Pacific Simulators, based in New Zealand, specialise in the building of fully functional B737 cockpits, approved for pilot training and qualifying as FAA level 4 trainers. A few of these simulators are built especially for their
Flight Experience leisure and entertainment franchise, allowing anybody to enjoy the experience of flying a plane in the hot seat!
Flight Experience in New Zealand has franchise outlets in Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Tauranga. Australia’s franchise outlet locations include Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
With the flight experience
adventure franchise, you can go from a shopping mall outlet straight into a realistic replica of a Boeing 737 cockpit. A Flight Experience staff member will step down to become your co-pilot, as they give you a crash course in flying an aircraft, and walk you through the switches, dials and controls. The attention to detail in the flight simulator is impeccable, right through to ‘no smoking’ and ‘fasten your seatbelt’ switches for your virtual passengers.
All system switches are fully functional in the cockpit - buttons, control columns made of steel, and the Flight Management Computer (FMC) controls are sturdy and realistic. The FMC display responds to all inputs and includes a fully functional alphabetic keyboard.
After being familiarised with the cockpit, you will program your flight into the FMC. A half hour session may take you on a scenic flight over Sydney, whereas a longer trip may take you from Sydney to Brisbane or Christchurch to Wellington. Once radios are set and computers programmed, you will announce your plans to Air Traffic Control (ATC) – which adds to the realistic nature of the Flight Experience simulator. ATC respond when you speak to them, and although pre-recorded messages, the authenticity is impressive.
For take off, you can enable the Take Off/Go Around (TOGA) system which controls auto-throttle during takeoff. The Primary Flight Display, and all displays, are controlled by an Electronic Flight Instrument Syetem (EFIS). This system allows you to select different modes, switch displays, zoom in and out etc. If using Flight Director mode, all you need to do is point the airplane into a cross. If you enable autopilot while in the air, you can take in the scenic views which are ultra-realistic, down to landmarks, rivers and streams!
Many real life pilots are staff at Flight Experience entertainment franchises, and see the work as a great opportunity to hone their own skills. Flight Experience also often have pilots in to use the simulator – from Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin and British Airways – and all being very impressed with the simulator. Many prospective pilots also use the franchise to prepare for job interviews at airlines.
The franchise is also great for tourists to Australia or New Zealand who may not be able to experience some of the scenery of the country – they can see terrific views through Flight Experience’s realistic simulator.
23-Jul-2008