Anselmi Palma, EduardoKissoon, SajalHann, GaryPilidis, PericlesPachidis, Vassilios2024-11-222024-11-222025-01Anselmi Palma E, Kissoon S, Hann G, et al., (2025) Engine strip and build lab: a practical approach to learning gas turbine engines. The Aeronautical Journal, Volume 129, Issue 1331, January 2025, pp. 144-1550001-9240https://doi.org/10.1017/aer.2024.102https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/23206The world is currently undergoing a technological transformation with numerous innovative concepts emerging. This shift is driven by remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence and the urgent need for decarbonisation. With this comes a growing demand for skilled engineers who can actively contribute at any stage within the life cycle of a product. This can be the generation of new concepts at low Technology Readiness Levels or contributing actively to their development and operational safety. This paper explores the integration of a 1-day practical activity to reinforce theoretical concepts learned within a classroom-based environment. Small groups of students were given the opportunity of engaging with a small helicopter engine (Rolls-Royce Gnome engine) through the disassembly and reassembly of the exhaust and power turbine section while following the manufacturer’s manual and ensuring industrial norms for safe practice. This hands-on activity included an introduction to tooling, a Gnome familiarisation activity, and an introduction to inspection techniques. Based on the feedback recorded, the students experienced a notable improvement in their basic understanding by effectively reinforcing knowledge acquired within the classroom through active engagement with an actual gas turbine engine.144-155enAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/40 Engineering4010 Engineering Practice and EducationAerospace & Aeronautics35 Commerce, management, tourism and services40 EngineeringArticle2059-64645587991291331