Have you ever wondered what type of software does big airline companies use, but couldn’t figure it out? Or ever wanted to use any of those? Well, if you do, we are here to solve your little problem.
Since World War II, flight simulation technology has seen drastic changes. But it’s only been 5-7 years since these technologies can easily (relatively) be used personally without spending a load of money and resources.
In this overview article, we have compiled a list of professional-grade resources that you can easily use. The post is divided into two sections.
Just below are three of the best professional-grade flight simulation software that you can run on your computers at home. They will also help you make your own small flight simulation setup. Then, at last, are 5 professional, full-motion flight simulators that are used by professionals to polish their flying skills.
Table of Contents
3. XPlane Pro
Price: $750
Dubbed as the most used general-purpose flight simulator, XPlane allows users to create a truly powerful flight simulator without much of a hassle. It provides hardware and frame-rate checks to make sure it complies with guidelines for FAA certification.
It also uses spherical and cylindrical map projections just like real-life simulators, plus it’s also compatible with Garmin Real Simulator Units.
2. Prepar3D
Prepar3D v2 Screenshot
Price: $199/licence (Professional)
Prepar3D, owned by Lockheed Martin, is a high-end simulation platform that enables users to indulge in virtual flight training. The best part about this is that you can choose almost any scenario for training like underwater and in orbital space. This utility is used by various small and large organizations, individuals, and the military to train their pilots.
Prepar3D is compatible with another popular flight simulator game Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which opens up the possibility of adding new add-ons. The software comes with three license options; Professional, Academic Professional Plus, and Developer licenses.
The Professional Plus license comes with all the good ingredients that a flight learner needs. Some of its features are;
- AI implementation in different scenarios
- Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) sessions
- Recreation of different flight scenarios with different variable
1. Redbird Flight Simulation
Image Courtesy: Redbird Flight Simulation
Price: $2,595 (The JAY)
Guys, this is the real deal. Redbird Flight simulation is a US-based company specialized in flight training. Redbird flight basically has three products in principal; The Jay, a PC based simulator with modified FSX software, FMX, a full-motion advanced aviation system and Alloy series, including rudder pedals, throttle, and an aircraft yolk.
You can also add a couple of exciting accessions such as Insight, which integrates live video of an outside world with all Redbird simulators. Then there is Parrot, which allows invoice pilots to learn VFR radio communications.
Commercial Aircraft Simulator
While there are many great video game-style flight simulations available on the market with state-of-the-art video rendering and 3D cockpits, those simulations will always lack one key aspect, i.e., motion. Yes, those video games are fun, but they are nothing compared to professional flight simulators used by airline companies and the military to train their pilots.
An industry-grade or licensed flight simulator offers a lot more than PC based games. A full-motion simulation platform is the closest thing to flying a real aircraft. While these machines are generally meant to train pilots, very few of them can be rented for hours.
Not just a source of fun, these simulators can improve your flying skills too. Here are 5 of the best full-motion flight simulators from all around the world that you can ride (in no particular order).
5. Thai Simulator Experience
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Thai Airways is another international airliner that allows the general public to take advantage of their professional-grade flight simulators via the Thai Royal Orchid membership program. Visitors get to simulate either Airbus A330 or A380 aircraft (depending on the availability) alongside a professional flight instructor.
The simulation features landing and takeoff practices from some of the world’s biggest airports, including London Heathrow, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Sydney. You must book your session for at least three days in advance.
Read: 18 Best Physics Game
4. United Airlines A320 Simulator
Flight simulators in United Airlines facility
Location: Denver, Colorado
Another commercial-grade flight simulator that you can enjoy is the United Airlines A320 simulator located in Denver. Though the facility is rarely opened to the general public, anyone with the United MileagePlus card can apply whenever there is the opportunity. All you have to do is enter an auction, where you use your award miles for hours in the simulator.
The highest bidder gets to enjoy the simulator for up to four hours along with a friend or whoever you want to take. Do you know, United became the first commercial airliner to use flight simulators with visuals and sound aid for training pilots in 1954. Keep in mind that this is not a full-motion or Level D simulator.
3. Qantas 747 Flight Simulator
Qantas flight simulator
Location: Sydney, Australia
If you are a frequent flyer on Australia’s biggest airline Qantas, then you can also become one of the few lucky people in the world who have flown a Boeing 747, not the real one, of course. Currently, you can book your 1 hr ride on the simulator at Qantas training facility at a cut down price for 92,000 points. This offer is for a limited time.
Throughout your entire time inside the simulator, an experienced flight trainer will guide you through details about various in-flight instruments, important instructions, etc. You could feel engine thrust and hydraulic as if you were actually flying a 440 (US) ton aircraft. You can also simulate real-life airports from all around the world.
2. Delta Flight Museum Simulator
Image Courtesy: EPA
Location: Atlanta
For more than two decades, the Delta Flight Museum has been a one-stop destination for aviation and aircraft fans. It has so many things to offer, from historical knowledge to the future of flight. However, one of its main spotlights is the full-motion Boeing 737-200 flight simulator, which is open to the general public.
Anyone with $425 and age above 16 can gain access to the flight simulator for one hour. Actually, it’s 45 minutes, with a 10-minute pre-flight briefing and 5 minute review time.
1. EVA Flight Simulator
Location: Taoyuan, Taiwan
EVA Air is one of the biggest airliners in Taiwan. Like Qantas and United Airlines, EVA also presents regular commuters and cardholders with a chance to experience flight simulator. One needs to fill the form one month prior to the desired session. Keep in mind that you need at least 100,000 miles or 100 flights to qualify for this experience.
Read: 12 Best Helicopter Games For All Platforms
The type of flight simulation and aircraft will be decided by airliners, and of course, you have to travel all the way to their headquarters in Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
SO much lack of research makes for a truly lazy and embarrassing article. Your lack of work didn’t even get you near the world of professional flight simulation software solutions – yet another clickbait site from morons for morons.
Lol are you calling yourself a moron? I’m confused because you are one who got tricked by the click, and now on this article making fun of ones on this page.
♂️ SMH
Before you complain about how flawed a list it, you should be prepared to support your position. I did not see any information from you, just a claim. You say this page had a lack of research, you supplied none.
Hi! You seem to have missed out on the UK. In the South Of England, West Sussex to be precise, you will find Full Motion Experience. They have special access to Level D Full Flight Simulators that are usually offered to professional pilots for training! Only a select few can offer experiences to the public and I can’t speak higher of FME. Sia my pilot was brilliant and these £15 million bits of kit are amazing.