Cool Aeronautics Visit to HAC/HMC on 5 December 2019

First launched in 2007, Cool Aeronautics is the Royal Aeronautical Society’s primary school outreach programme that aims to introduce children to the fascinating world and people of flying, aerospace engineering, and space.  These events represent a crucial part of the Society’s efforts to provide a ‘through-life’ approach to its outreach and careers activities. In particular, Cool Aeronautics embodies the Society’s aim to ‘promote aerospace and aviation to a new generation’.

Each month in term time RAF Halton hosts a visit by a large group of children from a local school.  The children spend time in the Trenchard Museum where they are escorted around the many fascinating exhibits as well as getting the opportunity to fly the Chipmunk Flight Simulator.  They also are shown how to use walkie-talkie radio in an aviation context and build model rockets or racing cars.  A visit to Hangar 3, home of HAC and the Halton Microlight Club (HMC), is a highlight of the day and a small volunteer team of Club members are their hosts. 

On 5th Dec 2019 HAC Members Mike Russell, Arthur Gill, Ken Owen, Stephen Early, Colin Hampson-Jones and HMC Member Dave Parsons hosted the 11th and final 2019 visit by Key Stage 2 children to Hangar 3 as part of the Cool Aeronautics programme.  Sixty children & teachers from Prestwood Junior School visited RAF Halton and Hangar 3 was one of  6 sites that were on their itinerary.  Each group of 10 were given a short brief on the Principles of Flight before being escorted into the hangar to get “up close & personal” with our aircraft and with HMC’s microlights. As usual the children were enthusiastic and excited by being able to sit in a real aircraft and operate the controls.

Over 11 visits this year we have hosted over 700 children from some 15 local schools.  A similar programme is planned for 2020 beginning on 16th January.