CZ
For undergraduate geologists, lecture halls are no doubt 'more civilised' than field trips. There are many other analagous situatuons. There is much more to being an effective pilot (or to enjoying the ATC Cadet experience) than is learned only by sitting in an airframe.
For me, flying in anything I could blag a ride in, and my A&B in 1960 at Kirton Lindsey VGS were the main reason I became an ATC Cadet, but I gained a great deal of other experience that has served me well ever since.