The Naval Aviation Prospects Scheme (NAPS) is a Fleet Air Arm (FAA) recruiting initiative established in 2007 as a mitigation strategy to combat critical manning shortages in both aircrew and aviation technician categories. NAPS includes an external program involving attendance at significant public events, such as air shows, careers expos, local and non-local school visits. The aims of NAPS are to raise the profile of the FAA within the community, generate prospective applicants, encourage students to consider a career in the FAA and foster civic virtue.
To achieve its aims, NAPS uses portable high tech Flight Simulators (Sims) as an engagement tool to open short discussions with people who might like to know more about a career in the Navy or Defence. NAPS utilises a team of Navy Personnel from different job categories to assist the prospective applicant get the full experience of what it’s like to fly a Navy Helicopter. NAPS latest Sims include Virtual Reality goggles for the pilot visuals, realistic helicopter controls, motion to add the feeling of flying and the latest in Flight Sim software that is as close to flying the real thing as possible for someone who isn’t a helicopter pilot.
