I thoroughly enjoyed the flight despite feeling slightly apprehensive beforehand. The pilot who taught me was both knowledgeable, understanding and very encouraging. It really gave me a taste of flying and if I was younger I would want to take lessons and try the real thing.
After a long 2 hour drive through the snow we arrived at the venue, we were made very welcome had a cup of tea and attended a very well put together pre flight briefing. We entered the simulator which was a replica of the 737-700, and sat at the controls, it was very relaxed and informal which at the end made me want to repeat the experience, it made the 2 hour journey through the snow-drenched roadways pale into insignificance.
Absorbing, Enhanced By Excellent Tuition
The experience was all that I hoped. The 'pre-flight' instruction was friendly and professional. The instructor was clear but also very encouraging which helped you to relax. The 'flying' was challenging and varied.
Best Birthday Present Ever!
I received this gift for my 14th birthday yesterday. It was a total surprise. I really want to be a pilot and have the Simulator X at home. This experience was amazing and the instructor was fantastic. There were two of us who shared the controls. We took it in turns to control the plane and go through the different situations given. You can take up to two guests who can watch you. I landed in heavy rain and also did some night flying!
I have always wanted to experience a flight simulator and decided that it was now or never! I had a great time - after 30 minute briefing myself and the other participant went to the simulator and took it in turns to take off and then land the plane in different conditions. I'm a nervous flyer and my instructor's briefing and reassurance during the experience has given me more confidence when I'm next in the real thing! I won't be offering my services to fly it though!
I learnt so much about flying the Boeing 737-800 during the experience in such a short time from a true professional. I did not expect the trainer to be an experienced pilot working full time for a renowned airline. I have always enjoyed flying and now have a much better understanding of what is going on up on the flight deck.
A very enjoyable experience made better by the excellent instructor, Dee. I came away with a much better understanding of commercial aircraft and the pilots. It was much more than a 'simple' simulator experience. The next time I fly I will appreciate it much more, as well as having a much better understanding.
Even though this was a flight in a simulator, I was really nervous for some reason, perhaps it was the thought of crashing and being responsible for 170 virtual passengers! When we arrived (I took my partner Sue who is a very nervous flier), we were met by our pilot with a cup of coffee and had a briefing on safety, the aircraft controls and what we could expect. Sue also had the chance to quiz the pilot on just how safe aircraft are - I am sure this helped and he was only too willing to answer any questions. Well, I had the chance to take off, turn the aircraft and perform 3 different landings, one at night! It was very realistic, with clear video screens, the exact same controls as in a real cockpit and realistic sound. I'm glad to say I never crashed once, but what an exhilarating experience. Many thanks to all involved, when can I do it again?
Can't Wait To Do It Again
Simulator great fun, had opportunity to undertake a take off and landing and land the aircraft in the dark - sounds easy, but the concentration required is amazing. Instructor excellent, taking time to explain things in great detail before hand. Also put some of my wife's fear of flying into perspective.
A Very Enjoyable Experience
Darren my Instructor was welcoming, encouraging and very informative, he made sure that I was technically up to speed before I entered the simulator and explained expertly the whole process from start to finish, it was a thoroughly thought-provoking couple of hours.
A Lifetime Ambition Fulfilled At Last!
The flight school I went to was in Sussex, so we had a nice drive down from London. After a superb briefing on the principles of jet flight we went into the simulator, an authentic cockpit from a retired Boeing 737-200, with all the display panels updated to the latest 737NG specs. I took the right hand seat, and the pilot instructor took me through the controls and what we'd be doing. As they say, take-off is optional, landing is mandatory. Take-off is a relative doddle! Then I was given four landings to perform into Stanstead; one in clear daylight, next through cloud, next landing in a storm, and a night time approach. The visuals are wonderfully immersing - I really did pilot an airliner - a lifetime ambition fulfilled at last.
An Excellent Insight Into Commercial Flying
The whole experience of this flight simulator was excellent. The pilot who took us through it was very knowledgeable and friendly and was more than willing to answer any questions that were posed to him. The actual flying experience left me very enthused with flying and is going to spur me on to actually book flying lessons in the future. I would recomend this to anyone who has an interest in flying, you will most definitely enjoy the experience.
Is There Anyone On Board That Can Fly A Plane?!
Fortunately yes, there was, not me, but I had a blast trying to do the flying, and more importantly the landing of the 737 myself. Darren, the qualified pilot who guided me in the briefing and in the simulator, was excellent, very encouraging even though I was somewhat off line on occasion! What a great opportunity to realise just how good the gents and ladies that do this for a living really are. Still, I didn't crash once and would recommend it to anyone, strange that I flew as a passenger again less than a week afterwards and was picturing what was going on in the cockpit now I've experienced it, especially the landing in low cloud and rain! Maybe I could progress to a 747 next?!
I booked this Red Letter Day because I am terrified of flying and thought learning more about flying a plane (whilst safely on the ground) might help. Our instructor was friendly, knowledgeable and put me completely at ease. I really enjoyed flying the plane and learning more about what goes on in the cockpit. Great fun, whether you like flying or not!
Making A Childhood Dream A Reality...
I always wondered what it must be like to sit in the cockpit of a commercial aeroplane with a maze of instruments and switches flickering all around you - and now I know. What a fantastic experience! The pilot that ran the session was extremely friendly and professional, and very eager to share his experience and knowledge with us. We started out by discussing the mechanics of a plane and how certain manoeuvres take place. The pilot was more than happy to answer the endless string of questions we had in store before heading into the cockpit of the retired Boeing 737. Sitting in the pilot's seat was an experience in itself! The functionality of all the main controls, screens and equipment was explained and then it was time to get serious! I was asked to take off and land in 3 different simulated scenarios - broad daylight, night time and lashing rain! An experience I will always remember, particularly when coming into land. Hats off to all pilots!
From the moment you walk into the facility the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Once in the simulator, the instructor is brilliant, talking you through all the controls (Yes, ALL of them!), giving advice as you fly the plane from take off round to landing again. We did a few different approaches and the adrenalin is amazing. Although you know you're not in the air you cannot help but panic as the aircraft gets closer and closer to the ground. All in all, a superb day out. Many thanks to all involved especially the instructor, Darren.
An Exciting And Awesome Experience
Before entering the simulator I was given an eloquent briefing about the particular features and the various controls of a 737 airliner and the wing flaps employed during take off and landing procedures which are crucial on any flight. I was then taken to the simulator where I received a detailed explanation of all the controls, mainly the throttle horizon correction levels and the very sensitive movements to be employed in particular when turning. After starting the engines I carried out a successful take-off, and after 30 minutes of flying time I turned the aircraft around to do three landings - one in daylight, one in darkness and finally in zero visibility due to fog. I must congratulate the instructor on his presentation and teaching skills. An awesome experience!
The day started with a thorough briefing about the aircraft and its systems followed by a most enjoyable session in the simulator. The instructor was enthusiastic, supportive and clearly very knowledgeable. I found the experience challenging but exhilarating. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone wishing to find out what it's like to be in control of a large aircraft.
It was wonderful for an aviation nut like me to see and experience first hand how it is possible to get a 60 ton piece of metal into the air and control it from takeoff to landing. My instructor was excellent and very patient and a nice guy to boot.
Great insight into how planes work. The fact that it is set in an actual front of a plane made it feel so real. We did several landings in different circumstances, for example at night, in the rain and with strong winds. You don't realise the effect these factors have on planes until you do this experience.
Really Fantastic Experience!
I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone. It was exceptionally professionally put together and our guide/trainer was superb, totally reassuring and helpful - I honestly felt as though I was flying the aircraft, totally stressful in a good fun way! Thanks so much for day - loved it.
This Was A Great Experience
Nothing quite like being taken through an experience by a really knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor. Our tutor took loads of time to answer the many questions and time did not appear to be his preoccupation. Learnt so much about the mechanics of flying and how difficult it can be to the novice. Respect to our professional pilots; it ain't easy.
Christopher R
09 Aug 2009
It was easy to find. The instructor was friendly and taught me everything I needed to know. An unforgettable experience. I've got to come again.
A Great Flight And Excellent Instructor
Exciting and challenging and the whole experience was brilliant. Thank you for making my 70th birthday present so wonderful.
Felt Very Much Like The Real Thing
The whole session was very professional and thoroughly conducted. The experience was so realistic that my daughter had to get out of the simulator because she felt it was too much like actual flying (which is not her favourite pastime)!
You Do Feel Like You Are Really Flying A Plane
The experience was amazing, the instructor was very friendly and took time to explain how everything works.
An Incredible Insight Into The World Of Flight
Great experience had by me and my two passengers, it was just like the real thing. It also helps with fear of flying, now knowing what goes on in the cockpit.
Phew, That Was Realistic!
The directions were spot on and we even had time for some local Selsey crab sandwiches in the nearby Selsey Arms pub. The time passed in a whirl of take offs, landings and manoeuvring. Despite knowing we were in a simulator, as the runway approaches, and the last minute corrections get more and more frantic, the adrenalin kicks in and your pulse rate soars. When you are safely down, the sheepish, self conscious grins break out. You did it! No doubt about it, my daughters' money was well spent!
An experience to remember forever, how many times do you want to have a look in the cockpit nowadays when going on your holidays. A thing of the past since 9/11. This was just out of this world and getting to actually get your hands on the controls was just blazingly brilliant! Thank you.
Beats Microsoft Anyday, Cannot Wait For Another Go
The simulator is the front of a real Boeing 737 which has had all its flight displays upgraded to those that are in service now.You got all the clunks and clicks as the controls engaged. They were able to simulate all the approaches that I wanted; the flight into the old Hong Kong airport was the best flying low over the building and having to turn 90 degrees just before landing - excellent!!