The 737 simulator

The simulator used for this event is a fixed base Boeing 737-800 simulator. It is modelled as closely as possible, in features and performance, to the plane responsible for introducing cheap flights to Australians, the Virgin Blue 737-800W aircraft.

The project to build the sim was commenced in October 2006 by Nic D'Alessandro and Neil Brown of Hobart, Tasmania, and is now owned and operated by SIMSATION.

The simulator features some real 737 parts such as the yokes, columns and pedals, and also many synthetic parts that have been purchased from various suppliers around the world, some parts have been hand-made.

The simulator has many immersive features such as multiple surround sound and vibration systems, 220 degree wrap-around visual system, authentic panels and controls, instructor station, dual EFBs, dual CDUs, and moving autothrottles.

The simulator is also fully configured for online flight on the VATSIM network with transponder and 3 comms channels.

We affectionately refer to the sim as 'Simantha', and a sweet machine she is!