Follow him on Twitter at more news and features about Orange County, visit TimesOC. Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.īradley Zint is a contributor to TimesOC. Pilots must be at least 11 years old and 4 feet 11 inches tall. IF YOU GOĬost: Jet packages start at $59. F/A-18 Legacy or Super Hornet Each simulators console comes with integrated wheels, Sliding side console for easy entry with fully aluminum seat with electric adjustment, rudders adjustment and more. “They’re done flying, but they want to keep dabbling in it,” Leong said.įlightdeck, which took off in 2006, plans to expand when it moves to the Anaheim GardenWalk in the Resort District this fall. Others are retired commercial or military fliers. Some want to use the Boeing cockpit for affordable simulator time. In addition to corporate parties, birthday outings and tourists, Flightdeck attracts its fair share of bona fide pilots and flight students, Leong said. Standard flight packages range from 30 to 90 minutes, simulating takeoffs, landings and different weather conditions. It features a 180-degree, wrap-around screen and the requisite switches, levers, buttons and knobs. The two-person Boeing 737-800 cockpit, though stationary, is more advanced and closer to the real thing. Gauges, such as altitude, horizon line and radar, are displayed on a digital screen. The stick is not between the legs (like in “Top Gun”), but at the side in a more ergonomic fashion. Once inside the cockpit, pilots grasp the control stick and throttle for a standard 30-minute flight. The simulators share the same virtual airspace, allowing all eight pilots to engage in dogfights. “You’ll laugh when you see people actually lean in the aircraft,” Leong said. Still, for some, it all feels pretty real. The 13-by-7-foot screens project what a pilot would see, giving the sense of movement without the stomach-churning forces of gravity. These stationary simulators are custom-made for Flightdeck. “It’s the most comfortable uniform.”ĭown the way from the locker room is the Officers Club, or “O Club.” The large area features tables, chairs and monitors to view live footage of the action taking place around the corner, where the eight fighter jet simulators are. “It’s a onesie,” Leong said with a smile. (Photo by Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)
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