Sparking an interest in aviation

Swapping the classroom for a cockpit for the day, six Perth-based primary school students were given the opportunity to go behind the scenes for a glimpse of what life is like as an aviator at 2FTS at RAAF Base Pearce. 

The students, participants in the Governor of Western Australia’s Sparks of the Future program, marked a milestone with the program’s first visit to RAAF Base Pearce. 

During the visit, students had the chance to test out the flying capability of the Pilatus PC-21 in a state-of-the-art flight simulator. They experienced what it is like to be strapped into a cockpit before heading to the skies over Perth and trying their hand at different aerobatic manoeuvres.

Following on from their simulator experience, the students also had the opportunity to get up close to a real PC-21. For some of the students, this was the first time they had ever been within an arm’s reach of an aircraft. 

“I didn’t expect the plane to be that big,” Merriwa Primary School student Jasmine said.

The students also explored the 2FTS facilities and designed their own shoulder patch, capturing their goals and aspirations as their last year of primary school draws to an end.

2FTS qualified flying instructors FLTLTs Ben Taylor and Alan Landman put it all into perspective for the students by taking them through the process of preparing for a flight and providing the opportunity to learn about and interact with flying clothing.

“It was great to see how excited the students were. Getting to host this visit was pretty special and we hope we have provided them with some inspiration. Perhaps we may even see them back here one day,” FLTLT Taylor said.

When the students were asked what their favourite part of the visit was, there was no hesitation as the group unanimously declared the flight simulator the highlight.

“Definitely the flight simulator. Learning about how it works and getting to do tricks was the best part,” Clarkson Primary School student Eleanor said. 

Inspired by the experience, Merriwa Primary School student Haniya expressed how she felt one step closer to following her dream. 

“I really felt like I was flying an actual plane; it was amazing,” Haniya said.

For Dianella Primary College student Dou-Xi, getting to see the PC-21 up close was also a special experience. 

“I hope to be a pilot one day, and that I get to come back and fly the aircraft we saw today,” Dou-Xi said. 

The Governor of Western Australia's Sparks of the Future program, now in its fourth year, selects six students in their final year of primary school to take part in exceptional experiences to help them develop as young leaders.