From 24 to 30 August, the winning students of Aeronautical Culture Courses of the cities of Vercelli, Imola, Pesaro and Gorizia, along with two of the best students of the’National Organisation for the Children of Airmen (ONFA), attended a ten-day internship at the 202nd Flight Group of the 60° Wing.
A unique experience that allowed the children to get closer to the world of’Italian Air Force and to live the everyday life up close.
During the work experience, students had the opportunity to take four flights on the’Aliante Twin Astir G103 supplied to the Department along with the flight instructors of the 202nd Flying Group.
«As soon as we lifted off the ground I had the feeling that I was truly flying, without any noise… just the wind and the sky around me. It’s like gliding on the wings of a bird,» an enthusiastic student recounted at the end of his first flight, his eyes still shining with emotion.
Among the various activities, one day was dedicated to visiting the 1st Special Operations Air Brigade with flight demonstrations of HH101 helicopters del 9th Wing of Grazzanise and the raiders of 17th Wing in Furbara.
The young people also took part in cultural and institutional visits. Italian Air Force Historical Museum (MUSAM) at Vigna di Valle, the Quirinal Palace, the Advanced Studies and Experience Division and finally the Aeronautica Palace where they met the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force Corps General Antonio Conserva.
The Chief of Staff, in his address to the young students, emphasised the importance of initiatives like this, which allow new generations to connect with the values and tradition of the Air Force.
The Aeronautical Culture Courses are organised by the Air Force with the aim of promoting and disseminating the image of the Armed Force and aeronautical military culture in secondary schools, selected each year in different Italian provinces.
