North Region Activity Centre (West)

Altcar Training Camp in Lancashire is the home of the second full Regional Activity Centre in North Region. The centre is able to deliver the core cadet activities of air experience flying and gliding but has also allowed this to be extended to offer aerospace activities (blue) and field craft activities (green).  Cadets will have the opportunity to take part in other activities such as sport/adventure training, First Aid, shooting, mountain biking, rock climbing etc, based on a weekend of programme “Plug & Play” activities. Cadets will have the opportunity to experience a range of activities in one weekend, with minimum time wasted on the ground.  Further, the centre can be used for staff training.

A key part of the Regional Activity Centre has been the integration of the e-learning suite, based upon the orgigional Activity Centre at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Some of the key components of this are as follows:

Flight Simulator

The Centre has a commercially built state-of-the-art flight simulator that has been tailor made for North Region Cadets. Based on Microsoft Flight Simulator technology, the software has been modified by the Royal Air Force to give true-to-life handling for RAF aircraft ranging from the Grob Tutor flown by Cadets as part of Air Experience Flying to the Tucano Basic Fast Jet Trainer. The simulator has a full constructed cockpit, authentic controls and a projection system to surround pilots with a photographically accurate view of the simulated world around them.

Interactive Multimedia Centre

The Centre has a network of 10 computers which provides an interactive and exciting platform for learning. Cadets are able to use software that covers a range of aerospace, technology and other Cadet Organisation training activities. Cadets can learn about GPS (Global Positioning System) using handheld GPS units; study navigation; conduct experiments in rocketry by building and launching their own virtual rockets. Cadets can also use the suite of computers in the multimedia centre for map reading, first aid, weapons training and flying tuition.

On-site Accommodation

The Centre also provides on site accommodation, allowing the cadets and staff to use the Centre for longer periods, organising camps and other activities while here.  This combined with the Training Camp the Centre is based on allow more "Green" activities, such as field craft, shooting and night exercises.