A pilot approached a bunch of gamers to help train other pilots how to fly planes for El Al airlines using a virtual cockpit game system, and it has worked out so well that they are now training F-16 jet fighters to learn how to fly Boeing 767 jumbo jets.

A few months ago, Capt. Alon Pereg, who was about to command the next 737NG pilot’s course of EL AL airlines, had an idea - the trainees could practice Airliner procedures, 737 automation (FMC) and ATC communications during the ground school stages of the course by flying online. He approached Kobi David, Vatsim Israel’s CEO. Alon and Kobi went to the home cockpit of a Vatsim member, and took the PMDG 737 for a ride. Alon was very impressed with this demonstration, and now the ball was at his hands.