2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron were recently invited to Coventry University's Aerospace Department to use the flight simulators installed there. This was in return for the Squadron's help in cleaning the resident Harrier T4 airframe.

The cadets were given the use of 3 different types of flight simulator, including a full motion simulator as well as one built into the cockpit of the Harrier. The cadets were then guided through a 15 minute flight which included take off, a flight in the local area and a landing back at the airfield. This was all guided by members of the Aerospace Department, acting as Air Traffic Control, as well as talking the cadets through the use of the controls and the aircraft systems.

The cadets sitting in the Harrier T4 were able to use the aircrafts original controls including the throttles and control column to guide the aircraft through the skies, whilst sitting in the ejector seat of the airplane.

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams, Officer Commanding 2438 Squadron said:' This was an excellent opportunity for the cadets to get first hand experience of how to fly an aircraft and how the various control surfaces and systems work. The chance to operate the controls whilst sitting in a real Harrier, flying a simulated profile, was a unique opportunity for the Cadets. This allowed them to both learn about the principles of flight, as well as saying that they have 'flown' in a Harrier and it demonstrates the opportunities available to the cadets of 2438 Squadron. My thanks must go out to Chris Bland and the team at Coventry University's Aerospace Department for allowing us to use this fantastic equipment'