Hordle Primary School pupils flying high after aircraft visit from Mission Aviation Fellowship

YOUNGSTERS got behind the controls of a plane when it touched down at Hordle Primary School in a hands-on learning day.

Pupils were able to climb aboard the aircraft, which was assembled in the playground from a flatbed lorry, and test their skills on a flight simulator.

The plane was dropped off by Christian group Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) which delivers essential supplies to remote communities around the globe.

School spokesperson Francesca Tucker said: “The visit was arranged by Hordle church and the children absolutely loved it.

"They were all very, very excited to have a chance to look around the plane and even climb into the cockpit and were all so polite throughout the day. We were really proud of them.

“Pupils in Foundation level up to Year 4 all had a talk in front of the light aircraft and then had a chance to look around it for themselves.

"Our older pupils in Years 5 and 6 also got to try out the flight simulator when they were able to have a go at landing a plane.”

The special day kicked off with a whole school assembly when youngsters found out more about the work MAF undertakes to deliver doctors, medical provisions, food, educational resources and clean water to some of the world’s most hard-to-reach places.

Head teacher Fiona Adams said: “What a truly wonderful experience for the children. We learnt so much about what life must be like when you live in an isolated community and how the MAF team bring hope and necessities through their wonderful work.

“I have no doubt that their visit will have inspired many pilots of the future.”

MAF is the world’s largest humanitarian airline for over 2,000 partner organisations in 27 developing countries, supporting millions of people.

A plane operated by MAF takes off or lands every four minutes somewhere in the world.