A “virtual” flight around the world for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Since 2001, volunteer pilots and crew in Sydney have flown a Boeing 747-400 simulator around the globe to raise money for the RFDS.
The idea of a virtual round-the-world flight for charity started with a team in the United Kingdom. It grew into an annual event, with participants all over the globe.
WorldFlight Australia began in 2001. Over the years, teams in Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, the USA and Austria have joined the simulators in Australia. Each team chooses its own charity and raises money through donations and corporate sponsorship. Ours is the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Seven days. Fifteen crew. One 747.
The flight is real-time and online: every sector is flown on the VATSIM network with live controllers.
- 15
Pilots and crew fly the 747. Each volunteer donates to the RFDS to take part.
- VATSIM
Live air traffic control through most of the countries we visit.
- 45–60 min
Turnaround at each stop. The incoming crew gets a full briefing on en-route weather and other operational requirements.
- Live
Follow along with flight tracking, instrument displays, and live video and audio throughout the event.
A full-size 747-400 flight deck.
QFA25 is a Boeing 747-400 simulator built by Matt Sheil of Sydney.
The main software that drives it is Aerowinx Precision Simulator (PSX). Aerowinx is a long-time sponsor of WorldFlight Australia. See all our partners.
Inside the simulator.
The QFA25 flight deck and outside visuals. Select a photo to enlarge it.