The pilots who will fly a new fleet of RAF Lossiemouth spy planes could soar into Moray’s classrooms in an effort to inspire pupils to seek a sky-high career.
The chairman of Moray Council’s economic development committee, John Cowe, is devising ways to encourage local youngsters to capitalise on the impending arrival of nine Poseidon aircraft at the base.
The crew will begin work at Lossiemouth in April next year, with the first plane scheduled to arrive in 2020.
And with the new Squadron Leader, Wg Cdr James Hanson, having urged young people to capitalise on the upcoming jobs bonanza, councillors are looking for ways to encourage them.
Councillor Cowe said the best way to inspire the next generation to fly the planes would be to invite pilots into schools.
He added: “I was at a career event in Elgin some time ago. It struck me because it showed a video of children in a school and the kids were maybe 5 or 6 years old.
“The children were asked what would you like to be when you grow up?
“One said a fireman, one said a doctor and one said a pilot.
“In walks a doctor, a pilot and a fireman. It was amazing.
“That’s what needs to be done. Take these kids, ask them the questions and in the door come these people dressed in uniform.”
He added that he hoped the arrival would encourage young people to stay in the area, instead of leaving to work elsewhere.
“We need to look at the situation where so many of our youngsters leave, and it’s years before they come back.
“We need to create jobs, and this is a huge opportunity.”