Looking for a Flight Simulator Experience

[Al Murphy]

This is in the right section, it's not really a video game request! haha

I'm looking to get someone a go in a flight simulator as a Christmas present. They've expressed an interest in having a go at flying a large aircraft and I'd like to get them an experience as it's cheaper than a commercial pilots licence and has fewer rammifications than trying to get into the cockpit mid Atlantic.

A quick google throws up several companies offering experiences, but I'm not sure which of these are static cockpit mock ups and if any of them are the full 'pods on hydraulic rams' simulator, for which I assume there is a proper terminology. We're based in the North West but would happily travel anywhere in the UK. Depending on the costs I'd like to try a full motion simulator but I don't know if they're available.

Does anyone have any pointers or recommendations for a 30-60 minute flight sim experience?

Thanks,

Al

[anonymous-user]

The type you describe are commonly referred to as full flight simulators.

I found these people, no connection etc but different locations and aircraft types. They are great fun, I spent an evening "testing" a VC10 simulator at Lyneham once.

http://www.jetsimulation.co.uk/en/services/experie...

[mike_e]

Or these guys
http://www.virtual-aerospace.com/

[surveyor]

pablo said:

The type you describe are commonly referred to as full flight simulators.

I found these people, no connection etc but different locations and aircraft types. They are great fun, I spent an evening "testing" a VC10 simulator at Lyneham once.

http://www.jetsimulation.co.uk/en/services/experie...

I was given an experience from this company. Booked by my mother, I had the distinct impression that she was pushed to where they had the best deal as opposed to what would be really good. As a result I ended up in a 737-300 sim - more than a few years old, rather than a 777, which I would have loved.

[Countdown]

There this one in East Lancashire. It's only £130/hr but it's a fixed type rather than hydraulic Rams type.

http://www.flightdeckexperience.co.uk

[Moose.]

I've used these guys in the past and their sim in Cambridge is excellent:

http://www.virtualaviation.co.uk/flight-simulator-...

whilst it is fixed base (i.e. doesn't move) it's a very immersive experience and used to help airline pilots train. I notice they offer full motion sims too which I guess they hire from one of the airlines.

[ChemicalChaos]

The Jetstream 41 sim at Speke Aerodrome in Liverpool is close to you, it's a fully functioning sim built into the cockpit of an actual aircraft.
It only costs 50 pounds and hour, and the money goes to supporting the restoration of other aircraft at the site. Why not give it a go?




Drop an email to rob (at) spekeaero (dot) org if you're interested!

Edited by ChemicalChaos on Friday 18th November 01:08

[rs4al]

One of my old works colleagues runs this.

http://www.virtualjetcentre.co.uk/about-us/

It is down in Dartmoor, Devon though.

[djc206]

BA offer simulator experiences but they are quite pricey. £399/HR in the 767 and £449/HR 777/747. I've flown in a sim at flight safety international at farnborough and it's great fun.

[chrisga]

I bought my Dad a flight in a sim at Coventry airport for Fathers day. They have various options including a 747. Not sure if all have motion capability but some do. I went along to watch and it was an enjoyable hour or so. Dad really liked it. Think I sometimes see offers for their sim experiences on groupon too.

http://www.flyfsm.co.uk/Simulators

[JohnClancy]

I work in a flight sim and once in the seat it can be hard for a novice to tell if the sim is on motion or not, so i would recommend going for the fixed option. The wrap around screen will fill your peripheral vision and make you think it's all moving. Just my 2p worth.

[pcrawf]

I did this: http://www.brooklandsconcorde.co.uk last year, and it was awesome; spent the day with two B.A. ex-Concorde pilots...

You share the cockpit with three other pilots, but I spent over half an hour at the controls myself. I "flew" out of and into LHR (under Tower Bridge for laughs), and also Kai Tak - which was quite an approach!

[Super Slo Mo]

Countdown said:

There this one in East Lancashire. It's only £130/hr but it's a fixed type rather than hydraulic Rams type.

http://www.flightdeckexperience.co.uk

I know the chap who owns/runs that one. Nice guy, I believe it grew out of a hobby. Knows his stuff too.

[48k]

What is your budget? And do you want fixed or full motion?

[LHRFlightman]

djc206 said:

BA offer simulator experiences but they are quite pricey. £399/HR in the 767 and £449/HR 777/747. I've flown in a sim at flight safety international at farnborough and it's great fun.

I had four hours in a 747-400 last week. Free with work, but its worth it.

[djc206]

LHRFlightman said:

I had four hours in a 747-400 last week. Free with work, but its worth it.

A pretty good perk!

[essayer]

Many years ago I had a go in the 747 at Heathrow. Great fun - as easy or difficult as you want it - worth making the trip if you are spending that kind of money!

[Dieter7S4]

Normally a professional lurker, but if you are near Leighton Buzzard, give this guy a call!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headline...

Full simulator of a 737 in a suburban garage!!!