STAFF REVIEW: 1 HOUR FLIGHT SIMULATION EXPERIENCE

| Staff Review

I have always been a regular flyer and grew up traveling as a kid, so I am no stranger to the flying regulations and the all-important safety message. So, when Lucy and I were invited along to actually learn how to fly a plane in a Virtual Flight Simulation, I was very excited!

This Flight Simulation is an hour-long experience that gives participants insight into a real commercial aircraft, during which a licenced pilot teaches everything from the flight navigation system to how to work the aircon. You also have the option to purchase a video of your flight for £25, or £10 for a photo of you in the cockpit.

The experience itself takes place in an actual airport 20 minutes from Brighton city centre! It can be found at Brighton City Airport in Hangar 4. There is plenty of free parking outside, so there’s no need to stress about that on the day. 

| Arriving at Virtual Aerospace 

When we first arrived at Hangar 4, we were greeted by our friendly instructor Mak. A pilot himself, he knew his stuff when it came to flying. Our experience started as soon as we walked into the flight simulation room. The room had been designed to resemble an actual airport departure lounge, complete with a check-in desk and a waiting area. 

Outside the window of the departure lounge we noticed a collection of helicopters and small aircrafts; I’m sure these would be eye candy for all those aviation enthusiasts. After walking past the check-in desk, we began to board the plane. Spectators are welcome at this experience. However, they must remain seated in their passenger seats until the seat belt sign is switched off! 

| Entering the Cockpit

As we entered the cockpit (the technical term for the pilot’s seat) we were amazed at how real it all looked… not to mention the sheer amount of buttons and switches on the control panel. It was very clear that this simulation was nothing like you’ve ever seen in a video game. 

Mak assured us this experience was completely realistic and informed us that even licenced pilots come to this simulation to brush up on their piloting skills. He also told us that people with a fear of flying often come to this simulation so they are able to see how safe an aircraft actually is!

First it was Lucy’s turn, so I took my seat in the back on the aircraft. Mak showed Lucy the controls first. I overheard Mak teach her some aircraft facts, for example did you know the pilot can control the individual aircon temperatures of the front, middle and back of the aircraft from the cockpit? Or that you can stall an aircraft? 

| Take off

After learning the controls, Lucy began to take off from Milan’s international airport. The scenery and weather conditions can be changed to suit you! You can even experience turbulence if you want. Unfortunately, Lucy received a message from the cabin crew that there were intoxicated people on the flight, so an emergency landing had to take place.

After Lucy completed her emergency landing, it was my turn! Mak taught me how to input the destination into the flight navigation system along with some technical explanations of the controls. 

The airport I was flying from was Geneva. As I began to lift off, it became clear how realistic this simulator is… trying to lift a 488-tonne plane off the ground requires some muscle! I got to fly over snowy mountains and encountered a grey storm along the way which clouded my vision. This meant I had to rely totally on the navigation system to complete a safe landing. 

During my flight, I encountered an engine fire! I had to figure out how to keep the plane in air and the theoretical passengers safe. Mak taught me how this situation would be handled in real life; a pilot must know how to stay calm under pressure! After re-routing my navigation system for an emergency landing, it was time to begin my descent. 

I can’t say I would make the best pilot, but I also didn’t crash so that counts for something, right? 

| Thanks for Reading!

This flight simulator experience is perfect for everyone, as it can be tailored to suit your particular level of interest. From experts who want to brush up on their skills, to enthusiasts who want to learn to be a pilot, to complete beginners who want to cure their fear of flying, this experience does not disappoint.  

I would like to thank Andy for inviting us along for this Virtual Flight Simulator Experience. I would also like to thank Mak for being such an excellent teacher and making our experience one we won’t forget!