The Royal Flying Doctors bring flight simulator to Hobart

Half of a plane on Hobart’s Parliament lawns is a peculiar sight, but the aircraft was inspiring a new generation of life savers.

Solomon aged 4 with his dad Alex Calvert at the Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft Hobart Community Open Day. Picture: Caroline Tan

They might be tiny but the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s aircraft are life savers.

As part of a community day, RFDS education officer Meg Culhane, was at Parliament House lawns with half a plane, minus the fuselage and wings, which is currently touring schools in southern Tasmania for two weeks.

Megs Culhane RFDS Education Officer at the Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft Hobart Community Open Day. Picture: Caroline Tan

She said most people were taken aback at how small the planes were.

“They’re tiny and people are always surprised by the size,” Ms Culhane said.

“The planes might be small, but they’re amazing in terms of the technology and the safety requirements, and they’re so well set up that there is no better place to be.

“They are our ambulance in the air.”

The RFDS has about 1500 patients a year in Tasmania and also provides physical, mental and dental health services across 14 rural and remote areas.

Solomon aged 4 with his dad Alex Calvert at the Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft Hobart Community Open Day. Picture: Caroline Tan

Alex Calvert and his four-year-old son Solomon had ridden from North Hobart and were excited to check out the plane.

They climbed aboard to see the flight simulation capabilities and fully equipped medical facilities.

“It’s awesome and great it is being taken around schools,” Mr Calvert said.

“Solomon loved it. He was excited to put the headphones on and talk to me.”

Originally published as The Royal Flying Doctors bring flight simulator to Hobart