CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Air cadets buy flight simulator

MEMBERS of the Ilminster Squadron of the Air Training Corps are “up, up and away” in a virtual reality kind of way - having worked hard with fundraising to buy their very own flight simulator.

A group of 40 cadets and staff from the Ilminster ATC spent a busy weekend packing the bags of shoppers at the town’s Tesco store in Shudrick Lane in the run-up to Christmas and raised a whopping £1,200+ in just two days.

The cadets get to fly a RAF Grob Tutor aircraft several times a year as part of their ATC experience, but having a simulator of their own at their Ilminster base will allow them to practice flight manoeuvres before they fly the real aircraft.

The father of one of the cadets found a suitable flight simulator on the internet which had been hand-built by an enthusiastic model builder, wanting to make something special to entertain his grandchildren.  It was made from the forward part of a genuine glider fuselage and has many original features including a very loud and realistic sound system.

PHOTOS – TOP AND RIGHT: Flight Lieutenant Colin Parkinson with the Ilminster Squadron ATC flight simulator.

The simulator was purchased by the Ilminster Squadron’s civilian committee and was delivered by the seller, who presented it to the Commanding Officer Flt Lt Colin Parkinson and it was unveiled to the excited cadets.

An Ilminster Squadron spokesman said: “Work is currently being carried out to customise the simulator for cadet use but it is hoped that it will be up and running within a few weeks and the cadets will then begin to enjoy their flight simulator training during regular sessions with experienced Squadron staff.

“The Squadron intend to take the simulator to various events around the county so that the members of the public will be able to see what was purchased through their generous local donations.”

The spokesman added: “We would like to thank all the Tesco shoppers who donated during our bag packing fundraising before Christmas.”

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