Flying aboard a plane as if you were the pilot is possible with the Jaguar simulator at the Nice fair starting March 9th. Developed by the air force, this impressive machine reproduces the sensations and conditions of flight.
In the exhibition hall (at the back on the left upstairs) is the actual cockpit of a 70s fighter jet. The army has made some modifications to allow the public to get inside and take the controls.
### How to Become a Pilot in 10 Minutes?
Once aboard, the two military personnel present at the stand explain the features of the craft, “The seat and all devices are original. We have added a lever and a joystick that allow you to accelerate, turn, and brake during the flight.” The original parts had to be removed, as they were too old and couldn’t be computerized.
When starting, you are on one of the runways of Nice airport. The plane is facing the city. Two pedals allow the pilot to turn right or left but only when the plane is stationary. Once in the air, there’s no need to use your feet. The lever located between the pilot’s legs allows you to gain altitude if you pull it towards you. By pushing it, you will descend.
Up to this point, there are no difficulties. A trigger is located behind the lever. Don’t expect to shoot everything that moves; it is used to brake. We saw you coming…
Turning the lever allows you to go either left or right. It is quite sensitive, which allows for some loops in the air (one has the right to have fun, right?). Finally, the screen allows you to see the city completely reconstructed with satellite images. “The simulator allows you to travel through the entire country,” says the air force commander. “If we wanted, we could even go to Corsica.”
### A Recruitment Program for the Air Force
Don’t expect to have the Jaguar in your living room. It is the sole and unique prototype in all of France. And if the army is showcasing this at the Nice fair, it is also part of a recruitment program. An opportunity to dispel some false beliefs about army careers and training. “People often think you need an engineering degree to become a pilot in the army. That is the most common route. It is entirely possible to become a fighter pilot with just a high school diploma through military training, and we want to inform young people about it,” explains the commander. Over the years, the army has made it a priority to inform the public about the wide range of careers and training it offers.
