Miss Frances Wolff
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Teaching Fellow in Aviation
Biography
I am an Engineering Teaching Fellow specialising in aviation and aerospace education, bringing together extensive professional aviation experience and more than fifteen years of teaching and academic practice within higher education. Since joining the University of Salford in 2009 and progressing to a full-time academic appointment in 2021, I have been committed to delivering industry-informed education, supporting student success, and preparing future aviation professionals for careers within a rapidly evolving global sector.
Prior to entering academia, I developed a successful and diverse career within the aviation industry, working as an Airline Pilot, Flight Instructor, Flight Examiner, Cabin Crew member and Air Charter Operations professional. These roles provided comprehensive experience of commercial aviation, flight operations, regulatory compliance, aviation safety, crew resource management and operational decision-making, giving me a broad understanding of the aviation industry from both operational and strategic perspectives.
As a holder of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), and as a qualified Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner, I trained, mentored and assessed aspiring pilots within a highly regulated and safety-critical environment. I delivered theoretical and practical training across subjects including air navigation, meteorology, flight planning, aircraft performance, air law, human factors and operational procedures, ensuring students developed the technical competence, decision-making capability and professional standards required for safe flight operations. I also conducted formal flight tests and proficiency assessments for the award of pilot licences, applying rigorous competency-based assessment practices and maintaining the highest standards of professional accountability and safety. Having trained, mentored and examined student pilots for the award of pilot licences, I have extensive experience in competency-based training, professional assessment, aviation safety, operational decision-making and the development of high-performing aviation professionals. This experience continues to shape my learner-centred approach to teaching, assessment, curriculum design and student development within higher education.
My industry experience directly informs my academic practice and enables me to bridge the gap between theory and professional application. I currently lead and contribute to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Introduction to Aviation and Air Vehicle Design, Principles of Air Navigation and Meteorology for Aviation, Navigation Systems and Route Planning, Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management, Final Year Projects and MSc Dissertations. In addition, I undertake significant responsibilities in project supervision, MSc project coordination, academic progress reviewing, programme review, quality assurance and accreditation activities.
My professional interests centre on aviation sustainability, airline operations, air navigation systems, aviation safety, emerging technologies and the future development of sustainable air transport. I am passionate about enhancing the student experience, fostering employability, and equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to succeed in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to continue developing as a leader in aviation higher education, expanding my contribution to curriculum innovation, quality enhancement and accreditation activities, while strengthening partnerships between academia and industry. Through industry-informed teaching, academic leadership and a commitment to student success, I aim to contribute to the development of the next generation of aviation professionals and to the ongoing advancement of aviation education.
Areas of Research
The Aviation Industry.
Module Leader/Lecturer/Supervisor:
L4 – Introduction to Aviation and Air Vehicle Design
L4 – Principles of Air Navigation & Meteorology for Aviation
L5 – Navigation Systems and Route Planning
L6 – Final Year Project Preparation (Part 1)
L6 – Final Year Project (Part 2)
L7 – Sustainable Airlines & Greener Air Traffic Management
L7 – Dissertation Coordinator (AeroMech)
Qualifications
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BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences with Biology
1995 - 2006