The cadets of 2286 ( Arden ) Sqn wanted a flight sim, so we gave them a flight sim! A visit to the multi-million pound aerospace lab at Coventry University .

The lab has state of the art hydraulic simulators as well as a Harrier aircraft which has been refitted so that the actual controls link to a simulator which is projected in front of the cockpit like a heads up display.

The cadets (and a few staff!) had a flight in one of simulators which are set up by to fly as light aircraft. A few cadets had a shock when they suffered engine failure or bad weather descended, but fortunately it was the technician showing their fellow cadets how the setting could be changed!

Cdt Colby who few in the actual Harrier simulator said: “It was great to be able to use the real controls and see the effect that they would have had if I was flying. You get a real sense of excitement when you open the throttle!”

Some cadets even had the chance to act as the air traffic control (the simulators are wired up so that advice can be given). Sgt Hackett really enjoyed the opportunity as that is the career he wants to pursue in the RAF.

Flt Lt Chris Quinney, Officer Commanding Arden Squadron, said: "This is was a brilliant opportunity for the cadets and they really enjoyed it. It's not often that you get a chance to fly in a simulator like these and the cadets developed their skills ready for the real thing. Our thanks must go to Coventry University for doing such a good job of hosting our visit."