Due to height requirement, I would probably not been able to be a pilot in Singapore. (Singapore Airlines require their pilots to have a height of at least 1.62m, which I don’t meet.)
But this doesn’t mean I can’t experience being one. I visited Aeroviation, an organisation that’s dedicated to enhancing aviation education standards, to experience its Duo Flight Experience.
Aeroviation’s Duo Flight Experience review
Aeroviation’s Duo Flight Experience allows you and a partner to fly the simulator of the Cessna 172, a single-engine plane that’s popularly used for flight training for training pilots.
Faris, co-founder of Aeroviation, who was our trainer that day, went through the basics of flying with us at the simulator one-on-one as each of us get to have a feel of what it’s like to really fly, what to look out for when we fly, and eventually even learnt how to land the plane.
After some hands-on training with Faris, my partner and I then take on the simulator together without him, and got to complete challenges around the world – including visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the pyramids at Giza!
In Paris, we were tasked to fly under the Eiffel Tower, and in Giza, to weave around the pyramids.
The scenery that we see was true to what you’d really see in the location and everything was to scale. This makes the experience really exhilarating; considering how we will never get to try this in real life, it also allows us to be more “adventurous” while trying to put what we’ve learnt in our crash course to full use.
What’s more, Faris was just standing outside the simulator, ready to give us tips and instructions where needed, which was very assuring. So even when we got ourselves in a fix that we can’t undo, we were able to still get out of it eventually ourselves with his help.
The 60-minute experience was an eye-opener; I got to understand more about the work required in the cockpit and a sense of what it’s like to fly a plane. It was memorable; my partner and I can’t stop talking about the experience for the rest of the day!
I will highly recommend the Duo Flight Experience for those who are looking for an interesting date or as an introduction to aviation if you are curious about flying.
Other programmes at Aeroviation
Sure, it’s all fun at the Duo Flight Experience I went on, but the heart of Aeroviation is really its Aviator Programme that is designed to offer students a comprehensive educational journey through the aviation industry.
Its programme is focused on having a hands-on approach, incorporating cutting-edge flight, virtual reality (VR), and Air Traffic Controller simulators. Aeroviation embraces innovation, using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
By aligning with STEM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), students not only deepen their understanding of subjects like Physics, Mathematics, and Geography but also nurture their passion for aviation and lifelong learning.
There are two programmes available for youths and children:
- Junior Aviator: Catering to children between 7 and 12 years old, the Junior Aviator Programme offers an immersive aviation experience. Divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, this programme provides a structured curriculum that unfolds over a year, with each level comprising 36 enlightening sessions. The objective is to equip young enthusiasts for the Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) licensing in the future.
- Young Aviator: For youths aged 13 to 17 years old, the Young Aviator Programme is tailored to prepare them for the RPC licensing. Whether at the Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced level, students receive quality aviation education to lay a solid foundation for their future endeavours in aviation.
Aeroviation also offers a pathway for those aspiring to become professional pilots through the Recreational Pilot’s Certificate (RPC). Learning to fly on a Light-Sport Aircraft is efficient and cost-friendly.
Notably, recent regulations recognise the Recreational Pilot Certificate as equal to a Recreational Pilot Licence, and the hours logged in a light-sport aircraft contribute towards obtaining a Private or Commercial Pilot License.
The RPC curriculum spans over three months, with part-time classes held in Singapore. Students engage in 40 hours of ground (theory) sessions and 20 hours of one-on-one simulator sessions.
Additionally, students dedicate 18 days in Australia to acquire their license, accumulating 25 hours of flying time.
Prices
The 60-minute Duo Flight Experience for two is priced at S$158. If you’re looking for an upgraded, more luxurious experience, consider the 75-minute VIP Flight Experience for two, priced at S$198, and you will be served with drinks and chocolates while you fly.
The Junior Aviator Programme starts from S$250 per month for Beginner’s Level and the Young Aviator Programme starts from S$290 per month for Beginner’s Level.
Aeroviation is located at 63 Ubi Road 1, #01-50 Oxley Bizhub, Singapore 408728. It may be moving its location soon, so check its website for updates.
