Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall

Program – Bodmin Airfield

Get ready for an unforgettable week of aviation at Bodmin Airfield, where students will experience airline flying, air traffic control, emergency aviation, aircraft investigation, and navigation in one of the UK’s most unique airport environments.

This exciting 5-day holiday club gives students the chance to step into the shoes of pilots, air traffic controllers, investigators, and emergency response crews while learning how aviation works in the real world through hands-on activities, simulator flying, and immersive aviation challenges.

Based near the Cornish coastline, students will also explore the fascinating challenges of coastal and offshore flying while experiencing a live airport environment first-hand.

Throughout the week, students will take part in a range of exciting themed days, including:

🎧 Air Traffic Control Day

Step into the world of air traffic control and discover how controllers safely manage aircraft movements both in the air and on the ground. Students will learn the phonetic alphabet, practise aviation radio communication, take part in exciting roleplay exercises using walkie-talkies, and may have the opportunity to visit the Cornwall Airport Newquay control tower.

🚁 Air Ambulance & Emergency Aviation Day

Discover how helicopters support emergency medicine and life-saving missions. Students will learn how air ambulance operations work, explore how emergency missions are planned, and may hear from real air ambulance pilots and aviation professionals about careers in emergency aviation.

✈️ Learn to Fly Airliners Day

Experience what it’s like to fly a modern commercial airliner and discover how airline pilots operate safely around the world. Students will explore the Airbus A320, learning about cockpit design, aircraft systems, navigation, departures, and landings through realistic simulator flying.

🕵️ Aircraft accident Investigation Day

Become an aviation investigator and uncover how incidents are analysed to improve global aviation safety. Students will explore the work of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and work in teams to investigate a simulated real-world aviation incident.

🗺️ Navigation & Coastal Flying Day

Learn the fundamentals of flight planning and air navigation while exploring the unique challenges of coastal and offshore flying. Students will discover how pilots use charts, landmarks, headings, timing, and navigation systems when operating over coastlines and open water.

Alongside the themed activities, students will enjoy:

• Hands-on simulator flying

• Aviation games and teamwork challenges

• Pilot communication exercises

• Real-world aviation knowledge

• Opportunities to experience a live airport environment

• Insight into a wide range of aviation careers

As Cornwall Airport Newquay is a live operational airport, activities and visits may vary depending on operational availability, weather conditions, and guest speaker schedules — making every week a little different and adding to the excitement of real aviation.

📍 Location

Bodmin / Cornwall Airport Newquay — an exciting aviation environment offering students a unique opportunity to experience real airport operations near the stunning Cornish coastline.