Cleared for takeoff: 181 Orchard, Singapore

Changi Airport Singapore consistently receives accolades for its excellence as an international airport and a world transportation hub. It is also home to one of the world’s best airline brands, Singapore Airlines, but if you’re not an airline pilot, it’s actually very hard to fly into Changi, let alone practice on one of Singapore Airlines’ simulators.

Enter SG Simulations an innovative company that runs flight simulators for the public and aspiring pilots. Yes, your really own simulator, well maybe not your own, but it can be yours for a half hour if backed up with a payment, to practice your flying skills with a qualified instructor.

Orchard Road is your runway and the heading is 181, Orchard Central, right on Singapore’s main shopping street. Just take the escalator up to the 4th floor, look for the mock-up of an Airbus 320, and you are in another world.

The company, SG Simulations, has been extremely innovative in planning, as Franz Mossmans, the General Manager explained: “There is a market out there of aspiring pilots, as well as qualified pilots, that need to practice their skills.” In fact the day I went, I found two Sri Lankan Airways pilots actually training on the simulator for their test rides with the airline.

The tourism potential is huge Mossamns went on to say, “There are many members of the public that would like to try taking off from Changi and landing in New York.”

SG simulations have not stopped the progress on Orchard Road. They are aiming higher in their bid to attract companies and theme parks worldwide to buy their simulators and use them for training, as well as the leisure market.

According to Mossmans, “We will have the 6 doff full motion Airbus A320-200 flight simulators and 6 doff full motion Boeing B737-800 (available later this year) together with a 6 doff full motion Piper PA28, as well as the static Bell 206 Flight simulator.

“We also provide a customized computer-based training (CBT) for the A320 and B737 aircraft.

“We have on offer 2 briefing rooms, in addition to a luxurious relaxation area with free Wi-Fi, to provide the highest quality service to our clients.

“Our simulation center is going to be mainly used for the purpose of starting pilots, conversion-type specific orientation, schools and universities, and high-end avionic enthusiasts; we do, however, also have the option to provide our simulator center to the public for that entertainment experience. Our simulation center will be open 24/7 in the near future, and shipments will be available on a worldwide basis shortly.”

If flying is your hobby or profession, takeoff clearance is now available in Singapore!