - so I could catch a glimpse of the stars or an aircraft flying overhead - often resulted in injury. In any case, it was worth it!
As a child I, unlike many others, knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up - a rocket scientist, or an astronaut – or both! Luckily, I grew up in a household where my parents supported my dreams and endeavours to follow this career path. My father shared my affinity for the cosmos and aerospace industry, and he and my mother raised me to believe that if I worked hard and set my mind to it – the possibilities were endless!
My journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering. The Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) covered the cost of my tuition and textbooks. I graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering in June 2014, and was then posted to Cold Lake, Alberta. Initially upon enrollment, I had been streamed to become an Aerospace Controller. An exciting career, it was not the best use of my talents, and within a month of arriving in Cold Lake, I received an occupational transfer to the AERE trade. Next came the AERE Preparatory Phase (APP), which consisted of on-the-job training with Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Aircraft Maintenance Superintendents, and experienced AERE’s at 4 Wing Cold Lake. Then I attended the AERE Officer Basic Course at CFB Borden, which gave me the knowledge and basic experience required to commence my duties. With the baseline training requirements for an AERE successfully completed, the real fun could begin.
In the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), AERE’s participate in five main branches of work. They have the opportunity to work across all of the aircraft fleets that the RCAF employs. These five branches include: Maintenance Support and Management, Technical Accreditation and Weapons’ System Management, Project Management Office, Test and Evaluation, and Space. To date, I have worked in Maintenance Support and Management, out-of-trade at the Cold Lake Transition Centre, and now I am working within Test and Evaluation. Generally speaking, AERE’s are responsible for all aspects of the engineering, maintenance and management of military aircraft, in addition to the support equipment and facilities during military operations.
This job has allowed me to learn about the CF-188 Hornet aircraft, and the multifaceted roles it plays in domestic and international operations. I have also had many opportunities to diversify my skillsets, and to develop both professionally and personally. I have run maintenance and aircraft scheduling for two Cold Lake Airshows, gone on exercise with 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron in the USA, and my job has taken me all over Canada to support, train, and advise RCAF leaders regarding aspects of aircraft maintenance and technical training. My job has even taken me to Germany to train with other aircraft maintainers and engineers from NATO-allied countries on evaluation techniques and best practices to ensure that we are able to function together as a team.
Last year I had the opportunity to work out of trade as the Officer Commanding of the Cold Lake Transition Centre. There, I provided administrative assistance to military members who were ill and/or injured to enable them to heal and either return to their duties on base or transition out of the military. I am now working towards my Project Officer qualification. With my previous experiences allowing me to learn about the CF-188 Hornet fleet, and human factors, now I will be able to apply that learning in an operational test and evaluation setting. What this means is that as new equipment and software are developed for the CF-188 Hornet fleet, engineers develop test plans with pilots so that we can assess the operational suitability and effectiveness for this equipment. This ensures that end-user technicians and pilots are receiving the best equipment to meet their operational needs. I am challenged daily to think outside of the box and learn something new.
Outside of the workplace, I love learning new things and exploring the world around me. What I am most passionate about, though, is sharing my love of STEM and the aerospace industry with others. As the Lakeland District Commissioner and Guider for the 5th Medley Girl Guides in Cold Lake, I teach girls and young women about camping, trekking, and STEM! This challenges me to see the world with fresh eyes, and to tackle everyday challenges with the curiosity of a child. Working with these youths inspires me to be a better person, and it brings me great joy to see the makings of future astronomers, doctors, videogame programmers, and more!
To anyone who is thinking of joining the military or a career in aviation, it can be the wildest rollercoaster of your dreams! Not every day is going to be glamorous and exciting, but you will encounter opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry. To the women and girls out there, stay true to yourself, be brave, be outspoken, and trust your instincts. There’s a place for you in this exciting, innovative, and rewarding industry!