Kullu NCC Air Wing all set to get microlight aircraft simulator

The NCC Air Wing cadets in Himachal Pradesh are all set to get a SW 80 Microlight Aircraft Simulator by the end of this month. The simulator will become operational by the first week of November.

The 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, has put in place all infrastructure for its installation. The simulator, being supplied by Aerx Labs Private Ltd, Bangalore, a reputed developer of aviation training systems, will serve as a major boost to flight training in the region.

This modern training tool will allow the cadets to practise pre-flight checks, cockpit procedures, navigation and emergency handling on the ground, significantly reducing dependency on live flight time while improving learning efficiency and safety.

Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 1 HP Air Squadron, while speaking to mediapersons, said, “We have already put in place the required infrastructure for the simulator setup. Persistent efforts were made to expedite its delivery, as the cadets here do not get regular flying opportunities. At present, the base of flying is at Patiala and due to weather conditions and other operational constraints, there are often long breaks in flying. The simulator will ensure that the cadets are able to practise and maintain their skills consistently, even when actual flying is not possible.”

The new simulator will provide the cadets a safe and realistic virtual cockpit environment, enabling them to rehearse take-offs, landing, radio communication and flight manoeuvers without risk. It will also help develop muscle memory, situational awareness and decision-making under pressure, vital qualities for future aviators.

Moreover, the training will assist the cadets to prepare for the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), which was earlier known as the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), a once-in-a-lifetime qualification test for aspiring pilots in the Indian Air Force. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the CPSS evaluates a candidate’s psychomotor coordination, cognitive ability and information processing speed through advanced simulations.

The Pipistrel SW 80 Microlight Aircraft, affectionately known as “Garud”, has long been a symbol of courage and the spirit of flight among the NCC cadets. The induction of its simulator represents a milestone in strengthening the aviation training infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that the cadets receive world-class exposure and are well-prepared to take to the skies with confidence and skill.