It's not too often that a high school student can sit behind the controls of an Apache attack helicopter, and then take off. But dozens of North Hills Senior High  Tech-Ed students did get to experience the excitement of helicopter flight during a recent visit from the U.S. Army Flight simulator .

The simulator, housed in a massive tractor-trailer truck, spent the day at North Hills Senior High on Sept. 7.

"I don't think a lot of kids aren't aware the advanced technology they can experience through this," said Reuben Clark, a Technology Education Teacher at North Hills. "We are Tech-Ed, we deal with engineering. I think when we can show them what we do in the class, by bringing a realistic concept to it, is the whole reason we're here."

The students flew Apache Attack and Kiowa Warrior helicopters and a Predator drone. Additionally, students experienced a Blackhawk simulator that operates on sight, smell and sound.

Based out of Fort Knox in Kentucky, the simulator travels throughout the country to show students the educational and career opportunities available through the U.S. Army.

"We tell all the students, use the Army as a stepping stone to get the education they want," said Staff Sgt. Matthew S. Grimm, a U.S Army recruiter. "Eventually they are not going to be wearing this uniform, so they get the job experience, and getting paid to do it, as well the college money which helps them get a degree."

The visit was arranged by the U.S. Army Recruitment Center at 4700 McKnight Road.