Flying start for teenagers

The Year 9 students re-engineered a commercially available joystick to create a helicopter control for use with the moving flight simulator.

College aviation co-ordinator Mike Hill said the simulator ” bought in 2012 ” offered students a realistic experience of flying.

‘It offers a more realistic representation of the forces and the scenery experience when flying light aircraft,’ he said.

‘It’s really seen kids that are subject area experts, given a platform to develop self-confidence and take on a leadership role in helping other kids ” which was never intended.’

Mr Hill ” an army trained pilot ” takes three students each week to Jandakot Airport to fly a Cessna 152 light aircraft where they can take over the controls for most of the flight. ‘The opportunities that come from the course are very varied,’ he said.