Airline simulators?
 

My father is a lifelong aviation enthusiast (as am I). He has always wanted to learn to fly a plane but for financial and health/vision reasons, that's not realistic.

I would like to give my father rental time in a flight simulator - the kinds used by airlines and such - somewhere in the U.S. or Canada early next year. I know after Sept. 11 United closed its training doors in Denver to the public, but they used to have a flight simulator program open to the public.

Anyone know where I can take him? Location is not an issue - anywhere in Canada or the U.S. will work.

First off it may be possible for you to arrange a joy ride flight for him at a local pilot school. This might be cheaper as well. Basically he will get to fly the plane (usually a small Cesena or something similar) and may even get to take off. Otherwise check out
http://www.flyairorlando.com/full_motion_simulator.htm it doesn't appear to be quite what the airlines use but is pretty good looking. I think you would get a good respone to posting/searching on airliners.net as well.

I know UPS frequently donates use of theirs in Kentucky for charity auctions. I don't know if they ever make it available to the public. Could send an email to headquarters.

My husband got to use the one that JAL sends its students to in Napa (FAA/JAL thing). Here's the site for the company that runs it. It's a long-shot that they allow public use, but an email wouldn't hurt and they may have other suggestions. http://www.co.napa.ca.us/fileframe.a.../www.iasco.com

Alteon training has a centre in Long Beach. I know that there are sim-time resellers out there that are aimed at the leisure market and I believe this is one of the locations they can get time for. You might want to give them (alteon) a call and find out who they recommend as reputable.

Also, this question has been asked before. If you do a search you may find additional information.

United had an auction on its website the other day for a two hour flight simulator experience that they use to train UA pilots. I do not see it now, but I recommend that you watch it for future listings. www.united.com/auctions