Learn to fly a Boeing 737 in Bangkok

Bangkok's new flight simulator lets wannabe pilots feel what it's like to take off and land one of the world's most popular passenger aircraft Ever wondered why being a commercial airline pilot is one of the most stressful jobs in the world? Try landing a Boeing 737-800 on a simulator at Bangkok’s new Flight Experience Center. Guest "pilots" can feel with 85 percent accuracy what it’s like to takeoff, fly and land the famed passenger aircraft. The realism is chilling, thrilling and mildly stressful. Agaphas Teparagul, owner and managing director of the Bangkok Flight Experience Center, says his company uses the 737 cockpit because the 737 is the most widely used aircraft in the world -- on average, one takes off every five minutes from any given airport. "Simulators like this are normally very difficult to get in," he says. "This device is certified by the Thai Department of Civil Aviation. So it is a real simulator used to train pilots, not a game." Visitors can choose from basic “fun” packages that let wannabe pilots experience the thrill of flight and get a feel for what real aviators go through, or a more technical package geared toward those with a serious interest in aviation. Taking flight Prior to "takeoff," a flight instructor offers a quick rundown on cockpit essentials that will be used during the simulation and lets you choose the airport you want to fly in and out of from a database of more than 24,000. If you're feeling overconfident, ask for one the world’s toughest. Say, Princess Juliana Airport on Saint Maarten in the Caribbean or New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport. Prefer to dodge skyscrapers? There's the terrifying Kai Tak. Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 until 1998, it was famed for an approach that took aircraft seemingly centimeters above towering buildings. Then it's time to get down to business. Seatbelt and headset on, as the captain your job is to maneuver the plane away from the gate into takeoff position using the steering tiller with your left hand and rudder pedals with your feet, a test of arm strength and coordination. Don't worry about forgetting anything; the flight instructor is right next to you in the co-pilot seat. To really get into character, turn on the mic and bust out some pilot lingo: "Cabin crew, please be seated for takeoff." Advance the thrust levers and rip down the runway before pulling the control column back, which causes the nose wheel to lift off the ground. Once in the sky, retract the wheels and enjoy the view as the flight instructor offers basic advice on how to manage airspeed, maintain altitude and watch the plane's heading. Experienced "pilots" are able to develop their skills on the instrument panel, while flying virgins can leave much of it up to the flight instructor.   Just when you're starting to get comfortable, for "fun" your co-pilot may decide to simulate an emergency engine blowout or bad weather, leaving it up to you to get it under control.   More on CNN: World's most 'thrilling' airports, where thrilling=terrifying As the flight nears completion, turn on the fasten seat belt sign. Silently delight in the power you have over passengers’ ability to go for one last pee. It will be your last chance for fun before worrying about the stress of landing. Using thrust and pitch, control the plane's rate and speed of decent and adjust the flaps. Below 200 feet, you rely less on the control panel as landing is primarily based on visual maneuvers, so keep those eyes on the runway.   And don't forget to extend the landing gear. Nobody wants to experience what the pros call a "gear-up landing." With a little skill, you won't crash. Though first timers usually hit the ground with enough impact to jerk grandpa's dentures from his mouth. Technical stuff The Bangkok Flight Experience Center is one of five worldwide. Others are located in Australia, Singapore, France and Kuwait. All use PS3.5 Series Simulators, which are full replicas of the Boeing 737-800 cockpit and feature a visual system that uses a high-definition projection system on a 180-degree, wrap-around screen. Though obviously computer-generated, the scenes are realistic enough to give one a genuine feel for what it must be like for a pilot. And all the equipment is legit. Flight Experience packages start from 4,350 baht (US$140) for a 30-minute "Scenic Experience." For serious fliers there's the 9,350 baht, 90-minute "Ultimate Experience," which includes a flight in and out of your airport of choice, followed by a more challenging city-to-city section. From cnngo