Advanced aircraft simulator to benefit 1,100 NCC cadets

Local MLA Sunder Singh Thakur inaugurated a state-of-the-art Virus SW-80 Microlight Aircraft Simulator at the 1 HP Air Squadron NCC at Hathithan, 10 km from here, today. The facility marks a milestone in the state’s National Cadet Corps (NCC) programme, promising to directly benefit over 1,100 cadets by providing crucial foundational flight experience.

The new simulator is designed to replicate the cockpit of the Pipistrel Virus SW-80, a high-performance, high-wing aircraft, known for its versatility, fuel economy and ability to operate from short runways at high altitudes, the features highly relevant to Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrains. This advanced training tool will allow the cadets to practise essential procedures such as pre-flight checks, cockpit protocols, navigation and emergency handling in a completely safe, virtual environment.

For the region’s aspiring aviators, this facility represents a transformative upgrade. Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, squadron’s Commanding Officer, highlighted a key operational challenge: “The cadets’ primary flying base is in Patiala, and training is frequently disrupted by unfavourable weather and other logistical constraints. The simulator ensures consistent, year-round skill development, bridging the gaps between actual flying opportunities and helping the cadets build a vital muscle memory and decision-making abilities under pressure.”

The training’s strategic importance extends beyond basic skills. The mastery of the simulator will directly prepare the NCC cadets for the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), a critical, once-in-a-lifetime qualification test for becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the CPSS rigorously evaluates the candidates’ psychomotor coordination and cognitive abilities through simulation, making the new facility an essential preparatory ground for future officers.

The MLA outlined a broader vision for the NCC wing’s expansion. He assured support for operationalising the unit’s aircraft hangar to facilitate local flying training by expediting a pending memorandum of understanding (MoU) and pledged to find land near a college or an airport to centralise all future air wing activities. Furthermore, he proposed an ambitious local project to develop drones with a 10 kg to 40 kg payload capacity, funded through the local area development funds, for use in delivering essential supplies during disasters.

This development in Kullu is part of a wider national effort to modernise NCC training. By integrating cutting-edge simulation technology with traditional cadet training, Himachal Pradesh is not only elevating the standards of its NCC programme but is also strategically investing in a pipeline of skilled, confident and well-prepared youth ready to serve in the nation’s armed forces and beyond.