A ‘FLYING classroom’ has given students in Bournemouth the chance to become flight engineers.
More than 200 pupils from Parkfield School visited Bournemouth Airport on Tuesday to see the specially adapted Saab 340B aircraft.
The plane had been transformed into a learning space for aerospace students by Cranfield University's National Flying Laboratory Centre.
Its visit to Bournemouth followed a partnership between the airport and university to foster future skills in the aviation industry.
Steve Gill, managing director at Bournemouth Airport, said: “This is a unique opportunity for school children from our area to benefit from a partnership that the airport has developed.
“This aircraft gives children the chance to see an aircraft in real life and hear from people from the university on how it flies.
“We’re trying to inspire these children to get interested in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the aviation-related opportunities on their doorstep.”
Students visiting from Parkfield, who were aged between nine and 14, explored the aircraft inside and out and took part in an interactive workshop designed to replicate the experience of flying a plane.
A few lucky children were also given the chance to sit in the cockpit and meet one of Cranfield’s pilots- Andrew Pattrick.
Speaking on the day, Andrew said: “For some of the children, it’s the first time they’ve ever been on an aircraft.
“If you can sit in the front, then hopefully that is, if not inspiring, at least enjoyable.
“There have been lots of big grins, smiley faces and lots of button pressings, and people asking if we can fly somewhere for a holiday.”
Jeremy Payne, Headteacher at Parkfield School, added that it was a “great opportunity” for the school, which is next to the airport.
He told the Daily Echo: “The children live by an airport, but they’ve got completely used to it.
"To actually come out on the runway, experience a plane and have educators tell them about it, and for them to start to see opportunities about their future- it’s a wonderful thing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel