Question 1

What is a flight simulator experience?

Accepted Answer

A flight simulator experience puts you in the cockpit of a commercial aircraft and lets you take the controls under the guidance of an experienced instructor. At JetEx, that means sitting in a real Boeing 737 cockpit — complete with real controls with force feedback, full-motion 6-axis movement, and real cockpit audio — and flying real routes to real airports. Unlike a video game or a simple desktop sim, a proper full motion flight simulator experience replicates the sights, sounds, and physical sensations of flying a commercial airliner.

Question 2

What makes JetEx's flight simulator experience different from other UK simulators?

Accepted Answer

JetEx operates the UK's only public-access full motion 6-axis Boeing 737 simulator. Almost every other flight simulator experience in the UK uses a fixed base simulator — meaning the cockpit does not move.

JetEx's simulator is mounted on a Moog motion platform with six electric actuators. You physically feel the take-off roll pushing you back in your seat, the lift-off, turbulence bumps mid-flight, and the touchdown on landing. No other UK experience provider offers this level of immersion to the general public, the JetEx 737 is in a different class.

Question 3

How long does a flight simulator experience last?

Accepted Answer

JetEx offers sessions of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, you are at the controls for the entire time.  60 minutes is the most popular session for first-time visitors — long enough to master the basics of take-off and landing without feeling rushed. The 120-minute session is ideal for aviation enthusiasts who want to explore multiple airports, practice instrument approaches, or experience more demanding weather scenarios. Time in the sim goes very fast!

Question 4

Do I need any flying experience to take part?

Accepted Answer

None at all. The experience is designed for complete beginners and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Your instructor will brief you fully before you enter the simulator, walk you through the controls, and guide you through every phase of the flight. Many of our customers have never been inside a cockpit before and still come away having successfully taken off, and landed — all on their own.

Question 5

What will I actually do during the session?

Accepted Answer

After a briefing from your instructor, you'll take the left-hand seat — the captain's position. You'll  take-off, fly a route, and attempt a landing.

Your instructor sits in the first officer's seat throughout, assisting with checklists, and helping you get the most from your time.

Sessions can be tailored — some customers prefer to focus on landings; others want to experience crosswind approaches, night flying, or storm conditions.

Question 6

Is a flight simulator experience suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with some age and height considerations.Children who are at least 12 years of age and tall enough to reach the controls and see over the instrument panel are welcome.  We may accept younger children if they have a very keen interest in aviation.We recommend a minimum height of around 140 cm for a comfortable experience. Younger visitors must be accompanied by a parent. Please contact us before booking if you're unsure, and we'll advise based on your child's age and height.

Question 7

Is the flight simulator experience suitable for nervous or anxious passengers?

Accepted Answer

The simulator can be a powerful environment for gently confronting flight anxiety in a safe, controlled setting. We offer a dedicated Fear of Flying Course  hosted by an airline pilot, that is specifically designed to address flight anxiety in a structured format.

The simulator accurately replicates  all aircraft movement so you can experience an entire flight including turbulents, while always in control — you can pause or end the session at any time.

See our Fear of Flying course for details.

Question 8

How physically demanding is the experience?

Accepted Answer

The experience is not physically strenuous. You sit in the captain's seat throughout and control the aircraft with a yoke (control column) and rudder pedals. It can be a bit of a tight squeeze to get in though, so you must be mobile and able to support your own weight.

The full motion platform moves the entire cockpit smoothly — you will feel realistic G-forces and motion, but nothing that would be uncomfortable for anyone in normal health.

Customers with certain medical conditions (recent surgery, severe heart conditions, or serious motion sickness) should consult us before booking.

Question 9

Where can I fly?

Accepted Answer

From / to, or around any current airport. Our simulation database covers over 24,000 airports worldwide. Popular choices include Heathrow (EGLL), Bristol (EGGD), Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM), Innsbruck (LOWI — famous for its challenging alpine approach), and Gibraltar (LXGB — one of the most dramatic runways in the world).

Some airports and scenery areas are more detailed than others. Your instructor will recommend routes based on your session length and experience level.

Question 10

What happens during my flight?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit to what you can do during your flight, take-offs, landings, circuits, bad weather, engine failures, even stalls, all in complete safety of course. Just let us know what you'd like to experience, and we'll tailor your time in the sim so you can get the most fun out of it.

Question 11

Can I choose the weather conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request conditions ranging from calm, clear skies to stormy crosswinds, fog, low visibility instrument approaches, or night flying. Challenging weather significantly increases the difficulty and realism of the session.

Many experienced customers specifically request a strong crosswind landing at Bristol or a CAT III ILS approach to Heathrow to test their skills.

Question 12

Can two people share the flying – e.g. can I fly as captain with a friend acting as copilot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, assuming you both have some experience with either real world flying or PC based flight simulators, you can fly the sim together as a crew with a member of the JetEx team operating the instructor station at the back for you. We will need to assess your abilities individually (flying with an instructor) before letting you fly the sim as a crew to ensure the safety of the session.

On very rare occasions it may not be possible to have a guest join you in the cockpit for technical reasons- e.g. if a JetEx staff member needs to operate the sim systems from the jump seat  to facilitate a session, in this situation your guest can observe your session from the lounge.

Question 13

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

Our age limit is 12 years old, however, if you have a younger child with a very keen interest in aviation and/or flight simulators please get in touch and we can probably bend the rules. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times while at JetEx.

Question 14

Can I share the experience with friends or family?

Accepted Answer

Yes! there is no charge for bringing a friend who can sit in the jump seat, we recommend limiting the cockpit to three people-including the instructor.

On very rare occasions it may not be possible to have a guest join you in the cockpit for technical reasons- e.g. if a JetEx staff member needs to operate the sim systems to facilitate a session, in this situation your guest can observe your session from the lounge.

Question 15

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you wear closed-toe shoes for safety inside the simulator. Avoid very heavy coats or bulky clothing, as the simulator cockpit is compact and you will want freedom of movement to operate the controls. Bring comfortable clothing, and if you are visiting in the summer, please be aware the simulator can sometimes get very warm.

Question 16

What simulators do JetEx operate?

Accepted Answer

We operate a single full motion  737 flight simulator located at Commerce Park, Frome.

We are also in the process of developing other simulators - ask about them when you visit!

Question 17

Will I have control of the simulator for all of my flight?

Accepted Answer

Yes with the assistance of one of our pilot instructors.

Question 18

Will I have the cockpit to myself or do I have to share my time with others?

Accepted Answer

You have the sim to yourself (and your guest if you choose to bring one) you will be at the controls all the time.

Question 19

Can I sit in either the captains or copilot's seat?

Accepted Answer

You can sit in either the captains or copilot's seat. Let your instructor know your preference before getting in.

Flight Simulator Experience

Choose Your Boeing 737 Full Motion Experience

Fear of Flying Courses

Gift Vouchers

Flight Sessions

The Full Motion Difference

Key Features

Real Boeing 737 Cockpit

6-Axis Motion

24,000+ Airports Worldwide

Trusted by Hundreds of Visitors...

Jules Scriven

Chris Wileman

Chris Webb

Easy to reach from Bristol, Bath and the South West

Frequently Asked Questions