Testimonials

What our customers are saying

"the realisation of a lifetime ambition"

At London's Heathrow airport in the early evening dusk, with jumbo jets parked on the apron to my left, and the lights and tarmac of runway 09L stretching out before me and converging into the distance, I waited for a moment, to listen to the 757's idling engines, and let the awe and excitement of what was about to be the realisation of a lifetime ambition electrify every nerve ending. Respectfully, I eased the throttles forwards, pausing briefly to let the turbines stabilise, then pushed them all the way to full power - white lines were already disappearing under the nose; we were already doing 80kts. The jumbo jets, taxyways, then the control tower subsided away to the left as Martin called out V1, then VR, and I gently pulled the control column in towards me. With wonderful predictability, the nose gently lifted, followed with a familiar judder by the main wheels: we were airborne. After leveling off into a slow safe cruise at 3000 feet, I gazed out over the evening lights of the city of London feeling like I'd just woken up to my first bicycle on Christmas morning. Wembly stadium passed to the left; the Gherkin, London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Canary Wharf all lay ahead against the fading blue moonlit sky. I flew a wide left circuit over the city before positioning on to final approach and descending on the ILS for a near perfect, if slightly unambiguous, first landing. Colour blindness prevents me ever living the dream professionally. Thanks to Virtual Aviation, I've experienced first-hand what it is to fly one of these beautiful aeroplanes and to have briefly perhaps one of the best jobs in the world.Nick Lloyd

"guaranteed satisfaction"

Absolutely wonderful. A brilliant experience. Very professional as one would expect. Worked very punctually and handled expertly by pilot Ben. Made to feel welcome and relaxed, no pressure. As for the simulator – what a fantastic piece of kit. One could easily have been on the flightdeck of an Airbus for real. Take off and landing were the best. I was that pilot we all dream of being, albeit for a short period of time. Would do it again tomorrow given the opportunity; everyone should try it. Guaranteed satisfaction. Many thanks to all at Virtual Aviation.Robert Alexander

"brilliant experience"

Thank you so much for a brilliant experience in the A330 at Manchester. Our pilot gave me some brilliant advice on how to become an airline pilot and I would like to thank him for that. Me and my family are already considering getting a 1-Hour Exclusive Experience because they are breathtaking. Thank you Virtual Aviation.Adam Lowe

"most exciting present"

Excellent experience. Most exciting present I think I have received!Bernard Morris

"awesome"

Mark (our pilot) was brilliant. Watching my 13-year old son landing on the centre line in a fog-bound Innsbruck with just occasional guidance and advice from Mark was awesome. He was great at giving feedback after each leg allowing us both to improve our technique. Brilliant worthwhile experience.Chris A

Absolutely excellent! It was an 18th birthday outing for my son. He and his friend thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our pilot, Mark, was wholly engaged with us and provided excellent instruction. Taking off from Tokyo Narita in the dark and with subsequent 'heavy turbulence' was a memorable experience!
Roy P

Excellent, relaxed environment and easy to follow. Very impressive! Will likely book for a further simulator session. My daughter now says she wants to be a pilot!
Martin W

I found the whole experience most enjoyable. Website booking was easy to use. Good telephone communication before and after my 'flight'. Being in the simulator was amazing, even with other people at the controls. Andrew Morris - our pilot on the day - very professional and good fun at the same time, certainly adding a great deal to the 'experience'! Well done Andrew! I had a great time and feel very privileged to have been given time in the simulator. Many thanks.
Laurie Webb

Fantastic experience - cannot fault it. It's something I always wanted to do and the instructor, Duncan Shannon, made it the experience of a lifetime. Many many thanks Duncan! Everyone from start to finish were so helpful. Staff taking the original voucher sale and staff upgrading the voucher were all really helpful to my wife who booked for me and upgraded for me. I spoke to someone on a Sunday morning when I was trying to book my appointment on the computer. Although there were no admin staff available, he sorted my query for me. Finally, as I said, Duncan was excellent. He put you at your ease, made it fun and truly an excellent experience. Thanks to all of you.
Jim Whittick

I was extremely impressed by the organisation both leading up to the day and of the session itself. A big thank you to Helen in your office who could not have been more helpful. The session itself was made for me by my Captain, Marcus Bass, who made it all such fun and created a lovely relaxed atmosphere. He was a real star.
Malcolm W

Really enjoyed the whole experience, although this was a gift for my son I had a great time also. The instructor made us feel very welcome and my son was a pilot, well for at least an hour. Hopefully we can do this again in the not too distant future.
Brian K

The event was very well organised and extremely professional through each of the briefing-simulator-post simulator sessions. Flying in the simulator was wonderful and almost unbelievable. I was so pleased to have had the experience.
John W

A throroughly enjoyable experience with excellent briefing and flight deck assistance. The admin staff deserve praise for the attention and courtesy from booking to final confirmation. This should be on everybodys' wish list.
Derek Humphreys

Fantastic day! I have a PPL and fly an ageing wood and fabric aircraft. It was fantastic to see the high-tech end of aviation as a contrast. The realism is truly amazing - even down to the sweat trickling down my back on a tricky cross-wind landing. Superb day and excellent instructor. Worth every penny.
Barry M

That moment when the engines thrust you forward and down the runway to take off is just so thrilling, then you have a nerve jangling landing to deal with - fantastic.
George Z

I had a simulator experience in Manchester. I feel I have to contact you to tell you how much I enjoyed the whole event from the initial briefing to the simulator experience itself. The young Captain was excellent sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm in an informative and understandable way which made the whole event so memorable. I hope to be able to repeat the experience in the future! Thank you.
Fred L

A wonderful experience for all three of us. Our instructor Ryan was excellent, and tutored us in a relaxed, friendly manner. It was good having a serving airline officer instructing. I would recommend it. Thanks for the three certificates.
Roger James

found the experience excellent. The instructor (and trainee instructor) were very good and at no time did I feel rushed. They were very encouraging and supportive, despite some rather poor flying on my part! So, an enjoyable time both in the cockpit and during the briefing and debriefing sessions, and everyone I speak to are amazed at the stories. I was surprised how realistic the simulator was, even down to feeling the bumps over the runway lights. You feel like you are in the real thing within five minutes.
David P

I found the experience absolutely fantastic. Having seen these advertised here and there and various write-ups, I always imagined I'd never actually get a chance to book myself in. Like most people who are lucky enough to experience one of your simulators, I have an obsession wanting to be a commercial pilot! (Unfortunately, i've never been able to pursue it because my eyesight is outside the parameters). Like so many wannabe's, enthusiasts and armchair Captains, the only outlet for my interest (until I can fund myself through my NPPL) has been the good old 'domestic' flight sim game. Let me assure you, there is no smaller feeling than walking into a simulated 'Pre-flight briefing' with an experienced airline pilot and then have to answer the question "So, how much do you know already...?". I was well aware I knew hardly anything and certainly didn't want to 'over-egg' the very little I knew, but my instructor, Ben, was very accommodating. Having a window of just an hour and a half to pick his brains, with some of the questions i've always wanted to know, Ben answered as many as he could with clarity. He also nurtured the small amount of knowledge I did have - whilst we were in the simulator, and whilst he was busy managing all the intricacies, he allowed me to get to grips with the fundmentals of the A330 and did all he could to answer my often small and insignificant questions which certainly helped me get the most of the hour. As expected, the experience has rekindled my desire to fly, be it privately or (if the rules change) commercially. Listening to Ben's experience in the pursuit to fly, I might just be young enough to attempt it! The problem with the airline industry is that for the 'average Joe', knowledge and accessibility to people in the know is hard to get – knowledge is power, computer games, web forums & DVDs can only teach you so much. What you offer at Virtual Aviation really helps to bring accessibility to the masses, and no doubt fuels dreams for any budding pilot! Thanks again to everyone.
Dan Barrett

What a wonderful experience. The pre-flight briefing by our pilot Peter was very informative. He was very patient and answered all our questions. On the Airbus A320 simulator we all had a full 20 minutes at the controls during which we practiced a couple of take-offs, climbing and banking. Then onto landings. We had five landings each with different weather conditions, turbulence etc. I included twoi night landings and our pilot put in a few emergencies which we didnt expect. He also demonstrated a full automatic landing with nil visibility. Amazing. I want to do it again, I would recommend this experience to anyone. Keep up the good work.
Eric Elsley

My session on the A330 flight simulator was a present for my 84th birthday from my wife and members of my family, and it was by far the best birthday present I have ever had. It was a wonderful, outstanding experience. The realism achieved by the simulator was astonishing. I found it difficult to believe that I was not flying a real aircraft. My only regret was that it was over much too quickly. I shall no doubt be dropping hints to my wife that I would like another go next year! As a present for the man (or woman) who has everything, this can not be bettered.
Dennis F

My son and I recently had a 1-hour session in the B747-400 simulator at Gatwick. Our instructor Nick Oak took us into the briefing room where we discussed what we would do in the sim. We spent our time hand flying the aircraft and performing manual landings at San Francisco and New York. Nick was great - everything was explained in simple terms and his help and advice was invaluable in enabling us to get the best out of our time. Many thanks to all concerned for a fantastic time, but special thanks must go to Nick. The follow-up call from Virtual Aviation was much appreciated, as were the certificates we received. A truly wonderful and unforgettable experience.
David & Craig Bird

A really excellent and thrilling experience. So realistic that I was sure I was going to crash on landing!
NDW

A really fun and enjoyable experience. Our instructor Matthew was superb and let us experience all weather conditions. Truly well worth the money!
Kathleen & Patrick Weeks

An absolutely incredible experience. Everything is so realistic. We loved every minute of it and would love to do it again. Our instructor was good and informative.
KNH

My 747 1-Hour Exclusive Experience was the highlight of my year. The instructor, Alan Carter, was exceptional. His manner and professional approach made the experience 'real life'. The simulator was first class, and better than I had expected. I would recommend this experience to everyone. Well done Alan.
Colin B

I have waited 70 years to do this, if only I had done it for real, and it was so realistic I think I lost a pound or two in concentration. Other than stalling, I fell for the trap of trying to take the cross wires to the plane, I just managed. My pilot was 'first class' good fun and clear as a bell in instructing me. A fantastic time, thoroughly enjoyable and I would recommend you to anyone. Thank you.
Michael Cowan

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for my flight in the A330 simulator at Manchester on Sunday. It was absolutely fantastic! I started the flying with a take-off at Manchester and a flight round during which our pilot Adam showed us what the A330 could do and the safety mechanisms of the fly-by-wire systems. This was followed by my first landing back at Manchester. We then repositioned for a night landing. This was successful but we skidded on the runway and managed to burst a tyre! We had a warning on the EICAS and an alarm. Great fun though! Having repositioned to the start of the runway we then did a rejected take-off. Full reverse thrust and Max braking! WOW. I was hooked! At this point, I reluctantly give up the right hand seat and my wife and my mother had a go at a take-off and landing which they achieved successfully with Adam's help. Having returned to the right hand seat, Adam asked what I wanted to do. I said to challenge me! So he gave me an engine failure on take-off. The engine failed right on the point of rotation and although we got airborne I did not quite catch the swing and we drifted about 10 degrees off the heading! At this point we had about 15 mins left and Adam give me one last challenge. A single engine night approach in cloud into Keflavik! I was sweating a bit descending through the clouds following the glideslope but managed to successfully nail that landing even if slightly heavy. What a 2 hours! The simulators are so realistic. I would definitely recommend it to anybody. Would you please pass on my thanks to Adam if you could. He made it so interesting and yet such fun. I was very envious of him and his day job! Thanks again.
David Harrison

A big thanks to Matthew for such a superb time on the simulator. He was very helpful, very patient, and gave us a tremendous experience of what it is like to fly an Airbus. The realism was incredible. Thanks again.
J & C DAVIES

In a few short words it is hard to express the gratitude we have for our hosts on the day and the experience itself. From the moment we visited the site to the simulator experience hour was fantastic, very approachable and welcoming staff made it our day. My 12-year old daughter and I both "flew the sim"it was out of this world and an experience I would recommend. I had no idea how real it would be and with the staff helping you and encouraging you but in a way that made you feel comfortable it is one you should not miss. This was my 50th birthday present and I will remember it forever. My daughter may just be flying you now one day as the bug has bitten her I think. Please pass on our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all at Virtual Aviation.
David R

The time in the simulator was everything I'd hoped it would be and more besides, and certainly makes you appreciate how highly skilled airline pilots are. Would you also please pass on my thanks to Alan Carter who's expertise, patience and simple hints made flying the aircraft so enjoyable and enabled me to get the most of the time in the simulator. I'll certainly remember for a very long time how a 3-engine approach and landing (very bumpy) into New York looks - and feels! I will certainly be looking to book another two hours in the simulator in the near future. Once again many thanks.
Steve Holmes

We all have dreams... one of mine was to be an airline pilot, but life took me down another path. Until now. I have just spent an amazing hour at the controls of an Airbus A320, an experience I will never forget. For an hour, I realised my dream. I was in control, and with the excellent instruction provided by a real-world pilot, I was able to take-off, fly and land this incredible machine. A simulator it may have been, but it is as close as any of us mere mortals will get to the real thing. This truly is one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime' experiences, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
David Best

Thank you for the Flight Certificate. I am not sure how 'successfully' I flew the B737-700. My landing approach and flare-out were near perfection, but still doing about 150 knots I looked down to find the reverse-thrust levers, found I was off-line and forgot to use the rudder pedals to steer, so ran off the runway. Does hospitalising half the passengers and damaging the landing gear count as 'success'? At my age (71) one can get a bit blase, but flying the Boeing 737NG without previous experience as a pilot was surprisingly exciting and challenging, and really bowled me over. Afterwards I was a high as a kite for hours, along with the other two (both in their 40s) who shared the experience. My daughter-in-law had arranged for the three of us (not herself!) to fly the simulator at Luton. I enjoyed it so much I immediately booked her in, with two others (including my wife) to fly the same aircraft type simulator at Gatwick. The pilot who hosted our visit was most helpful and reassuring, giving exactly the right amount of information and guidance, and answering all our questions with great clarity. I wish I could afford another go. Better still, regular goes. Maybe I should try the National Lottery.
Barry Weedon

Just a quick mail to say a big thanks for a great experience! I booked a last-minute offer and my only regret was that it wasn't longer. I'm coming to the end of my PPL course so I could really relate to the experience of flying a circuit at Gatwick. Our instructor, Simon, was great and managed to get three take-offs and landings in for each of the three of us in the sim without it feeling rushed. For my last landing Simon gave me a thunderstorm at night, what a feeling when I landed it! Now I know what crews go through when they fly me around Europe on business in bad weather. Anyway, a big thanks and I'm sure I will be back for more.
Nick Smith

I would like to thank you for all of your assistance and efficient organisation of my simulator 'flight' in the A330 simulator at Manchester. My friend and I had a fantastic time, and really enjoyed the experience. Having each completed a couple of landings from the left hand seat with our pilot, Tom, in the right hand seat, Tom had us work as a two man crew, practising normal visual approaches with wind and turbulence followed by some abnormal procedures including traffic conflicts. With our confidence high Tom unleashed an engine failure just after take-off, and I was very pleased that we were able to handle this and successfully climb to a safe altitude, assess the problem and then return to the airport for a single-engine visual approach and landing. I can guarantee that we will be back for more just as soon as we can afford it - and no doubt we shall become even more adventurous with the abnormal procedures! Many thanks for a truly enjoyable and memorable day.
Brain Cattle

Just a quick note to express my thanks to you all, for my extremely enjoyable simulator experience. Also many thanks to Stuart Gibson for his help, guidance and professionalism, which helped make it all such a great time. The whole experience from the initial booking, to a courtesy phone call, to the day itself was very efficiently handled. So to close I would just like to say it was a dream come true for me, one which I will always remember, the take-offs and landings at sunrise, day and nightime, the TCAS alert, engine shutdown and other system explanations, brilliant, thanks again Stuart, I only hope one day I'll get the chance to fly again.
Carl Ombler

It was a birthday treat for me and I found it quite amazing! I shall be telling everyone I know how fantastic it is and that they should book a lesson! The whole experience was great. Everyone is keen and enthusiastic. The place is cleaner than where I work and I'm a surgeon! I am delighted that I went for it. I have learnt more than anyone can imagine! Thanks.
Tom Hennigan

I did the 747-400 session today. My pilot was the Virgin Atlantic 747-400 pilot and his name was Zane. Just want to thank you guys and praise him for an amazing time. It was short but I got to do more than I thought I would've. We managed a take-off, 2 landings and a little stall test...all in turbulent weather! He was really great. I saw that he helped the other customers and saved them from crashing! And he helped me a lot by being patient with my crazy flying (three-engine landing on the 747!) and requests of turbulent weather over San Francisco at night! He had a good feel of how much to help but also to stay out and let us do our thing. I have done your Gatwick 737NG earlier this year and every time this is getting better, so I'm definitely coming back! Thanks and see you soon!
Daniel Gil

Dear Fabrice, thank you for making my surprise 60th birthday present from my wife Susan such an enjoyable one. Your patience and skill made the whole experience of flying the A320 simulator one I will never forget. I am sorry it has taken me so long to write to you and these few words don't seem enough to express how much pleasure I got from this once in a lifetime experience, but believe me it was fantastic. My sincere thanks again and my very best wishes for (and envy of!) your career.
Francis Bull

My name is Brandon Mills and about 2 years ago now I did an Exclusive on an A320 at Gatwick through your company. I knew that it would be a dangerous thing to do at the time as it would re-awaken my passion for flying and how true that has turned out to be. Just to keep you up to date, I got my PPL(A) in my hands on 22nd May 2005. I have now added the Night and IMC ratings as well as gaining 150 hours. I've flown P1 to the Channel Islands as well as France and Holland. Last summer, I flew P1 with some other pilots to Tangier through France and Spain returning home via Ibiza! I start my ATPLs through the school in Bristol soon and aim to get at least to instructor, as at 43 I don't think that airlines would want me....too old, but never say never! So, a BIG thank you to your company for making me realise my childhood ambition of becoming a pilot!
Brandon Mills

Just a brief note to convey a huge thank you for an incredible experience on the simulator in Manchester today. It was a hugely enjoyable time with every minute being made the most of due to the passion and enthusiasm of your instructor Pete - do convey my thanks to him as he's a real credit to your organisation.
Steve Jeffels

Two words... Thank you! Saturday 13th August will be a day that neither my guest nor myself will forget in a hurry. Not only was experience itself amazing, but Gerard our instructor couldn't have been more professional and friendly. Many thanks also to Rebecca for the efficiency and warmth with which she dealt with the whole process. We're going to do it all again soon!
John Reynolds

Just a note to say a very big thank you for a great day last Sunday. The service you provide is excellent. It made Keith’s birthday very special and we all enjoyed the experience. Please pass on our thanks to Rachael for her patience and guidance. Your customer service is second to none! Thanks again.
Keith, Teresa & Sophie Dickens

My Mum, myself and a friend bought a 1-Hour Exclusive flight on the A320 simulator for our respective other halves for a Christmas present and yesterday was the big day. A day on and they're all still grinning like idiots! They had an absolutely wonderful time - were amazed by how realistic the simulator was (from the noises and sensations of flight down to the headlights on cars driving down the M23 when they look ‘out the window’) and are just desperate for another go! Their pilot, Andy, was apparently fantastic and was happy to answer their hundreds of questions in the briefing, during the flight and during a long chat after the flight. As presents go I reckon we hit the jackpot with this one! They really did have a brilliant time - thanks to you for all your help in getting it sorted and please pass thanks to Andy from Nigel, Derek and Gav, and also from Tamsin, Elaine and myself for getting us serious brownie points on the present stakes! I'm sure we'll be in touch soon for another go.
Nicola Dawson

Wow - what an experience! I just wanted to say thanks for a great and amazing experience this Sunday down at Gatwick with Andy. The time that I was there, I felt like 'part of the team' although I was a paying customer! Both Andy and Pete made me feel very welcome throughout. The briefing was thorough as were the safety procedures. The best bit of course was being at the controls of the A320 and I'm glad that I took your advice as it is a very satisfying aircraft to fly. It all came back to me once I was at the controls, although the banking left a little to be desired upon landing - I will have to work at that one. We were flying circuits at Gatwick and on each one Andy was able to set the system up differently to illustrate what the simulator and the aircraft can do. The last circuit was rather a sporty one as time was not on our side. Having positioned the aircraft on the downwind it was a visual all the way in (at dusk, with the moon shining) to a landing that we didn't even feel! I can tell you I was very proud of that one. The hour was over all too quickly, so next time I'll be having 2 hours with you!! Please pass on my thanks to Andy and Pete for making my visit a great experience and I will be booking another session with you very soon! I have got the flying bug again!
Brandon Mills (again)

Thank you very much for a wonderful time at Luton Airport on the 757 sim ride. It was the most extraordinary thing I've ever done. To be in the flight deck sim is just like being in the real thing. The control panels and the view outside are amazing, and you really feel like you are flying for real. The control column is very sensitive, and just the slightest lapse of concentration can send you down and out (I crashed twice!) The instructors were helpful, good humoured and answered questions honestly and knowledgeably. If you are serious about becoming a pilot, or a just a keen aviation enthusiast, then this is definitely a must. Well done Virtual Aviation!
Simon White

I'd like to express my thanks to the instructors, particularly Andy, that made my 757 experience at Luton on Sunday so enjoyable. It was interesting to apply my Cessna IFR flying experience to the ‘big iron’ and I thank the instructors for accommodating my request to fly a departure from one London airport into an arrival for another (Gatwick to Heathrow). Having now tried the 777 and 757, I'm looking forward to trying the 737NG in the future.
James Bulpin

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Oliver and Mike (my flight instructors) and later to James - everyone was so nice and the atmosphere lovely. We knew the timing of everything was critical - but never once were we rushed or hassled. Secondly, the Boeing 747 full-flight simulator was for me a great challenge and the experience of a lifetime - and I couldn’t have had a nicer instructor - gentle and patient - and I understand that I didn’t do too badly! The last two take-offs and landings I did on my own - but it was a comfort to know that Mike was there beside me! As far as I am concerned everything was perfect, and beautifully organised. It was a morning I shall always remember.
Diana Yeeles

I have to thank Virtual Aviation for one of the most exciting experiences I have known. I booked an hour in the simulator but found it far too short, I’m now very tempted to book another session but feel that two hours would be better. Please thank all involved in setting up the session and no doubt you will hear from me again sometime in the future!
Andrew Prior

That was a dream fulfilled for me and it was a most exciting experience. I think I may have to bring my girlfriend on another trip - coming from Manhattan, she’d love that flight out of JFK. My best wishes and grateful thanks for slotting me in.
George Bruce

We both had enormous fun - me over-rotating and scraping the plane on the tarmac (most satisfying noise effect!) and knocking out a few approach landing lights at Dubai.
George Bruce (again!)

I must add my thanks for our thrilling trip at the controls of your 777...I really did feel I was flying that wonderful plane, and only wished I wasn’t when I plunged ‘through a wall’ after landing. I’m afraid I didn’t give a thought to the hundreds of passengers behind me. ‘Flying’ took all my concentration.
Jeanne Fleischmann

The realism of the 747-400 full motion simulator is unparalleled and mere words on a piece of paper cannot do it justice. I travel frequently and on most occasions request a visit to the flight deck. I am also an enthusiast and have a very comprehensive knowledge of the 747-400. So when I say that it is very difficult to tell the simulator apart from the real thing you can be sure that I mean it. The experience was unrivalled and I can safely say it was one of the most enjoyable days I have had. Everyone from the friendly and cooperative staff at Virtual Aviation, right down to the pilot who instructed us made the experience one to never be forgotten and it would be a crime not to repeat. I have since recommended it to 6 people. Many thanks to the team at Virtual Aviation and British Airways who made this experience possible. It is one of great privilege as there are few countries in the world which would provide such a facility at such an affordable price. I will be booking again very soon. Thanks once again.
Mohamed Lakhi

Just a short note to thank you for the excellent Boeing 747-400 flight simulator session last night. The whole booking from initial enquiry to the session itself was handled efficiently & courteously throughout. We were made really welcome by Steven Ashton, with the pre-flight briefing ensuring that we wasted no time in the simulator itself. Steven’s relaxed approach and timely tuition was totally focused on ensuring that we made full use of the hour. Thanks again for a great experience, I will have no hesitation in recommending your company to any other potential flyers and hope to attend another session in the future.
Jason Houlders