The Mayor of North Tyneside, Mrs Linda Arkley, joined Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron to officially unveil a Flight Simulator on the squadron that was funded by North Tyneside Council. The Cadets were successful in a bid for funding last year and they have built the Flight Simulator themselves as well as designing and constructing the Aerospace Suite where the simulator is based.

 

 

The Flight Simulator will be used to provide practical aerospace training to the young cadets in order to learn the principles of flight to gain a BTEC Award in Aviation Studies – one of many qualifications available to the cadets and is the equivalent to 2 G.C.S.E’s at grade C – A*. 

 

Cadet Christopher Bailey, 15 of Camperdown, said “I really enjoyed making the Flight Simulator. I can’t believe that we made it from scratch and now we are sitting in a cockpit using it to help us learn.” Cadet Ronnie Patterson, 14 of Benton added, “It is really good fun too and we can even fly missions with other Air Cadet squadron’s over the internet.”

 

 

The Mayor unveiled the Flight Simulator after being given a tour of the squadron and seeing the activities that the cadets take part in. Mrs Arkley said “The squadron provides quality training to young people from our community; and the cadets and staff should be very proud of themselves. I am looking forward to seeing the cadets achieve many qualifications which will stand them in good stead for the future.”  

 

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said. “I am delighted that the Mayor has attended our squadron and I sincerely thank North Tyneside Council for its support and investing in our young people. The younger generation will be employed to do jobs – some that are yet to be devised - and Longbenton squadron provides its young people with training and social skills that will be of huge benefit.” “The skills and qualifications gained will give our air cadets an advantage in seeking employment, particular during the difficult economic climate” Gary added.

 

If you’re interested in Longbenton Squadron, then you can visit the Squadron on any Tuesday or Friday evening from 7:00pm to 9:30pm situated on Marquis Close,

Longbenton, NE12 9SB, just next to the DVLA Test Centre, or visit www.2344.org.uk