Cadets and staff of 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron were recently requested to help Coventry University clean up the aircraft they have as training aids in the Aerospace Department, ready for a VIP opening of a new flight simulator system.

Armed with buckets and sponges the Cadets were given the task of cleaning the Harrier T4 and Scout Helicopter. This gave the Cadets an opportunity to explore each of the aircraft,  guided by the staff from the Coventry University Aerospace Department explain how various parts of the aircraft worked as the cadets cleaned the airframes. This was a unique chance for  the Cadets to get an appreciation for the aircraft's systems, many of which had access panels exposed, which would not normally be available to them. This in turn has led to the Cadets gaining both an interest in the aircraft they were working on, as well as a greater understanding of how the Harrier and Scout helicopter work.

The staff at the Aerospace Department were so impressed with the enthusiasm and hard work of the Cadets that they have been invited to attend the VIP opening day and in January to use the new full motion flight simulator, which is being installed in the cockpit of the Harrier. This will allow the Cadets to sit in the Harrier and fly the simulator as if they were flying the Harrier for real, including cockpit displays and horizon display.

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams, Officer Commanding 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron said: 'This was a unique opportunity for the Cadets to get up close to both a jet aircraft and a helicopter and get in amongst the systems on the aircraft and really learn how they work and how the airframes are put together. This is not something that is normally available to them either with operational aircraft or aircraft in museums. I am very pleased that Coventry University have given us this learning experience as well as the Squadron being able to offer something in return. I look forward to bringing the Cadets back here in January to try the flight simulator.'