Inspiring Future Aviators
Manasa’s story motivates other young women to pursue their dreams in aviation. Her passion transcends age, demonstrating that enthusiasm knows no bounds. As she aims for the skies, she embodies the spirit of aviation, ready to reach new heights. Manasa Srivatsan’s journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Her Aerospace Club stands as a testament to what a determined high school student can achieve. Remember, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning!
I am the founder and leader of an aerospace club at my high school, which has gained significant traction and success within a short period. Our aerospace club is the only in-school club in the Peel District School Board, serving as a testament to the uniqueness and impact of our initiative.
Within the first week of announcing our club, we received overwhelming interest from over 100 students, making us one of the most popular and well-liked clubs at our school. Moreover, our club has been officially recognized by the school board, standing out among the 257 schools in the district. We conduct weekly lessons, activities, in-school events, host guest speakers, and organise field trips related to aviation, contributing to the education and inspiration of our members.
One of our primary goals is to promote the idea of women in aviation, and I have been actively involved in this pursuit both within and outside the school environment. I am particularly passionate about inspiring other young female pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and further highlight the importance of promoting diversity in the aviation industry. I believe that our story can serve as a beacon of motivation for aspiring individuals, demonstrating that age and gender are no barriers to achieving success in aviation.
Manasa Srivatsan: A Rising Star in Aviation
Early Life and Passion for Aviation
Manasa Srivatsan was born in India, Chennai and raised in Ontario, Canada. At an early age, she discovered her love for aviation because it was her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. This led her to become immersed in aviation movies, documentaries, and books. Manada had the unwavering support of her parents, which undoubtedly encouraged her every step of the way.
The Spark Becomes a Flame
Manasa’s interest in aerospace engineering began after watching “Top Gun” at a friend’s home theatre. The intense aerial scenes and Maverick’s daring manoeuvres sparked a fascination with aviation. The film highlighted the excitement of takeoffs, the precision required for landings, and the overall thrill of flying. Inspired by the film, Manasa’s aspirations grew, leading her to pursue a career in aerospace engineering with a strong determination to excel in the field.
Founding the Aerospace Club
As a high school student, Manasa embarked on an ambitious mission: to establish an Aerospace Club within her school. Her vision was clear—to create a space for students who shared her passion for aviation. Manasa’s enthusiasm was infectious, and she envisioned a place where students could explore the wonders of flight, learn from industry experts, and collaborate on exciting projects.
Her school had never had a club specifically dedicated to aerospace before. But Manasa’s determination was unwavering. As she worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life, the buzz around the Aerospace Club grew. Students whispered about it in the hallways, intrigued by the possibilities. Manasa’s grand announcement echoed through the school, and within a week, over 100 eager students had signed up.
Manasa’s initiative not only created a platform for students to explore aerospace but also served as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of leadership and passion. Her goal is to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in aerospace and take on leadership roles, demonstrating that with determination and vision, they too can achieve great heights.
Recognition and Achievements
The Aerospace Club’s success reached a peak when it received recognition from the Peel District School Board, highlighting Manasa’s exceptional leadership. Under her guidance, the club embarked on exciting journeys, including industrial visits that provided real-world aviation experiences and guest lectures featuring experts from Sunwing Airlines and Bhairavi Shanker, a planetary scientist from the Canadian Space Agency. The club thrived with enthusiasm as students eagerly absorbed new knowledge.
Manasa’s vision extended beyond classroom activities. She and her team organised in-school events in the true spirit of aviation. Charity drives and food collections became part of the club’s initiatives, each reflecting the club’s dedication to the skies and the pioneering women in aerospace. The Aerospace Club emerged as a source of inspiration, paving the way for future aviators.
The recognition culminated in an invitation to the Toronto Metropolitan University Rocketry Conference. The club members prepared to launch their dreams, fueled by passion and the promise of discovery.
Air Cadet Program and Glider Training
Manasa’s journey extended beyond the classroom as she eagerly participated in summer training camps, immersing herself in General Training, Advanced Aviation, and Glider Pilot courses. The highlight of her experience was being selected for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Glider Cadet Training Course, which significantly enhanced her aviation skills.
Throughout these camps, Manasa earned several recognitions:
- General Training: She received the Top Cadet award for her outstanding performance over two consecutive two-week camps.
- Advanced Aviation: Her dedication earned her the Officer Commendation award during the intensive three-week course.
- National Glider Pilot Scholarship: Manasa was among the 30 candidates chosen for this prestigious scholarship in Ontario and underwent rigorous training at the Trenton Air Base.
Manasa often stood out as the sole representative from the 132 Spitfire Squadron at these camps. Her achievements propelled her to notable ranks within the Air Cadets, including Warrant Officer 2nd Class and Flight Sergeant 2IC in Charlie Flight. She also spent two years instructing fellow cadets as a Level 4 instructor, covering everything from drill techniques to ground school, making a lasting impact on the cadet program.
Wings of Inspiration
Manasa Srivatsan’s journey has been shaped by several powerful influences. Watching Maverick in “Top Gun” sparked her passion for aviation, showcasing the daring and fearlessness she aspired to emulate. Her parents provided unwavering support, dedicating their time and guidance to help her pursue her dreams.
Wintta Ghebreiyesus, her mentor, played an important role in Manasa’s development in the aerospace field, offering invaluable guidance and connections while also supporting numerous other students. Captain Yee, her leader in the 132 Spitfire Squadron, imparted valuable life lessons and served as a role model since Manasa joined the cadets in 2018.
Her uncle Goutham Vinjamuri inspired her to visualise her dreams clearly and encouraged her to work diligently to achieve great heights. Alongside these remarkable individuals, her friends and family have collectively shaped Manasa into the person she is today, fostering her passion and determination to succeed in aerospace.
Beyond Academics
Manasa’s dedication extends beyond cadets, reflecting her commitment to volunteering and civic engagement. She has accumulated over 500 volunteer hours through squadron events like poppy campaigns and remembrance parades, showcasing her discipline and sense of responsibility. Her talents are diverse and transferable to aerospace. As Vice President of the Student Activity Council, she hones her leadership and organisational skills. Competing in varsity-level badminton and earning the Most Valuable Player title highlights her teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance. Her artistic side, demonstrated through proficiency in Carnatic music and the flute, along with captivating dance performances, showcases her creativity and attention to detail. Manasa’s linguistic abilities—understanding Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, and French, and fluency in English, Telugu, and Tamil—enhance her communication skills and cultural awareness.
Dreams and Aspirations
Manasa aspires to become the world’s youngest female captain, earning medals and awards for her achievements. Her affiliation with Women in Aviation ensures she stays informed about industry trends. With a Ham radio licence, Restricted Operator Certificate, and drone pilot licence, she is well-prepared for her aviation journey. In her own words, she aims to be the female equivalent of Maverick- “I feel the need, the need for speed!”