F/A-18
Estrella WarBirds Museum is proud of our full size F/A -18 cockpit simulator, previously used at Naval Air Station Lemoore for pilot training, and is an extremely popular attraction for our museum visitors, pilots and non-pilots alike. You can schedule time during museum hours based on our sim operator availability (currently on Fridays and Sundays) and reserve a 1/2 hour appointment for $25 (or longer if you’d like). You will be happy to know that we recently completed a major upgrade to the software, computer systems and the visual displays to bring you the best experience possible.
This unique opportunity allows any pilot, or wanna-be pilot, to fly while sitting in the real cockpit of an F/A-18 “Hornet” naval fighter. You will be flying an F/A-18F series aircraft, one of the better fighter aircraft in the world.
The “heads-down” panel displayed in the cockpit changes to simulate the gauges typical of the aircraft chosen. The pilot will receive a short pre-flight briefing by our simulator operator. A 3D sound system provides increased realism for the flight while a large “heads-up” projection display on the screen in front of the cockpit adds to the visual sensation of flight.
It is up to you to determine your level of involvement. You can learn the basics of flying in normal airspace (over San Francisco for example) practicing takeoffs, landings and routine maneuvers or choose to be a multi-reflex required fighter pilot in the middle of intense combat. You can even practice taking off and landing on the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. The choice is yours! Your sim operator can change your flight environment by choosing the location (over 30,000 different airports around the world), time of day, weather, giving you multiple aggressor aircraft to challenge and arming your aircraft with different weapons and ordinance.
Eagle Flight Simulator
Here’s your chance to fly with us! Experience, while in the training cockpit of an F/A -18, all the thrills and gut-wrenching excitement of what it’s like to fly an F/A18 Super Hornet. Take off from a taxiway or an aircraft carrier. Fly peace time or defend your base against enemy fighters. Fun for all ages. Whether you’re exploring aviation for the first time or testing your skills as a fighter pilot, our F/A-18 simulator is guaranteed to be a blast. Don’t just tour history—fly it!