Preparing Future Aviators Through Synthetic Flight

Stowe School CCF (RAF) contingent is putting aviation at the forefront of its cadet syllabus by focusing on synthetic flight. Led by Contingent Commander Major Andrew Arnold, this innovative technology is a brilliant way for the contingent’s budding pilots to master a cognitively demanding skillset in a safe, controlled environment. Sythentic flight also allows for cadets to build on their confidence before they take to the skies during real-world gliding and powered flying experiences with the RAF.

Flight School Experience

The contingent is fortunate enough to have two Microsoft Flight Simulators and because of this, they can host a weekly flight school, where cadets are following a progressive programme of aviation training. Using individual logbooks to track their initial Cessna 152 training, the cadets are learning how to master basic handling, basic take-off and landing and basic Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation as well as the challenging Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) navigation. This means that cadets can now sharpen their skills in every kind of sky but from the safety of a simulator. One day they might be flying VFR over a blazing hot Arizona desert, the next they’re learning how to navigate IFR through the mist-laden Scottish Isles. The result is that the cadets can learn how to pilot and be tested in various climates and environments long before they step inside a real cockpit.

For the more advanced cadets, the contingent is using Ministry of Defence (MoD) supplied Virtual Reality (VR) capable rigs for a more immersive experience. This allows cadets to become more attuned to radio traffic, learning how to respond to incoming information and instructions from Air Traffic Control (ATC). As well as this, cadets are taught a series of lessons that have been created by an airline pilot, where they are able to learn about some of the teaching and understanding that is required for a Private Pilot’s Licence.

Immersive Experience

Year 11 cadets recently visited Voyager’s industry-standard simulators based at Luton Airport. During the trip, cadets were able to experience flying a Boeing 737 and a Robinson R22 helicopter. These cutting-edge simulators included identical digital flight instruments, panoramic visual systems and true-to-life ambient sounds. Every cadet was able to spend time as a ‘flying pilot’ and a ‘monitoring pilot,’ with the cadets quickly learning that the role of ‘flying pilot’ is easier in a busy commercial cockpit.

During the trip, the cadets were all guided by experienced and qualified pilots from the Voyager, who helped the cadets to choose which airport (any from around the world) and which weather conditions they’d like to fly in, and then it was down to the cadets to take control of the aircraft. Afterwards, cadets were able to have a Q&A session with current and retired pilots, which was immensely worthwhile and helped to combine their simulation experience with real-world experiences from industry experts.

These experiences are helping our cadets to build real confidence and capabilities as they continue their journey into the world of flight and aviation through the CCF Royal Air Force section. If you would like more information on the activities on offer through the CCF (RAF), please click here.