Six members of our club were recently invited to 130 Squadron ATC Bournemouth, as they had expressed an interest in model flying, and also offered us the use of their full size flight simulator. We dug out our best (hanger queen) models, and were given a good look round the building prior to our presentation.
The Cadet Squadron has a great set up, with lots of facilities including a model room to display dioramas that they make, various meeting rooms and a simulator suite. They also have a full size original “Link” trainer and map table, which although not working was a fantastic bit of kit to look round.
After an introduction, we all gave a brief description of our models, and took a few questions. Oddly enough, their aircraft recognition was not that brilliant…………none of them could put a name to a FW190! ….age gap?!
When asked why not many young people were taking up the hobby, the general opinion expressed was that it was “too expensive”, “they were not drones” “viewed as toys” and of course the inevitable “can get better / faster / more up to date aircraft on the PC”. (* – below.)
After our presentation, about a quarter of the cadets appeared to be really interested. The remainder seemed to be more keen to establish as to when the tuck shop was going to be operational!
We were all then invited to have a short flight in the full size simulator. Needless to say this resulted in a lot of good natured banter, especially when we attempted to land! The simulator was very realistic. It is based on the Grob Tutor, and we were flying out of Bournemouth. Although the simulator does not actually move, with three screens and responsive controls, it felt very “real”. So much so, that my motion sickness reared its ugly head once more, and I had to stop on the way home to purchase some medication! Unfortunately, the symptoms did not wear off for a couple of days!
We have invited interested cadets to our flying site to have a “go” on the buddy lead. Hopefully this will happen once our weather has stabilised.
“A picture speaks a thousand words” and the images reflect the flavour of our visit.
(Report author – PMFC Secretary, Simon Cragg.)
* This reminds your Chairman of a tale passed to him by a serving RAF pilot who frequently gave his local ATC cadets two-seater “Air Experience” flights. Following his first take off, an aspiring cadet started screaming with excitement over the intercom……….”Wow, amazing, fantastic, gosh, etc, etc………it’s just like the pc”! His (very experienced) pilot laughed so much he said he nearly lost control….