Have you ever dreamt of being a pilot? Or would you like to see what happens behind the mysterious closed doors of the cockpit? The Flight Experience is here for just that purpose, and much more.
Inside its glass doors, take a step into Flight Experience – where the ‘check-in counter’ and its ‘airline’ staff are the first to greet you. Similarly, trained pilots clad in flight crew uniforms are on hand to walk you through your maiden Boeing 737-800NG flight.
There are 24,000 airports available in its database, with matching terrain and flight procedures to simulate any route, location or flying scenario you fancy. The ‘view’ outside of the cockpit window is breath-taking, and the hum of the engines put you right onboard the flight deck. Before you can take to the air, there are take-off procedures to follow and finally, you can hear the engines roar at full throttle. Gently, you pull the yoke back, and the giant bird soars into the air.
To raise the bar for trained individuals, system faults can be simulated to test emergency response procedures. Simple circuit routes can also be planned for those who have never flown before.
Landing becomes the next challenge and as you focus on lining up the aircraft centre with the runway, your instructor takes you through the lowering of the landing gear, flaps, speed brakes, and reducing throttle. By the time you have brought the aircraft to a roll, your heart is thumping hard.
Flight number FXP 0001 has touched down.
Your flight experience is nearing its end. As you taxi to the parking bay and disembark, the ‘airline’ staff welcomes you back with smiles that are reminiscent of a VIP welcome party. Do remember to thank your ‘co-pilot’ for a successful flight!
Service by the individuals at the Flight Experience is superb, and it offers truly, quite the experience. The price of $255 for an hour in the simulator is rather steep, but not surprising. Vouchers come packaged as ‘boarding passes’, which make for the perfect gift if you know someone who wants to fly.
Packages come in time slots that range from 30 minutes ($155) to 90 minutes ($365).
