Cleared for Take-Off: Northbrook College Students Shine in Gliding Simulators 

Aeronautical Engineering students from Northbrook College virtually took to the skies as they visited the Southdown Gliding Club.  

The group of ten students from the college’s Shoreham Airport campus received an exciting gliding simulator experience, giving them a taste of what may be involved to work in the gliding industry.  

It all began with a talk and video about gliding in the UK, followed by a visit to the club hangar, where they were also shown the tug aircraft.  

Students then had the opportunity to visit to the club’s gliding simulator, where each student occupied the front position, with an instructor in the secondary rear seat.  

The state-of-the-art simulator has dual controls, a full instrument panel layout, and a full colour wraparound display of the local area. This allowed students to receive a realistic experience of what it is like to go gliding in the local area.  

Each simulator experience began with an aerotow behind a representation of the gliding club’s tug aircraft at an altitude of approximately 2000 ft. After this, the glider was released and flown around the local area, locating thermals to maximise airtime.  

After about 15 minutes of flying time, students were instructed to join the normal circuit at Parhan airfield to land at the gliding field.  

The group of students impressed the staff at the gliding club, with some who had never flown before being considered naturals.  

Some students were even able to perform aerobatics, including Chandelles, rolls, loops and spins. One student even managed to land back at Shoreham Airport, within view of the college campus. 

James Hammerton, Specialist Technician in Aeronautical Engineering at the college, said:  
“Many thanks to Southdown Gliding Club and, in particular, Will Greenwood (Chairman) for the talk and hangar visit, and to Paul Isaacs and Kevin Beale for instructing in the simulator.  

“All the students had a great time, and we very much hope to revisit the club and, with any luck and suitable weather, have an actual air experience next year.”  

To find out about the Aircraft Maintenance courses available at the college, please click here. To find out more about the Southdown Gliding Club, click here.