02/09/2026
New City Primary School pupil takes to the skies after national writing competition win
Young winner enjoys unforgettable aviation experience at Oxford Airport after impressing judges with creative writing
A pupil from New City Primary School has enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime aviation experience after being selected as one of the three national winners of the Brookie's Aviation Adventures National Writing Competition, organised by Brookfield Aviation.
Luca, was chosen from more than 1,000 entries submitted by children aged 9 to 11 from schools across the United Kingdom.
His prize was an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at London Oxford Airport, hosted by Brookfield Aviation in partnership with Oxford Airport and LS Airmotive Limited.
The day gave Luca and his father an opportunity to experience aviation from a completely different perspective. They met the airport's Fire and Rescue Service, climbed aboard a specialist airport fire engine, handled firefighting equipment and learned about the vital role the team plays in keeping passengers and aircraft safe.
They also enjoyed a guided tour of the airport, visited Air Traffic Control to see how aircraft movements are coordinated, explored the aircraft maintenance facilities where engineers explained how aircraft are inspected and maintained, and took the controls of a professional flight simulator.
The highlight of the day came when Luca climbed aboard a light aircraft with an experienced instructor and took to the skies above Oxfordshire. During the flight, he was given the opportunity to take the controls, giving him a truly unforgettable introduction to flying.
The experience concluded with a special awards ceremony, where Luca received a commemorative glass trophy recognising his outstanding achievement.
Todd Skaggs, Marketing and Sales Director at Brookfield Aviation, said:
"Luca's success is a wonderful example of what Brookie's Aviation Adventures is all about. We wanted to create a competition that inspires children to use their imagination while introducing them to the incredible opportunities available within aviation. Seeing Luca experience the airport from behind the scenes, meet aviation professionals and take the controls of a real aircraft was a fantastic reward for his creativity and hard work. We hope the experience will stay with him for many years and perhaps even inspire a future career in aviation."
Brookie's Aviation Adventures was created to encourage children to combine creative writing with an interest in aviation, helping them discover the many careers that keep the industry moving, from pilots and engineers to air traffic controllers, firefighters and aircraft technicians.
Luca's achievement also recognises the support of New City Primary School, whose encouragement helped him produce one of the competition's outstanding entries.
As Luca proudly takes home his trophy and memories of an unforgettable day at Oxford Airport, his success is a reminder that imagination can lead to extraordinary opportunities and that today's young writers could become tomorrow's aviation professionals.
