Students learn about aviation industry from professionals
MORE than 200 students received inspiring talks from air traffic controllers, pilots and engineers as part of the Guernsey air display last month.
The air display set out to educate and inspire young people on its history and future of the aviation industry. Year 7 and 8 students at St Sampson’s High School had a talk from Guernsey Airport operational air traffic control officer Gary Elson about the importance of the air display and the key historical local events involving aircraft during the Second World War.
‘One of the pillars of the Guernsey Air Display is to “educate and inspire” and this year we made it our mission to bring the air display to the young people and children of Guernsey,’ said Mr Elson.
‘The air display is so much more than welcoming some of Britain’s most historic and treasured military aircraft alongside aerobatic and display teams. It’s about commemorating the lives of all those RAF aircrews who have served their country, celebrating the invaluable work that the RAF Association does and educating and inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers and aviation professionals.’
Students at Elizabeth College had the opportunity to hear from two Royal Air Force engineers for the Red Arrows about the importance of Stem and their careers in the RAF.
‘The air display this year was amazing, but I loved being able to hear from the Blues and learn about their involvement on the ground with the Red Arrows. It’s so inspiring to hear about their experiences and all the hard work they put into getting where they are today,’ said Ben Davidson, an Elizabeth College student, who aspires to join the Royal Air Force.
‘As someone who wants to join the RAF, that was such a valuable experience and I hope more young people get the chance to meet them in the future.’
The RAF careers engagement team also spent the week on island visiting schools and the cadets talking about the different career options the RAF has to offer.
‘We’re so grateful to all of the pilots, engineers and teams who got directly involved in supporting the next generation over the last week and look forward to building on this around next year’s display,’ said Mr Elson.
He said there was a final opportunity to see the documentary Lancaster at the Performing Arts Centre tomorrow.
‘The screening is our way to mark the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid and documents the story of the World War II bomber through the words of the last surviving crew members and re-mastered footage of the RAF’s last airworthy Lancaster.
‘The screening has been kindly sponsored by Lancaster Guernsey so that all the funds from ticket sales will go to the Guernsey Air Display Foundation and help fund next year’s display.’
n Adult tickets cost £18 and are available from https://www.guernseytickets.gg/
