Fly the world - without leaving Kuwait

[raihans]

Fly the world - without leaving Kuwait
Published Date: April 01, 2011
By Nawara Fattahova, Staff Writer

Many people dream of being a pilot but most never make their dream come true. When growing older makes the dream an impossibility, Flight Experience is there to give people the opportunity to experience flying a real commercial jet airliner.

Flight Experience gives those wanting the satisfaction of flying a real plane exactly what they've always wanted. You can press buttons, turn the yoke and use the breaks in the simulator as though you are really a pilot flying and landing a plane. Flight instructor Nathan took me on a short simulated trip to New York City in the United States and back.

Previously, this exciting experience has only been available in four other countries; Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore. For more than a month the Flight Experience franchise has been available in Kuwait at the 360 Mall. While not officially launched yet the simulator is reserved for more than a week in advance.

Under the guidance of a professional instructor, customers have a chance to experience the next best thing to flying a real commercial jet airliner. The replica Boeing 737 simulator features a full cockpit layout, instruments and systems, high-fidelity 1,800 panoramic visuals and real-time weather day or night.

Customers can also choose from a wide variety of options such as airport locations or weather conditions. "You can take control and taxi, takeoff, fly and land the aircraft yourself," instructor Paul, a former military pilot in Europe said. "You can also choose from over 24,000 airports worldwide. Depending on the selected package the variety of choices is wider.

The experience of flying is exciting, challenging and great fun. The provider promises customers it will change the way they fly as a passenger forever. "All the views seen from the cabin are visually 3D, you really feel like you're flying," Paul continued. "The captain (customer) will press all the buttons and operate the flight alone. As an instructor I will sit beside him or her and only give instructions. The customer is able to bring two people along to sit in the back free of charge.

The first phase of Flight Experience was launched in February and is now operational. "The second phase will include a shop with gadgets and souvenirs and the briefing area will be launched in the middle of April this year," said Rasha Al-Muhtaseb, Flight Experience's marketing manager. "We will also have a media campaign to provide information about this seriously stimulating flight.

This is an international franchise and we offer the same prices in all the countries. Since we haven't officially launched yet the prices are lower than in other countries. These are promotional prices and will be increased later," she added.

For those wishing to repeat the flight experience and would like to fly frequently there will soon be a new program; the Flying Club. "Customers can join the Flying Club to fly the simulator on a regular basis and enjoy discounted rates. They will receive in-depth training and earn Flight Experience Ratings on the simulator so they can fly solo - then they can fly their friends and family," Al-Muhtaseb explained.

There are four packages that a customer can buy. The price depends on the amount of flying time. "A customer can choose from the 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes packages, starting from KD39," said Gabriel Shaba, the Supervisor at Flight Experience. "It starts with an introduction to flying a jet airliner, takeoffs and landings, fly circuits, or flying over a chosen home city. Then there are flying circuits to sharpen a pilot's skills as well as challenging routes such as Hong Kong's Kai Tak Airport.

The customer can also experience what it is like to be a real airline pilot," he continued. In his words customers can fly real time city-to-city sector flights or practice takeoffs and landing in challenging weather conditions. He added, "For the serious enthusiast, the customer will experience it all, including briefings, cockpit orientations, airline procedures, checklists and real-time sector flights. Customers can master the flight management computer and auto-flight systems.

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