An In Depth Look at Flight Simulators and How they Work

How do you take the controls of a Boeing 747 without leaving the ground? In a flight simulator, of course! Here we are going to take a deep dive into flight simulators, looking at what they are, what to expect from your first flight and tips for maximising your virtual flying experience.

• Flying Without Wings

A flight simulator mimics the action of flying, from when the aeroplane takes off to when it lands. Of course, a lot can happen in that time, including turbulence and faults, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality.

And it's precisely because they are so lifelike, including many being full motion, that flight simulators are used for invaluable pilot training. In fact, some of our flight simulators offer a 6 axis motion system and full HD, 220 degree wrap around visuals. This is as close as it gets to flying the real thing.

You can also throw in a range of flying conditions, from storms through to clear blue skies, and decide which plane you want to fly depending on the experience. Among the 'aircraft' in our impressive fleet ready to jet you off around the world are Airbus A320s, Boeing 747s and Boeing 737s.

For those wanting a touch of nostalgia then there's the chance to step into the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber, Vulcan Bomber, Spitfire or other awesome military aircraft. And the best thing is that sitting beside you in the co-pilot's seat will be highly trained and experienced instructors, sometimes even ex RAF and commercial pilots.

• You Have Clearance for Departure

While the flight takes centre stage, there's typically plenty of other activity throughout the experience, beginning with a welcome, introduction and safety briefing. Soon it's time to don the captain's cap but you won't need to let your imagination take flight as you'll think there's a plane load of passengers behind you, depending on you to whisk them away to their dream destination!

And as well as your 'passengers' there is the very real chance of sharing the experience with a couple of friends or family members, depending on the experience booked. They can also get close to the action and see how you perform under pressure, and are sometimes allowed to get a taste of the controls themselves.

To make the most of your flight remember to listen to the instructor, as they have a wealth of knowledge, and don't forget that it's a fun experience and you're only a few feet above the ground, so what's the worst that can happen!

• Cabin Crew, Prepare For Landing

FlyDays.co.uk has a range of Flight Simulator Experiences to book. We have sessions of all lengths, depending on how long you want to spend in the virtual sky, ranging from 30 minutes through to 120 minutes.

Plus, when searching for 'flight simulators near me' you're never far away from one, as we have flight simulator locations across the UK, some even by real airports, meaning you won't need to take an actual flight to get to your experience! If you, or someone you know, wants to learn to fly, then a flight simulator could be yours or their runway to take off.