Newark International Air and Space Training Institute pupils land simulator experiences
Pupils have been able to have a go in a flight simulator that was so realistic it even made one a little air sick.
Pupils have been trialling the £35,000 Alsim ALX simulator at the UK’s first International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI) Newark at Newark College.
The institute’s aspiring pilots have access to the facility as part of their everyday training.
Through virtual flight training, aspiring pilots at the IASTI can safely hone their skills, practising against a range of variables, including day and night-time flying, weather conditions and even different aircraft types.
However, it was the turn of the schools to have a go, leading to some having an eye for the skies as well.
Georgia Stimpson, a year 11 pupil at The Suthers School, said: “It was very realistic, it even made me feel a bit air sick.
“It was fascinating to see inside. It was very different to what I expected. It’s great to learn more about our options after school and to find out more about IASTI.”
Classmate Piper McLaughlin said: “It was so fun and exciting. It’s such a new experience and to have this so close to home is out of this world. This is something I really want to consider for my future.”
Archie Ellison, a year seven Magnus pupil, said: “It felt very real and it was really fun to do. This is a really good opportunity for people who want to be a pilot one day.”
Finlay Cranidge, in year seven at Newark Academy, said: “I was really interesting to see how to fly a plane. It was different to what I expected. There’s so many controls!”
Jim Guthrie, learning and skills lead, said: “We’re excited to have the simulator system here at IASTI Newark.
“It will provide extraordinary experience and training for learners, allowing preparation for fully powered flight within light aircraft.
“The simulator allows experience within different aircraft types that will prove both enjoyable and important while allowing progress from light aircraft to small multi-engine aircraft within the simulator environment.”
The IASTI is one of nine priority projects developed by Newark Towns Fund Board and is funded through the government’s Towns Fund initiative. A planning application, which will see a multi-million-pound premises for IASTI built in the centre of Newark by 2023, is awaiting approval.
Until then students are based at the specialised interim IASTI facility at the Newark College campus.
Experience the facilities at the next college open day on February 23. Register now for courses in pilot, groundcrew and engineer pathways starting in September.
