Full Motion Flight Simulator Experience vs Fixed-Base Experiences?
- Victor Terry
- Jan 28
- 12 min read
Full-Motion Flight Simulator Experience vs Other Flight Simulator Experiences
Not all flight simulator experiences are created equal. If realism matters, JetEx operates a full-motion Boeing 737 simulator in the UK. But this post isn't for us, it's for you, and helps explain exactly what that means, and how to differentiate between experiences and pick the right one for you.
When people search for “flight simulator experience”, they are often presented with an array of very different products that share the same label but deliver fundamentally different experiences.
The term “flight simulator” is used to describe everything from gaming-style setups in someone’s bedroom, all the way to full-motion, training-grade simulators utilising very expensive motion systems and real aircraft parts. Even the term “full-motion” has a range of meanings, from static sims with gaming seats that move, being described as full-motion, to true full-motion sims utilising 6 axis motion platforms.
To someone booking an experience or buying a gift for another person, the vast differences are rarely obvious, and the disparity in price can be hard to understand. It's easy to take one look at motion simulators, or other high-cost experiences and wonder just what justifies that price?
In some cases, simulator experience providers use broad or non-specific language, which can make very different types of simulator appear more comparable than they really are. With the rise in usage of AI, we have even seen the use of AI-generated imagery in the wider market, which can make it harder for customers to know what they are truly booking.
Understanding what type of simulator is being offered is therefore essential when choosing an experience, particularly if finding something that is realistic is important.
This blog post explains, plainly and honestly, the difference between a full-motion flight simulator and other types of simulator experiences you will find across the UK.
What Is a Full-Motion Flight Simulator?
A full-motion flight simulator is designed to replicate the physical and sensory experience of flying a real aircraft as closely as possible. It is used by real-world pilots, trainee pilots, and airlines to ensure pilot training is carried out correctly and consistently, replicating real aircraft behaviour with such accuracy that, in many cases, pilots can complete an entire aircraft type rating without flying the real aircraft until they are carrying passengers on the line.
Full-motion simulator training is a mandatory part of modern airline pilot qualification and recurrent training. If this level of realism is considered essential for professional flight crews, the question is simple: why should you settle for a fixed-base simulator experience?
A true full-motion simulator provides:
Physical movement in pitch, roll, yaw, heave, surge, and sway (6 axis)
Accurate acceleration and deceleration cues
Realistic sensations during take-off rotation, turbulence, landing flare, and braking
A cockpit layout, controls, and systems that exactly mirror, or are from the real aircraft
Why Full-Motion Matters vs a Fixed-Base Experience
Six-axis motion is not just “movement”. It is a highly precise, training-grade internal process that takes input from the simulation flight model and translates it correctly to allow the platform to reproduce and create combinations of:
rotation (pitch/roll/yaw)
linear movement (surge/sway/heave),
(which is how the simulator generates believable cues for energy, attitude changes, and handling. Without this, realism becomes almost entirely visual and that is where fixed-base simulators inevitably hit a ceiling.)
With the correct application of motion, you can experience every single sensation of real-world flight in a controlled environment, things like, but not limited to :
the acceleration down the runway,
the rotation at take-off,
turbulence and buffet,
sink rate and energy changes on approach,
the landing flare and touchdown feel,
braking and deceleration after touchdown.
At JetEx, our simulator is a full-motion Boeing 737-800, mounted on a six-axis motion platform, using professional-grade simulation software and a real aircraft cockpit. This is the same category of simulator used for professional pilot training, simply adapted so members of the public can experience it safely and enjoyably.
What are Other Flight Simulator Experiences Like?
The majority of flight simulator experiences in the UK fall into one of the following categories. All of these setups can be enjoyable, accessible, and entertaining, however, they are designed for very different purposes and should not be confused with other simulators that are full-motion, training-grade simulators.
Fixed-Base Professional Simulators
Fixed-base simulators typically feature high-quality visuals and well-replicated cockpit layouts, but the flight simulator itself remains physically static throughout the flight.
Because there is no motion platform, all sensation of acceleration, rotation, turbulence, and landing dynamics must be presented visually rather than physically. While this can be sufficient for procedural practice or introductory experiences, it lacks the sensory cues that define how an aircraft actually feels in flight.
Pros
Learning basic cockpit layout and instrument scan
Practising simple procedures and flows
A “first taste” experience where realism is not the priority
Cons
No physical cues for energy, sink rate, braking, or touchdown
Less immersive workload and “real aircraft feel”
The experience can feel like “flying on a screen” rather than in a cockpit
Partial or Replica Cockpits
These simulators often combine cockpit components from multiple sources and may visually resemble the real aircraft at first glance. However, they frequently rely on simplified systems modelling, limited or non-existent control force feedback, and non-standard hardware.
As a result, aircraft behaviour and system interaction are often approximated rather than accurately reproduced. This approach prioritises appearance and accessibility over realism and procedural fidelity.
Pros
Great introduction to flying
Visually convincing
A "first-taste" experience
Cons
Controls may not behave exactly like the real aircraft
System depth may be simplified
Not a genuine representation of the aircraft type itself
Entertainment or Gaming-Style Simulators
Entertainment-focused simulators are designed primarily to be accessible, intuitive, and enjoyable for a wide audience. They typically use consumer-grade hardware and software optimized for ease of use rather than accuracy, many of which are based on existing systems already available for home use.
While these setups can provide a fun introduction to the concept of flight simulation for the average customer, they are not intended to replicate real-world aircraft handling, workload, or operational procedures.
Pros
Accessible for all ages
Built for fun and accessibility rather than fidelity
Cons
Simplified systems and procedures
Sometimes incorrect cockpit layout
Inaccurate flight physics
All of these simulator types can truly deliver an enjoyable experience, and there is nothing inherently wrong with them. However, they exist in a different category to full-motion, airline-grade simulators.
A full-motion simulator integrates accurate aircraft systems, realistic handling characteristics, instructor-led operation, and physical motion cues into a single cohesive experience. Remove any one of those elements, and the experience changes fundamentally.
How to Spot What You're Actually Booking (before you pay)
If you are wanting realism, or value-for-money, ask (or look for) clear answers to these questions for the simulator that you wish to visit.
Does the simulator physically move on a motion platform (six-axis), or is it static?
Is it based on a real aircraft cockpit or is it a replica build?
Is the session actively supervised by qualified professionals, or is it “press start and fly”?
Do they show the exact simulator you will fly on (not stock/AI images)?
Do they clearly describe what “motion” means in their setup, or is it vague? Full-motion is a term sometimes thrown about a lot.
If a provider, or their website can’t answer these plainly, that lack of transparency is unfortunately a red flag. It often means the experience on the day won’t match the impression created online and a sign you may not be getting the level of realism you are led to believe you’re paying for.
Motion vs No Motion : Why it Matters
In real aircraft, pilots do not rely on visual cues alone. The inner ear (vestibular system), balance system, and proprioception all work together to interpret acceleration, attitude changes, and aircraft energy. These physical sensations form a major part of situational awareness, especially during take-off and landing where energy changes quickly. These physical sensations are a core part of situational awareness and aircraft control.
Motion is not a gimmick. It is fundamental to how humans perceive flight.
A full-motion simulator reproduces these cues by physically moving the cockpit in response to aircraft behaviour. You feel the acceleration down the runway, the rotation at take-off, turbulence in clouds, sink rate on approach, the landing flare, and deceleration after touchdown. These sensations are not decorative. They are essential to understanding how the aircraft is actually flying.
The “realism gap” fixed-base simulators can’t cross
Fixed-base simulators, by definition, cannot provide these physical cues. No matter how advanced the visuals may be, the body receives no acceleration or movement information, creating a disconnect between what you see and what you feel.
That disconnect shows up most clearly in the exact phases customers care about most:
Take-off: you see acceleration, but you don’t feel it
Approach: you see the runway and descent, but energy/sink cues are non-existent
Landing: flare and touchdown become visually judged rather than physically felt and experienced
Braking: deceleration becomes a “screen event”, not a cockpit sensation where you are clinging to the edge of your seat.
The result can still be fun, but it is fundamentally incomplete if realism is the objective.
This difference is why full-motion simulators are predominantly used for professional pilot training and why static simulators are often left aside. Once you have experienced flight with accurate motion cues, the absence of motion becomes immediately noticeable.
Training-Grade vs Entertainment-Grade Simulation
Training-grade simulators are built to replicate real-world aircraft behaviour, operating procedures, and systems accuracy to a standard suitable for professional pilot training. Every control input, system interaction, and aircraft response is modelled to behave as it would in the real aircraft, allowing crews to practise realistic scenarios, decision-making, and workload management.
Entertainment-grade simulators, by contrast, are designed to be accessible and intuitive for a wide audience. They typically simplify systems, reduce procedural complexity, and prioritise ease of use over strict accuracy. This makes them enjoyable and approachable, but it also limits how closely they can replicate real-world flying.
What “training-grade” feels like in practice
Even for non-pilots, training-grade fidelity is noticeable because:
switches and systems behave logically, not randomly
procedures have purpose and flow
the aircraft responds consistently to configuration and energy changes
the workload feels like a real cockpit environment rather than a game
Training-grade simulation is also what allows realistic scenario flying such as:
low visibility approaches,
abnormal situations and decision-making,
realistic automation behaviour,
realistic handling differences between weights, speeds, and flap configurations.
Both approaches have their place. However, only training-grade simulation is trusted for professional pilot instruction and it is this level of fidelity that defines the difference for the general public between a realistic flight simulator experience and one designed primarily for entertainment.
Why Don't All Flight Simulator Experiences Cost the Same?
A common thing to see in flight simulator centres across the UK is a vast disparity in price. Ranging from under £100 for an hour, to well over £100 for an hour, it can be difficult to justify spending £200 more on an experience you can get 'cheaper' elsewhere.
However, you must bear in mind the development and experience of these simulators. Full-motion simulators are vastly more expensive to build, operate, and maintain than static or entertainment-focused systems. The cost difference is not cosmetic, it reflects the underlying hardware, software, and expertise required to deliver a training-grade experience.
A full-motion simulator uses complex motion systems, real aircraft components, and professional-grade simulation software that must be continuously maintained, calibrated, and monitored. These simulators are operated and supervised by aviation professionals, with each session actively managed rather than simply started and left to run. In a professional aviation training environment, a full-motion simulator will typically cost well in excess of £10 million.
What you are actually paying for (when you pay more)
A higher-priced, true full-motion experience typically reflects:
Motion platform engineering/running costs (the single biggest cost driver)
Real cockpit hardware and aircraft-grade components
Professional simulation software and ongoing technical upkeep
Calibration and reliability work to keep motion and systems behaving correctly
Operational supervision (managed by pilot instructors and sim technicians)
Facility and power requirements needed to run high-end equipment safely
Lower-cost simulator experiences exist because they are fundamentally different products built for different purposes. They use simpler hardware, reduced systems modelling, and have a much lower operational overhead. This allows them to be offered at a lower price point but it unfortunately also places them in a different category altogether.
Price, in this context, is a reflection of realism and operating complexity, not branding or even profit. Once the underlying differences are understood, the variation in cost becomes self-explanatory.
Which Flight Simulator Experience Is Right for You?
If you want a casual introduction to flying
If you’re simply looking for a fun activity, an introduction to basic flying, or an experience that prioritises accessibility over realism, a fixed-base or entertainment-focused simulator can be a perfectly enjoyable choice.
A basic simulator experience is usually a good fit if you want:
a relaxed, game-like introduction to flying
something simple and low-pressure
visuals and cockpit “feel” without needing full realism
a different experience at a lower price point
If realism matters (or you’re buying for any aviation enthusiast)
If you care about realism or you’re buying a gift for someone who genuinely cares about aviation, a full-motion flight simulator experience is in an entirely different category. The difference is not subtle once you’re in the cockpit.
A full-motion simulator experience is the right fit if you want:
the physical sensation of flight (take-off, turbulence, landing flare, braking)
a cockpit that behaves like a real aircraft, not just a cockpit-shaped controller
realism in how the aircraft responds to speed, configuration, and handling inputs
an experience that feels convincing even to experienced simmers or pilots
If you’re buying as a gift: the simplest way to choose
Gift buyers often worry about one thing: will it actually feel special? If the person you’re buying for is aviation-minded, even casually, the realism gap between full-motion and fixed-base is what determines whether the gift feels “interesting” or genuinely unforgettable.
Experiencing a Full-Motion Simulator at Jet-Ex
JetEx Flight Simulation delivers what is widely acknowledged as one of, if not the most realistic publicly available flight simulator experience in the UK. Our mission is to offer professional-grade simulation – an experience engineered to replicate real aircraft behaviour with precision rather than mimicry.
Our simulator is a six-axis full-motion Boeing 737-800 simulator, built around a real aircraft cockpit and designed to meet the highest levels of realism outside certified airline training devices. It uses industry-leading motion systems, dynamic control loading, and a collimated visual display system (typically reserved for the highest level of simulators) to create an immersive flight environment where every movement, acceleration, and system response feels authentic.
What a JetEx session feels like (in plain terms)
The difference is not one “feature”. It is the combined effect of:
motion cues that make the aircraft feel alive,
visual depth that supports realistic judgement on approach and landing,
control feedback that makes flying feel physical rather than digital,
and system behaviour that mirrors how the real aircraft is operated.
Each session is professionally supervised but fully participant-driven, with guests choosing where they fly, what they do, and how involved they want the experience to be. Our team supports you throughout, whether you want a guided first-time experience or a more technical, procedure-led session.
From the moment you feel acceleration on the runway to the sensations of climb, cruise, and landing, the integration of motion, visual depth, and dynamic control feedback delivers a level of realism that static and entertainment simulators cannot approach.
In aviation terms, the fidelity of our simulator is comparable to that found on full-flight-simulator standards, approaching the highest levels of realism on the internationally recognised FFS scale.
Whether you are a complete novice, a seasoned flight simulator enthusiast, or even a professional pilot preparing for assessments, JetEx offers an experience that genuinely bridges the gap between simulation and real flight.
Book a Full-Motion Flight Simulator Experience with JetEx
If you are looking for a flight simulator experience that genuinely reflects how aircraft are flown in the real world, rather than simply how they look on a screen, a full-motion simulator is the only option that delivers that level of realism.
You can book a session directly for yourself or purchase a flight simulator experience gift voucher for someone else, valid for a range of session lengths and suitable for beginners through to experienced enthusiasts. Gift vouchers are flexible, valid for three years, offering significantly more flexibility than many other experience vouchers, easy to redeem, and make an exceptional present for anyone with an interest in aviation.
Unlike generic experience vouchers, every JetEx session is flown on a true full-motion Boeing 737 simulator, not a fixed-base replica.
All bookings are conducted in person at our Frome, Somerset facility, with sessions supervised by professional instructors and tailored to the individual.
Whether you are flying yourself or giving the experience as a gift, the process is straightforward:
Book online for yourself by selecting your preferred session length
Choose a date/time that suits you (subject to availability)
Receive Gift Vouchers immediately (and e-vouchers are delivered quickly for gifts)
Arrive, brief, fly. With the session run around your preferences and experience level
If you are booking for popular dates (weekends, school holidays, seasonal gifting periods), it is worth booking ahead to secure your preferred slot.
Final Thoughts : What Matters When Choosing a Flight Simulator Experience
Not all “flight simulator experiences” are the same product, even when they use similar language online. The key differences come down to motion, systems realism, and transparency about what you will actually be flying on the day.
If you want an accessible, casual introduction to flying, a basic simulator can still be enjoyable, and many can be found across the UK. But if you are booking for someone who genuinely cares about aviation, or you simply want the closest thing to operating a real airliner - a true six-axis full-motion simulator is in a different category altogether.
The simplest rule is this: if a provider can’t clearly explain what their simulator is, what “motion” means in their setup, and show the actual device you’ll be flying, treat it as a red flag.
If you’re ready to experience the real thing, you can book a session or purchase a gift voucher directly through JetEx.
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