Pupils from Wimbish Primary Academy and The Meadow Primary School, part of Anglian Learning, tested their piloting skills with aflight simulator experience led by alocal aviation heritage trust.

The two computersimulators are based on the WW1 SE5a fighter plane used by the British Armed Forces during World War One. Pupils put on the VR headset which is programmed with missions ‘Scout’ pilots would have accomplished during the war.

Also included in the day’s activities was a quiz led by Cllr Stewart Luck, who donated the experience to the two schools as part of the Uttlesford District Council Youth Initiatives Working Group.

Stewart said, “From my first interaction with the academy to the event day, the teachers, staff, and pupils were truly outstanding. We had an incredible time, made new friends, and built connections that I believe will inspire collaboration and the sharing of skills in the future”.

Chris Steadman, Senior Class Teacher of Wimbish Primary Academy, said “All pupilshad a fabulous day and learnt so much from the visitors from The Aviation Heritage Trust. The VR experience was amazing, and the historical background was enriching and informative for all”.

30 Pupils from The Meadow Primary School, who partner with Wimbish Primary Academy under their Executive Headteacher, Nichola Pickford, were also invited to take part in the activities.

Nichola said “We are incredibly thankful to Cllr Stewart Luck for providing this unique opportunity for our pupils. Experiencing history firsthand helps our pupils to understand the past and boosts their engagement and love of learning. Both our staff and pupils have been inspired by the STEM activity and are thankful for the time given by the heritage trust to answer any questions.”

In the afternoon, pupils took part in an art session, capturing what they had learnt during the activity within their artwork.

The WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust is a registered charity set up to provide an enduring flying collection of World War I Allied and German aeroplanes. Their goal is the education of current and future generations as testimony to the aircrews of the Great War, their planes, and their sacrifice.

To find out more about the heritage trust, please visit: https://ww1aviationheritagetrust.co.uk/

To find out more about Wimbish Primary Academy, please visit: https://wimbishprimary.org/

To find out more about The Meadow Primary School, please visit: https://meadowprimary.org/

The recent 56 (Woolwich) squadron Air Cadets do was a success, supported by the Honourable Company of Air pilots, the Lampmongers, and YES, who presented certificates of merit to many of the cadets. Some cadets had undertaken gliding courses and subsequently written about their week long experience at a gliding club in the Peak District.

LAA and YES member, Andy Webb, who is also a Director of Skysmart recently took part as an expert witness in an enquiry into post 16+ education and opportunities.

The enquiry was instigated by Robert Halflon MP for Harlow and can be watched at the link below. The result of the enquiry will be available in a few months.

Skysmart, like many companies, are having difficulties in finding young recruits to fill vacancies who are able to cope and complete an Apprenticeship. In the broadcast you can hear various SME’s debate the problems with MP’s and the CBI representative:

https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/8ca2f0d3-231b-48d0-bbb8-bdd0fa46bf91

During March 2022, HRH Princess Anne popped in for a visit to Stansted Airport College and was shown around the engineering workshop by YES Ambassador, Rares Turcu.

HRH Princess Anne was impressed by the college work and the dedication of the students.

Patricia shares her story with us on IWD 2022:

A number of PPL flying scholarships are available from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP) – and the window for applications is open from now until 2 February 2022.

Providing up to 45 hours of flying training, the scholarships can take a candidate with little or no experience to completion of their flying licence during the course of the summer. Alternatively they can ‘finish off’ someone who is already partially trained.

Candidates must be 17 or over on 1 June 2022.  The course must be commenced during June 2022 and completed by 29 September 2022.

Read more about the Scholarships and previous winners on the Flyer news page, here:

https://www.flyer.co.uk/hcap-launches-2022-ppl-flying-scholarships

To apply, click the link below:

https://www.airpilots.org/scholarships/flying-scholarships/flying-scholarships-2022/

Good luck with your application!

An Aviation Taster Day for Scouts was held at Audley End Airfield on 16th October 2021.

Around 60 scouts attended the event from Newport, Thaxted, Carver Barracks, Bocking and Clavering, all located in N.Essex

At the first base on the day, Rules of the Air were covered in a fairly relaxed atmosphere:

The Second Base the scouts visited was to learn about Elementary Navigation:

How to conduct PREFLIGHT CHECKS was next at Base 3:

Our 4th Base Covered Aviation ART:

Some of the amazing artwork produced that was entered into the LAA Young Artists Competition:

The 5^th Base was Aviation Careers.

Lunch was served to all Volunteers:

At the End of the day the Mayor of Saffron Walden, Richard Porch and 100-year-old PPL/LAA inspector Ted Barret exchanged notes:

A big thank you to the LAA who came to promote the aviation art competition and the Guild of Aviation Artists for their help on the day, Vintage Fabrics who allowed us to use their hangar for the art sessions, and all the PPL Pilots, Instructors, Scout Leaders and Counsellors who were all part of making the event so successful.

Thank you also to the WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust who took part in the event and have some exciting and interesting projects planned for the future.