On March 24th 2022, the RAF in Scotland supported the RAF Air Cadets, the Wooden Spoon Rugby Charity and Tayside Aviation in launching an initiative to provide flying training and experiences for disadvantaged and disabled children.
Flying Aces is a scheme that brings virtual, on-line flying instruction, Flight Simulation, through Mobile Flight Simulators and actual flying at Tayside Aviation, Dundee Airport. The Scheme was developed initially for Air Cadets but, with sponsorship, is now available to provide opportunities for disadvantaged or disabled children to benefit from flying experiences, with the aim of building their confidence and their chances in life.
On-line Flying Instruction can be found on the Flying Aces | Scottish Aviation & STEM Trail.
The Wooden Spoon Rugby Charity had sponsored the construction of 3 Mobile Flight Simulators to provide pre-flying training. The official launch of these Mobile Flight Simulators took place at Tayside Aviation, Dundee Airport, with former Scotland and British & Irish Lions rugby star, Andy Nicol, officially opening the scheme, which was attended by children from RNIB, the Forth Valley Sensory Centre and Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Air Officer Scotland (the RAF’s senior representative in Scotland), Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson, played a key role in bringing together the Wooden Spoon and the RAF Air Cadets in the development of the Mobile Flight Simulators to support the Flying Aces Scheme.
"The 3 Mobile Flight Simulators, generously funded by the Wooden Spoon, can visit day centres, schools and events right across Scotland to offer the opportunity for as many young people as is possible, and they provide a great stepping-stone to actual flying experience with the Flying Aces Scheme."
Air Vice Marshal Ross Paterson
Air Officer Scotland
Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow, Special Projects Officer for the Air Cadets in Scotland & Northern Ireland, was the innovator of the Flying Aces Scheme.
"We encourage young people to think: “If I can fly an aeroplane, is there anything in life I can’t do?” The exercise is about getting them to control the aircraft as much as possible. They will be flying to the extent that any youngster - Air Cadet or not, disabled or not - is asked to."
Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow
Special Projects Officer, Air Cadets in Scotland & Northern Ireland
Tayside Aviation has for some time provided flying training for RAF Air Cadets from their base at Dundee Airport, using The Piper PA-28 Warrior aircraft.
"We are delighted to be the delivery partner for the Flying Aces programme, which includes youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds. It's great to share the excitement of taking to the skies with young people that normally would not be given that opportunity."
Jim Watt
Tayside Aviation Managing Director
Read more about the RAF Air Cadets.
