A call is being made for volunteers to man the flight simulator at the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum in Manston.
The simulator has been in place since April 2018 and comprises a faithful replica of the cockpit of the museum’s own Spitfire Mk XVI (TB752), complete with the correct controls and instruments that a pilot would need to fly the aircraft during the Second World War.
Simulator instructors work a half day a week (sometimes more) to enable visitors to gain an idea as to what it might have been like to fly a Spitfire. Instructors do this by talking visitors through the controls in the cockpit, explaining how to operate the Spitfire and direct people through their flight to ensure the visitor gets the most out of the experience whilst keeping to the 30-minute limit.
The museum invested £16,000 in the Spitfire simulator which allows ‘pilots’ to climb into the cockpit and navigate the craft using the internal instrument panel, control column, rudder controls, throttle and the three visual screens which can show the view from the aircraft, the view from the ground or of the craft itself.
To become an instructor the requirements are:
Essential;
Knowledge of how aircraft fly and the ability to pass that knowledge on to the public.
Knowledge of how to operate a Windows 10 computer.
Willing to be trained in, and able to, fly the aircraft.
Excellent communications skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Desirable;
In possession of a driver’s license and vehicle as the museum is located in the country side.
Experience with flight simulator software or games.
In-depth knowledge of computers, in particular, graphics and trouble shooting.
Able to commit to a regular shift, ideally on weekends.
To apply, please contact [email protected] to request an application form.
