RAF Fairford buzzed with excited visitors and the Cotswolds echoed once again with the thrilling sights and sounds of aircraft of all shapes and sizes, from all eras and countries of the world, at the unique adrenalin-fuelled Royal Air Tattoo.
Among the excited visitors at the world’s largest military air show were pupils from Minerva Primary Academy in Bristol. The 36 Year 5 pupils toured the aeroplanes and took part in a range of themed activities throughout the day.
Some pupils flew in a plane simulator, while others made foam airplanes and competed against each other flying them. They programmed a remote-controlled car to act like the Mars Exploration Rover and watched an aerobatic display and a flyby from of a group of fighter jets.
One of the highlights of the day was that pupils all got to speak to a pilot from the United States Air Force (USAF) who flew in from America just for the Tattoo. They asked him lots of questions including, why did he want to become a pilot, what plane does he fly and how did he get into the air force.
Ella Gibson and Abigail Shannon, Year 5 Teachers at Minerva Primary Academy, said: “Despite the damp and soggy conditions, it was a fantastic opportunity for the children to explore new technologies. They were mesmerised and awestruck at being able to see such a variety of aircraft and different modes of transport up close. This was certainly an experience they will never forget.”
