The Boeing 747 (aka the Jumbo Jet) is one of the most recognized jet airliners in the world, with its wide-body structure, since it was first flown commercially in 1970.  Being the first of its kind, the Boeing 747, still holds the record of transporting the most number of passengers till date.

Now for those who are in the business of flying planes [Read: Pilots], it’s obvious that one learns how to fly one of these monstrous planes by going through intensive training, and most significantly the Boeing 747 Flight Simulator that, in all probability, is mandatory.

Flight training devices such as the Cockpit Procedures Trainers and Full Flight Simulators are replete with motion platforms that move in all six degrees of freedom while being controlled by state-of-the-art computer technology.

On the other hand, not only are there realistic simulators for pilots but thanks to the computer, even folks who have nothing to do with a career in flying can find simulators that give you that experience of flying a Jumbo Jet.

The Microsoft FSX (the latest installment of the longest running videogame) among several free open source simulators provide you with missions where you can fly one of these planes while creating accurate flight models, detailed panels and fully functioning inertial navigation systems.

Not only are these simulators designed to look like the real thing but every action taken by real-life pilots as well as the sights and sounds of the environment in which they’re flown in are duplicated, falling short of just full-size cockpit replicas mounted on hydraulic or electromagnetic actuators.

There are far more detailed versions complete with a proper cockpit, realistic controls and a variety of airports and scenery to fly the plane in that can stand up to the aforementioned simulators used for pilots. These homebuilt (yet state of the art) simulators are open for just about anyone to enjoy the ‘virtual flying experience’ for a simple fee requiring no prior flying experience.

So, if one feels the urge [read: fantasize] to set flight minus the disastrous consequence associated in being inexperienced pilots), all you really have to do is try the Boeing 747 simulator that are available and indulge in a little make-believe flying.