A group of aspiring pilots gained flying experience this month through exercises on a flight simulator at an aviation camp.

The 2025 Bermuda Aviation summer camp took the young prospective aviators to new heights, both in theory and practice, as they deepened their understanding of flight through immersive, app-based simulators and hands-on scientific exploration.

The three-week programme, which started on June 30, concluded on Friday at the Glory Temple Church in St David’s.

Ten young people took part in the camp, which catered for children aged 9 to 16.

The programme built on the momentum of the 2024 inaugural camp, with returning students continuing their flight education in ways that closely mirror real-world aviation training.

John Madiro, one of the organisers, said: “Their use of computer and tablet-based simulators brought aviation to life, offering personalised training experiences anytime, anywhere.”

He said many students simulated “breathtaking landings” at some of the world’s most challenging airports, including the famously short and narrow runway at Skiathos Airport in Greece.

Dr Madiro said one of the camp’s most popular exercises was the real-time, gate-to-gate simulation of a transatlantic flight from Bermuda to London’s Heathrow Airport, a route that is deemed complex.

He said it was a rewarding experience and the students were able to understand the technical and procedural depth of modern aviation.

Throughout the camp, the students were engaged in comprehensive flight planning using sectional charts, and they also studied the real-time impact of weather on aviation operations.

The participants also developed their situational awareness through simulated flights that required radio communication with air traffic control.

They conducted detailed preflight inspections, strict adherence to landing checklists and post-landing taxiing procedures.

Beyond the simulator, the students demonstrated their understanding of aerodynamic principles by constructing aerofoils from heavy materials.

When tested under high-velocity wind conditions using industrial fans, these student-built wings successfully achieved lift, a scientific force that keeps aircraft in flight.

Dr Madiro deemed the exercise “an impressive testament” to the participants’ grasp of aerodynamic science.

The curriculum included the study of aircraft and aerodynamics, aircraft instruments, engines and systems, as well as airports, air traffic control protocols and the classification of airspace.

The students studied the Standard Aviation Regulations and learnt to calculate aircraft performance metrics such as weight and balance.

They explored aeromedical factors and aeronautical decision-making, weather systems and meteorological services and navigation — including cross-country flight planning.

The practical training extended into preflight procedures, airport operations, flight manoeuvres such as climbs, descents, stalls and co-ordinated turns, as well as emergency procedures and night operations.

Navigation and long-distance flight strategy were also emphasised and this gave the students a realistic perspective on cross-country flying.

“This structured approach not only enriched students’ technical knowledge but also refined their use of aviation terminology,” Dr Madiro said.

“By the end of the programme, many were speaking with clarity, logic and remarkable accuracy, demonstrating an elevated fluency in aviation language and concepts,” he added.

Dr Madiro said he was heartened that some of the participants, who also attended the 2024 debut camp, have taken their passion farther by enrolling in online ground school programmes modelled after Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence syllabuses.

He said that solidified the camp’s mission to build a future generation of aviation professionals in Bermuda.

For the 2026 camp, the organisers will provide the students with workbooks, which will be updated as aviation regulations change.

Plans are also being finalised with Aero Atlanta Flight Centre for students to be able to conduct discovery flights.

Dr Madiro thanked the Bermuda Airport Authority for its support of the camp and highlighted the efforts of Mark Bourne, the director of air navigation services, and the air traffic control team at LF Wade International Airport.