National Aviary

Fly like a bird at Pittsburgh Int’l Airport

Free Stuff,

Courtesy Pittsburgh Int’l Airport

Here’s a great – free – way to experience what it’s like to fly like a bird before you fly on a plane.

Through May 25 ( from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.), passengers can try out a full-body virtual reality experience named Birdly that gives the sensation of flying

Birdly is usually an exhibit at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary ( a bird zoo) with Pittsburgh International Airport as the exhibit’s presenting sponsor, but the exhibit is on site at PIT Airport for the launch of Spirit Airlines’ service to Myrtle Beach on May 25.  The airport promises Birdly will come back to both Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County airports several more times this year.

How does it work?

To ‘fly’, Birdly riders lie on the simulator chest down and flap their arms using hinged wings to control the direction and speed of their travel. A fan simulates headwinds and flying speed, motors and actuators tilt and dip the flyer’s body in response and an HTC Vive headset provides visuals and head-tracking, for a flight over a virtual New York City.

If you go to the National Aviary, the Birdly experience costs per flight, but PIT airport is offering them for free.