A Royal Australian Air Force Hercules rumbled into town on Sunday and carried away about 20 of Mount Isa's youth to a week long camp at the Amberley Air Base and the Australian Army Aviation Centre in Oakey.

The young people, all Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), were looking forward to a week of activities including a visit to Dreamworld and trying out commercial flight simulators.

Leading Cadet (AAFC) Phillip Eastburn said he went on a similar training camp last year.

"I'm most excited about doing the flight simulations; I'd like to be a pilot," Phillip said.

Parent Maree Borchard said it was excellent discipline for the young people.

"There's no smoking, no swearing and it creates a really positive atmosphere for them," Mrs Borchard said.

Her son, Matthew, got to sit on the flight deck at take-off along with two other cadets, she said.

Pilot Officer (AAFC) Jenny Garrett, who is commander of the cadets, said it was a big trip for them.

"They'll get to experience life on the RAAF Aviation base, as well as fly a 737 on a simulator," she said.

The Hercules C130J, which is based in Richmond, will bring the cadets back to Mount Isa on Saturday, June 30.

- Pictures: LIZ MACINTYRE/2690