SINGAPORE : SIA pilots gave 150 people 'virtual' flying lessons in flight simulators on Saturday in exchange for donations to a children's charity.
This was the first time the simulators were open to the public.
The event managed to raise some $60,000.
Instead of trainee pilots, the flight simulators at the SIA Training Centre had greenhorns as young as a nine-year-old at the controls.
Each person paid $250 to fly for an hour with an instructor pilot.
Participants flew in various scenarios, from heavy rain and thunder to landing in thick fog and heavy turbulence.
Flying for most people was easy, compared to landing safely.
Brendon Szetoh, 13, said: "The most exciting part was when I was about to land, just like real life."
Captain Mok Hin Choon, President of ALPA-S, said: "1st May traditionally this place is closed and we normally use it as a family day for pilots and flight operations staff, but this year the public affairs committee feel it's a good thing for us to raise some money for the children's cause so we did this instead."
Charis Yue, 17, said: "It was interesting, very very fun, but a bit nerve-wrecking because it wasn't easy." " )
Gilbert Ee of Rabo Bank said: "Didn't realise it'd be so realistic, the graphics were fantastic, it was like being in a real thing."
But the real thing for charity was the event raised $47,000, while Singapore Airlines chipped in another $13,000. - CNA
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