Full Motion Flight Simulator
In this article:
Welcome, future aviators, to a world where the sky is no longer the limit! Are you ready to fasten your seat belts and embark on an exhilarating journey through the clouds without ever leaving the ground? Prepare to experience the extraordinary thrill of commanding a fully immersive full-motion flight simulator, where every twist and turn is felt with heart-pounding realism, setting it apart from the conventional fixed-base alternatives.
Picture this: the palpable excitement as you take control of a Boeing 737-800, an Airbus A320, or even an ex-RAF F-4 Phantom, the hydraulic motion system faithfully mimicking every aerial manoeuvre, and the stunning visual displays transporting you to international runways and breathtaking landscapes. With the guidance of expert pilots, you’ll feel the true-to-life sensation of acceleration, turbulence, and precise landings, creating an authentic aviation experience unlike any other.
But that’s not all! With the added option to share this great experience with friends or family, these sessions are perfect for creating unforgettable memories and fostering a spirit of friendly competition. So, buckle up and get ready to be whisked away on a journey that will leave you with an unparalleled appreciation for the sheer thrill of flight. Let’s make your aviation aspirations take flight in ways you’ve never imagined possible!
| Aircraft | Location | Duration | Min. Age | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | Coventry, West Midlands | 30 mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours | 14 | Into the Blue° Red Letter Days° |
| Airbus A320 | Salford Quays, Manchester | 45mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours; 2 hours | 13 | Into the Blue° |
| Boeing 737 | Coventry, West Midlands | 30 mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours | 14 | Into the Blue° Red Letter Days° |
| Boeing 737 | Woodston, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 20 mins; 40 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
| McDonnell Douglas F4 | Woodston, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 20 mins; 40 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
| Redbird MCX | Bristol Airport, North Somerset | 30 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
Top Tip: From experience, always choose at least an hour if you can. Time flies when you’re having fun, and that is certainly true in this case.
Full Motion Flight Simulator Highlights
- Realistic sensations: Unlike fixed base simulators, here you will experience the genuine thrill of flight with full-motion simulators that faithfully recreate every movement and sensation of flying. If you’ve played Flight Simulator on your PC or Xbox, or you’ve already tried a fixed base flight sim, this is the next level in realism.
- Professional guidance: Learn under the expert tutelage of seasoned commercial and ex-military pilots, similar to those used for professional pilot training.
- Diverse scenarios: Choose from a range of exhilarating scenarios, from mastering take-offs and landings to navigating through challenging weather conditions and emergencies. Can you keep your cool?
- Stunning realism: Immerse yourself in stunning, high-definition visuals that transport you to international runways and panoramic landscapes, creating an authentic aviation experience. The flight deck is modelled on a real airliner to enhance realism, with real knobs, buttons and switches to control.
- Share the pilot experience adventure: Invite friends or family to join in the fun during your flight time, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and creating lasting memories in a dynamic and exciting environment.
What to Expect in a Full Motion Simulator
- True-to-Life sensations: Feel the genuine rush of flying with full-motion simulators that mirror the exact motions and forces experienced by professional pilots. It’s like being in the cockpit of a real plane, only without the hundreds or thousands of training hours the pros need to rack up to get their pilot’s licence.
- Expert piloting insight: Gain invaluable insights from seasoned commercial and ex-military pilots, each eager to share their wealth of real-world knowledge, tips, and tricks to enhance your aviation prowess.
- Thrilling scenarios: Take charge in a variety of heart-pounding situations, from managing engine failures and intense crosswinds to mastering precise landings in challenging terrains. Can you handle the unexpected twists and turns? Can you take off and land without crashing?!
- Immersive visual delight: Engage your senses with crystal-clear, panoramic visuals that transport you to bustling airports and breathtaking aerial landscapes. You’ll almost forget you’re not thousands of feet in the air.
- Bonds and bravado: Create lasting bonds and friendly rivalries as you invite your companions to join the excitement. Who will emerge as the ultimate sky conqueror among your circle? Get ready for some epic shared memories!
FAQs
Can anyone participate in the full flight simulator experience?
Yes, these experiences are tailored for both beginners and seasoned aviation enthusiasts. Expert instructors (usually current and former military and commercial pilots) will guide you every step of the way, and can impart wisdom no matter how confident or experienced you are.
Are there any age restrictions for the full-motion flight simulator sessions?
While most sessions are suitable for participants aged 12 and above, certain experiences may have specific age requirements. Please check the individual experience details for more information.
Do I need prior flying experience to enjoy the full-motion flight simulator session?
No prior flying experience is necessary. Expert instructors will provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
If you are a seasoned pro on Flight Sim on the PC or Xbox then you’ll have a basic understanding of flight systems, but equally, if you’ve never stepped foot inside a plane, these instructors will hold your hand every step of the way.
Can I bring a friend or family member to join the full-motion flight simulator?
Many of these experiences offer the option to share the adventure with a friend or family member, adding an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie. Some venues charge a small supplement while for others, it’s free.
How realistic are the full-motion flight simulators compared to real flying?
Full-motion flight simulators are designed to provide an incredibly lifelike flightdeck experience, with a full systems layout, hydraulic motion, authentic cockpit controls, and high-definition 220 or 180 degree visuals (the cockpit windows are digital screens), all aimed at recreating the genuine sensations of being in the air. It might be virtual aerospace but it feels very, very real.
It’s about as realistic as you can get without commanding an actual Boeing 737, Airbus A320 or RAF F-4 yourself.
What if I am prone to motion sickness? Will it affect my experience in the full-motion flight simulator?
While the simulators aim to provide an authentic flying experience, it’s perfectly natural that some individuals may be susceptible to motion sickness. These simulators are designed with adjustable settings, and experienced staff can tailor the session to your comfort level.
Unlike in a real flight, the experience can be stopped at a moment’s notice if needs be, should you start to feel unwell. It’s worth discussing any concerns with your instructor beforehand to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
A Full Motion Flight Simulator Experience is 100% For You if…
- Adventure enthusiast: If you’re someone who is always seeking new thrills and is ready to experience the exhilaration of commanding the skies without needing a cape or superpowers, then this is the perfect adventure for you.
- Aviation lover: If you’ve always found yourself gazing upward, captivated by the wonder of flight and eager to finally experience the sensation of piloting an aircraft first-hand, then this experience is tailor-made for you.
- Memory maker: For those who are constantly seeking to infuse their lives with unforgettable moments, this experience promises to add a dash of exhilaration to your collection of cherished memories, creating a truly unique and thrilling adventure.
- Thrill seeker: If you’re someone who craves heart-pounding excitement but prefers to avoid the hassle of airport security lines, then this immersive flight simulation adventure is the ideal way to get your adrenaline fix without leaving the ground.
- Social aviator: If you’re looking for an activity that fosters camaraderie and creates lasting bonds with friends and family, then this shared aviation adventure will undoubtedly serve as the perfect opportunity to create cherished memories and share the joy of an unforgettable experience.
Avoid This Experience if You Are…
- A ground lover: If you find solace and contentment with both feet planted firmly on solid ground, preferring to enjoy the beauty of the Earth from a terrestrial vantage point, then this airborne adventure might not be the right fit for your comfort zone.
- Flight phobic: If the mere sight of a feathered friend is enough to induce panic and the thought of taking flight fills you with dread, then it’s best to steer clear of this immersive flight simulator experience. That said, there are fear of flying courses° that take place using flight simulators, so you want want to try that first, then come back here when you’re hooked on flying!
- Not an AV geek: If you don’t know your 737 from your A320 and think that the flight is the worst part of any holiday, then this simulated aviation experience might not be for you.
Full Motion Flight Simulators
Welcome to a world where dreams take flight and the sky is no longer just a distant horizon. These amazing full-motion flight simulator experiences offer more than just a taste of aviation; they’re an exhilarating plunge into the thrilling universe of aerial command. From the realistic sensation of take-off to the heart-pounding challenges of navigating through unpredictable weather, each moment is carefully crafted to leave you breathless with excitement. If you’ve ever yearned to take control of the cockpit, expert pilots are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring an adventure that’s both educational and adrenaline-fuelled. So, whether you’re an avid aviation enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable escapade, buckle up and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
Ready to elevate your senses and experience the thrill of flight like never before? Book your full-motion flight simulator adventure now and be prepared to be whisked away on a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the boundless wonders of the sky. Unlock the secrets of the aviation world and make your airborne aspirations take flight in ways you’ve never imagined possible. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to soar through the clouds without ever leaving the ground. Reserve your seat today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable escapade into the vast blue yonder!
This is a fantastic experience for all airline and airliner enthusiasts, any anyone with an interest in the UK’s aerospace field. If you love jetting off on holiday more so for the airport and the planes, being able to fly a (virtual) commercial jet airliner without any training or qualifications is an opportunity worth grabbing hold of. Experience the feeling on captaining your own aircraft and picture the gaze of hundreds of passengers relying on you to get it right. Cleared for take-off…
Youtuber Kenco hopped in a full-motion A320 simulator, flying from Manchester to Birmingham, then testing his mettle at Hong Kong’s infamous Kai Tak airport, and then over to Innsbruck in Austria.
How it works
It’s super simple.
- Buy an activity voucher from the list below. Upgrade to a gift pack if you want to give it to a friend or family member as a birthday of Christmas present.
Top tip: If you need a last minute gift idea, e-vouchers arrive very fast. - They (or you if you’ve treated yourself) then redeem the voucher by following the instructions upon it. This is when you book a date and time for your activity. Vouchers usually have a 9-12 month life on them, so there’s plenty of time to book a suitable date.
- Go, go, go! Take the controls and enjoy yourself, breathing in this immersive once-in-a-lifetime experience!
If you live near the venue, make a day trip of it. If you live further away, you might want to make a short break of it, with a night in a nearby hotel.
Best Buys
| Aircraft | Location | Duration | Min. Age | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | Coventry, West Midlands | 30 mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours | 14 | Into the Blue° Red Letter Days° |
| Airbus A320 | Salford Quays, Manchester | 45mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours; 2 hours | 13 | Into the Blue° |
| Boeing 737 | Coventry, West Midlands | 30 mins; 1 hour; 1.5 hours | 14 | Into the Blue° Red Letter Days° |
| Boeing 737 | Woodston, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 20 mins; 40 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
| McDonnell Douglas F4 | Woodston, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 20 mins; 40 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
| Redbird MCX | Bristol Airport, North Somerset | 30 mins; 1 hour | 12 | Into the Blue° |
Top Tip: From experience, always choose at least an hour if you can. Time flies when you’re having fun, and that is certainly true in this case.
The perfect accompaniment to a gift voucher box for a real AV geek is a model of an aircraft. These might be of interest. Wrap one up along with the gift voucher for a seriously epic present for plane lovers.
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