A local aviation hub is offering pilots, trainees and the general public to ‘fly’ around the world without leaving the ground.
The Sunshine Coast Aero Club, based at Sunshine Coast Airport, has acquired a G1000 flight simulator. It’s based on the C172, which is one of the world’s most widely recognised light aircraft.
The simulator runs on the X-Plane 11 professional platform and participants can fly to and from any airport.
Students and pilots can practise their regular flights or members of the general public can simply load up an airport for fun. JFK Airport at New York and Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Nepal have been two of the favourite locations so far.
Club Chief Flying Instructor, John Johnson, said the simulator had already provided club members with plenty of benefits.
“Already, we have had great use out of the simulator in the short time that we have had it,” he said.
“It is an amazing way to learn in a safe and controlled environment for a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
“The best thing about having a simulator is that we are able to simulate conditions that would be impractical or even dangerous to perform in an actual aircraft.
“This greatly improves the student’s aeronautical decision-making skills, making safer and more competent pilots.”
Club co-director, Naomi McQueen, was thrilled the club’s youngest aviators played a part in acquiring the simulator.
“The Sea Eagles group, acting as a junior advisory team to the Board of Directors, investigated a number of options for a flight simulator for the club,” she said.
“Options were assessed based on functionality, realism and cost, with the G1000 C172 presented to the directors as the best fit”.
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The aero club specialises in training new pilots in light sports aircraft alongside medium passenger jets, in controlled airspace.
It’s open seven days a week.
Bookings for the simulator or flights can be made by calling 5448 8458.
The simulator costs $20 per hour for flying members and $40 per hour for social members.
A dual experience, with an instructor, costs $125 for flying members and $135 for per social members.
Social membership is $5 per year and prior to solo sim time, an instructional session must be completed with one of the instructors at a cost of $99.
Members of the general public will be required to join the club as a social member to use the simulator.
Gift vouchers are available.
In addition to flying operations, the clubhouse is open to all from 4.30pm every Friday afternoon for bar snacks and drinks, a game of pool and plane spotting.
