Mr Robert Weighman
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Teaching Fellow
Biography
Robert holds the status of ‘Member’ at the Royal Aeronatuical Society and earned his undergraduate degree in Air Transport Management with Commercial Pilot Training in 2008. During his studies, he achieved multiple flight qualifications, including a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Class Rating, Night Rating, and successfully completed the full JAA ATPL ground school examinations. He has logged over 250 flight hours, operating into a diverse range of airfields across the UK, the Bahamas, and Florida—among them major international hubs such as Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Nassau (NAS), and Tampa (TPA).
Prior to joining the University of Salford, Robert dedicated over two decades to the aviation industry, serving in both ground operations and airline roles. His career includes positions with SAS Scandinavian Ground Services, Thomas Cook Airlines, and—most notably—13 years with Virgin Atlantic Airways.
At the University of Salford, Robert lectures within the BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies programme, delivering modules to Level 4 students in Aviation Business Enterprise and to Level 5 students in Safety in Aviation, Human Factors, and Crew Resource Management. He also contributes to the MSc Sustainable Air Transport programme at Level 7, and is also module leader for Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management, and Sustainable Airports and Integrated Advanced Air Mobility.
Robert also designed and launched a bespoke flight training course at the University of Salford, providing students with a comprehensive aircraft flight experience. The programme includes 10 hours of practical flight training in both general aviation and simulator aircraft, 3 hours of ground school instruction, and hands-on exposure to engineering and hangar operations. Developed in close collaboration to align with the Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies programme, the course enhances operational readiness and bridges academic learning with real-world aviation practice.
He authors and curates the monthly student publication 'AERo Opportunities', connecting learners with current industry insights, CV and cover letter guidance, and internship and graduate pathways.
Areas of Research
Biometric-Driven Flight Personalisation
BEng (hons) Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies:
Level 4: Aviation Business Enterprise: Fleet Management, Safety, Freedoms of the Air, Codesharing & Alliances.
Level 5: Aviation Safety
Human Factors
Crew Resource Management
Level 7: Module Leader-
MSc Sustainable Air Transport.
Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management
Sustainable Airports and Integrated Advanced Air Mobility
Final Year Project Supervisor for level 6: BEng (hons) Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies & BEng Aeronautical Engineering.
Final Year Project Supervisor for level 7: MSc (hons) Aeronautical Engineering
Founder and Course Lead for the University of Salford’s ‘Introduction to Flight Training’ programme, designed to provide students with their first hands-on experience of general aviation aircraft. This bespoke course enables students to gain licensed flying hours and practical exposure while balancing their academic commitments, bridging theory with real-world aviation practice.
Co-organiser of the Aero/Mech annual guest speakers panel for the School of Science, Engineering & Environment.
Coordinator and delivery of enriching field trips for aviation students, managing logistics, risk assessments, industry liaison, and curriculum alignment to ensure enriching, safe, and sector-relevant experiences. Jetstream 41 Simulator trip & the Barton Aerodrome Maintenance Hanger Seminar.
Coordinator of seminars and workshops for Level 6 and 7 students, focused on preparing industry-ready CVs and application materials. These sessions are designed to equip final-year and postgraduate students with the tools and confidence to pursue graduate roles and placements across the aviation sector and beyond.
Authors and curates the monthly student publication 'AERo Opportunities', connecting learners with current industry insights, CV and cover letter guidance, and internship and graduate pathways.
Qualifications
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Air Transport Management with Commercial Pilot Training