“We’re not just training people, we’re connecting them with the aviation industry”
The lecture series on aviation began over ten years ago. Today, it is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Lecturer and initiator Peter Wild explains how it all began and how the course paves the way for students to enter the profession.
Peter, what made you decide to start lecturing on aviation at ETH Zurich in the first place?
Peter Wild: Back in 2014, it was the suggestion of Professor Ulrich Weidmann, now Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability, who said, “At ETH Zurich, we cover topics such as roads, railways and spatial planning – but we don’t have aviation.” At the time, I was an airline pilot and flight instructor, and had already taught at other universities. I was immediately excited by the idea of developing the subject in a structured way at ETH. We started out in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering with 23 students; today there are over 500 per year and the lecture is held in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering.
The project has grown significantly. What makes it so attractive?
We present the aviation industry in all its diversity: technology, airport operations, regulation, sustainability and management. We invite experts from SWISS, Lufthansa, Skyguide and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation to speak in the lecture theatre. This provides a realistic, practical approach, which is exactly what students value.
Peter Wild is an airline pilot, flight instructor and lecturer at ETH Zurich. Among other distinctions, he holds a doctorate in aviation. He teaches the Aviation I and Aviation II courses at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and is responsible for education, research and innovation on the board of the umbrella federation of Swiss Aerospace “Aerosuisse”.
You offer two aviation modules. How are they structured and how do they differ?
Aviation I is the introductory module. It covers the entire spectrum of aviation: aerodynamics, aircraft types, airport operations, aviation law, military aviation, but also small aircraft, an area that is often overlooked. Aviation II builds on this and delves deeper into business and strategic topics: airline management, sustainability, carbon pricing, new fuels. Both modules can be taken independently, but together they provide a very comprehensive picture.
What does this mean for teaching specifically?
We believe in the principle of “real-world learning”: theory is important, but practical experience is just as crucial. That’s why I’m not the only lecturer; I also coordinate a team of leading industry experts. I always try to bring the most knowledgeable people on board for each topic, from the Senior Vice President of the Lufthansa Group to the Federal Aviation Authority’s aviation expert.
Who attends the lecture series?
The programme now has an inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental focus. We have mechanical engineering students, construction and spatial planners, electrical engineers, IT engineers, environmental scientists, chemists. We even get students from the University of Zurich or EPFL. This makes for exciting discussions, especially during group work. It is particularly pleasing that close to a third of the students come from abroad, bringing with them a different perspective on the subject.
Your teaching concept doesn’t just include lectures, though.
Exactly. We organise one excursion per semester, visiting Zurich Airport, Skyguide and the SWISS Operations Centre. Last time, 120 students went along.
How do you manage to keep track of everything?
With a lot of planning! We need buses, safety briefings and, of course, we have to split up into groups. Incidentally, the excursions are often financed by our industry partners. These afternoons are real highlights for the students and leave a lasting impression.
ETH Zurich has committed to a net zero target. How do you reconcile that with aviation?
By addressing the issue honestly and thoroughly. I set up Swissair’s first sustainability department back in 1998 and was an expert for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). We have been dealing with this issue for a long time. We also conduct research in this area and have already developed hybrid aircraft. I would also like to mention teaching assistant Michael Weinold, who is conducting research for his dissertation in the field of aviation sustainability and is contributing additional valuable insights. In Aviation II, we show what is truly possible: alternative fuels, carbon pricing, low-emission operating models. Many of these approaches can also be applied to road, rail and logistics.
Do you feel that your lectures are setting students on the right career path?
Absolutely. Former students now work at SWISS, Zurich Airport, Lufthansa and Pilatus, many of them as pilots. I regularly help arrange internships. We have trained over 2,000 students in ten years, and some of them move straight into the aviation industry after completing their master’s degree.
Where do you see potential for further development?
We’re currently considering whether a third module would be useful. There are still many topics that could be covered. I would like to supervise more research projects. The environment is ideal for this: Russell McKenna, Professor of Energy Systems Analysis, whose department currently hosts the lecture series, researches energy sources including sustainable mobility. This would be an excellent complement to my work. A third module would be an excellent addition to our work and would also support our further research. Personally, though, I would need more time and resources to do that.
Finally, on a personal note: what fascinates you about aviation?
I wanted to fly ever since I was a child. The selection process for the state pilot school was tough, but I made it. I’ve now been flying with Swissair and SWISS for over 30 years, flying a wide variety of aircraft. I’m also a flight instructor and have held various management positions. At ETH, I pass on this practical experience; I enjoy it just as much as flying itself. Finally, the many positive comments from students are a real joy. They greatly appreciate the practical lectures.