12 February,2011 06:50 AM IST | | Otiena Ellwand
Five finalists, chosen among 5,000 contestants, compete to win the simulator flying test. Winner gets to take off in real fighter jet
For 21-year-old Juhu resident Shaival Rajiv Sheth, aviation has always been a passion, but he has never been anywhere close to even dreaming of flying a fighter jet.
This youth's wildest dream might come true tomorrow at the Bangalore Aero India 2011, provided he is able to pass one last test today.
In the final test today before a panel of expert judges, Sheth will have to flawlessly fly a virtual plane in a simulation cockpit.
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"Every button, every lever, every switch and even the experience will be exactly like the actual thing. It's like flying the plane without ever taking off the ground," he said.
Sheth is one of the five finalists from among over 5,000 contestants across India who entered the competition, by answering a set of questions and playing a flight simulation game online.
"I'm a diehard aviation fan and wanted to join the National Defence Academy when I was a boy, but was unable to do so.
Now I'm doing my engineering so the chances of entering the aviation industry are better," he said. If he succeeds at this level, he will get to be part of the real deal.
Sheth said that taking part in the simulator test will be a great experience in itself and he never ever imagined touching a simulator.
He added that he would be overjoyed with the simulator experience even if he does not get into an actual aircraft.
