• What dad wouldn’t like to get behind the controls of this Boeing 737 at Flight Experience Perth?

HAS dad just watched Top Gun: Maverick and is itching to fly a high powered jet?

The safest option might be to take him to Flight Experience in Northbridge, where he can get behind the controls of a commercial airliner.

It’s actually a Boeing 737 simulator and is so realistic it’s used by real life pilots for training and was extremely popular in lockdown, when they used it to keep their skills sharp.

No aviation experience is necessary and you will be given a lesson based on your skill level, usually with a take-off and landing at an airport of your choice.

“Our instructors will guide you and ensure a great learning experience loaded with fun,” says Flight Experience Perth managing director Peter Chin.

“People enjoy picking their own airports and experiencing what it’s like to take-off and land, and the most favourite airport is Hong Kong Kai Tak.”

Hong Kong’s international airport until 1998, Kai Tak has water on three sides and is surrounded by residential apartment complexes and 2000-plus foot mountains, so pilots had to do a low altitude right-hand turn over the city and a short final descent, making it one of the most challenging airports to land at.

The History Channel’s Most Extreme Airports ranked it as the 6th most dangerous airport in the world.

Flight Experience’s  737 simulators use genuine instrumentation and controls, and are so authentic they are recognised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for active commercial pilots to train in.

“We have Qantas and Virgin pilots come to practice prior to their recurrent simulator sessions,” Mr Chin says.

All FE instructors are certified, commercial pilots – so you learn from professionals who tailor the lesson to your skill level and knowledge.

The experience is a one-to-one, pilot-guided flight simulation, where you are the captain and the instructor is your co-pilot. 

Flight Experience also cater for kids aged eight and above.

And now and again they get some local celebs booking in for a flight.

“I’ve had the MIX radio crew – Kymba and Captain Paul – as well as 6PR’s Steve Mills come down,” Mr Chin says.

Flight Experience are also planning famous flight scenarios you have to overcome, including Captain “Sully” safely ditching US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009 after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. All 155 people aboard survived.

So if you’re struggling to think of a cool, unique gift for Father’s Day, check out flightexperience.com on Newcastle Street in Northbridge.