Unfortunatley, due to recent changes within the RAF Air Cadets, oppertunities to go flying are becoming increasingly rare. Therefore 310 widnes squadron are looking to raise funds to help build a new flight simulator. Our cadets have been working hard to raise the money by doing bag packs and collections, however we are now also seeking donations from the local community to help us complete this project.

Flying and gliding is a huge part of the air cadets and many of the activies that we do on our squadron also revolve around aircraft. Throughout their time with us, the cadets learn about principles of flight, airmanship, pilot navigation and many other exciting topics, but it can be difficult for them to grasp some of these challenges concepts when they have never flown a light aircraft and experienced the joy of flying first hand.

In addition to this, the chance for the cadets to have regular goes on our flight simulator would also prepare them for their flying time withing the Air cadets, meaning that they would be able to gain the most from their time flying as they will have already been taught the basics on th ground.

The cadets will use the flight simulator under the instruction of two Flight Sargents who are part of our squadron. One is currently completing his Private Pilots Lisence and the other has expert knowledge in Air Traffic Control, meaning that between them, they can provide the cadets with an oppertunity to learn and a chance to have fun and experiment in a virtual airspace.

Our project is not cheap due to the specilist hardware required to emulate a real aircraft, much of which has to be imported from America and the fact that it all has to be linked up to an air traffic control simulator and a pretty powerful PC. Therfore we are asking for our local communities help in funding it to help provide their local youth with a realistic training simulator. The simulator will be made available to members of the public on open days, and at town events such as the Vintage Rally and new cadets are always welcome at 310 widnes squadron.

We hope that the simulator will last for many years to come and also provide cadets of the future a chance to hone their flying skills.

On behalf of all the Cadets at 310 Widnes Sqn, a big thank you for any donations.