Bangkok – An Amazing Fun-filled Flight Simulator Experience with Thai Airways

The recent ASEAN Blogger Trip to Bangkok to celebrate World Tourism Day 2016 brought us to the Head Office of Thai Airways, Thailand’s national carrier. Thai Airways is well-known for domestic, regional and intercontinental flights radiating from its home base in Bangkok to key destinations around the world and within Thailand. No time to travel abroad? No worries! Thai Airways has recently launched the “Thai Simulator Experience” in response to customers who are interested in aviation and flying. This experience will also help some overcome their fear of flying in the air.

To experience flying in an aircraft simulator, the Thai Simulator Experience program is offering a special promotion to practice flight skills in the following simulators: Airbus A380-800, A340-500/600, A330-300, A300-600, Boeing B747-400, B777-200/300 and B737-400. All simulator experience will be under the supervision of actual Thai Airways pilots as flight instructors.

Do you know that each Thai Airways aeroplane takes a year to manufacture, followed by 3-4 months of flight testing carried out by pilots and engineers? It takes approximately 2-3 years before a brand new aeroplane can be in the air.

Each Thai Airways pilot goes through 3-4 months of theory before having 10 periods of simulation, which takes 4 hours per simulation. They will undergo a test after that and upon passing, they will be assigned the model of the aeroplane. These pilots will continue studying about the plane’s systems, technical and every aspect of the plane for 2-3 months, specifically based on the model that they are assigned to. This is followed by 22 periods of simulation before they can learn to fly the actual plane. A Thai Airways pilot needs to accumulate at least 10,000 hours to obtain the rank of “captain”. So, don’t worry as the pilots taking you through your flight simulator experience are very experienced.

We were so impressed with the simulator as it can simulate scenarios of engine failure, being caught in a sand-storm or snow-storm, turbulence during flight and any other situations you can think of. The pilots are usually trained to take-off and land from Bangkok to Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney as there are a lot of crosswinds at these destinations, making their training productive. We chose Switzerland – Zurich airport – as our destination and could see snow falling from the “skies”. We were even more excited when we learnt about the “auto-descent” function which enables the flight to land automatically.

There is a special offer ongoing for the first 100 people. If you choose to go for the Silver Package, you get:
– 15 minutes briefing, 45 minutes flight time
– More advanced level, suited for aviation enthusiasts or those looking for a challenge
– Selection of Package 1 (sightseeing flights over Bangkok, Sydney and Fiji mountain) or Package 2 (focus on pilot real work and aircraft handling skills by simulating an actual flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong)
– Perform take-offs from Suvarnabhumi International Airport
– Perform landings at International destinations (depending on package).

If you choose to go for the Gold Package (aimed at those with actual flying experience and/or pilot licenses), you get:
– 15 minutes briefing, 45 minutes flight time
– Simulate an actual flight from Bangkok and Hong Kong
– Perform take-offs from Suvarnabhumi International Airport
– Perform and RNAV STAR and ILS approach at Hong Kong International Airport or other major airport
– Perform 3 Touch & Go Landings at Suvarnabhumi International Airport to increase aircraft handling skills.

During special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, the flight simulator experience can be customized to suit your different needs. Besides having fun during your flight simulator experience program, you can end off your trip to Thai Airways Head Office with a meal at their canteen/restaurant, The Galley, where you have a chance to savour delicious Thai food.

Here’s some advice
Call in advance to enquire about the rates for different packages and to make your reservations. Note that only photography is allowed while you’re in the simulator but no video-graphy. Pay attention to the briefing so the pilots do not have to repeat themselves and this ensures you can make the best out of your limited time spent in the simulator

Details
Address: 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Telephone Number: +66(0) 2545 2738
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Closed on weekends.
Website: http://www.thaiairways.com/

How to get there
If you happen to be around Siam Paragon area, just catch the BTS Sukhumvit Line towards Mo Chit and alight at Mo Chit BTS Station. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is about 12-15 minutes’ walk from Mo Chit BTS Station.

We would like to thank Thai Airways, (Amazing Thailand) Tourism Authority of Thailand and the World Tourism Organization for organizing the ASEAN Bloggers Media Trip to Bangkok this year.