120 Minute Pilot & Technical Simulator Experience
Our Standard Simulator experiences already include an instructor and can cover everything from basic handling to full flights, approaches, FMC work and emergencies.
Pilot & Technical sessions give you access to a current/former Boeing pilot or our senior technical/head instructor, allowing you to explore whatever interests you most in greater depth.
There is no fixed syllabus — your session is tailored around you.
Pilot & Technical sessions may be conducted by either a current/former Boeing pilot or our senior technical/head instructor.
If you'd specifically like a current/former Boeing pilot, contact us after booking and we'll do our best to match your booking with pilot availability. Your date or time may need to change.
⏱️ Important: What counts as part of my session time? ▼
Your instructor is with you for your entire experience, from the moment your session begins until it finishes.
Your booked time includes your introduction and briefing, exploring the aircraft or cabin if you wish, cockpit familiarisation and your simulator flying time.
The introduction normally takes around 5–7 minutes. If you'd prefer to maximise your time in the cockpit, just let your instructor know and they can keep the introduction brief and get you into the flight deck as quickly as possible.
Any time you choose to spend exploring the aircraft or cabin is included within your booked experience time.
✈️ YOUR SESSION, YOUR INTERESTS
MOST TIME AVAILABLEThe same Pilot & Technical experience with the most time available. Two full hours gives you maximum flexibility to explore aviation topics in depth, ask extensive questions, and complete more of our available simulator scenarios without feeling rushed.
This session is particularly suitable for customers who want plenty of time for both thorough technical discussion and substantial simulator flying. It is especially useful for aspiring pilots wanting to discuss training pathways, career routes, and what working as an airline pilot is really like, alongside extensive cockpit time.
Completely customer-led and suitable for qualified pilots, trainees, enthusiasts, or anyone wanting maximum time in the 747 flight deck.
🎯 IDEAS FOR YOUR SESSION
If you're familiar with flight simulators, aviation or the 747, let your instructor know. We can tailor the session to your experience and spend more time on the flying, procedures, systems or scenarios that interest you.
⏱️ Pilot & Technical Simulator Duration Comparison
Compare what each session duration offersA proper Pilot & Technical session with time for flying, scenarios and questions/discussion with the instructor.
The same Pilot & Technical experience with an additional 30 minutes, giving more room for questions, discussion and more of the available simulator scenarios.
The same Pilot & Technical experience with the most time available. Ideal for extensive questions, career discussion and multiple simulator scenarios.
👥 Cockpit Capacity & Guests ▼
Cockpit Capacity: Where additional guest passes are selected, bookings can include up to 7 people in total. A maximum of 5 people can be in the cockpit at any one time, with the remaining guests seated immediately behind the cockpit in the aircraft’s original Business Class seating.
All Guests on Booking: All guests attending must be included on the paid booking, whether they are taking the controls, sharing the session, or enjoying the experience from the Business Class seating.
Swapping During Experience: Guests can swap between the cockpit and Business Class seating during the experience, so everyone can be involved while keeping a maximum of 5 people in the cockpit at one time.
Sharing Your Session: Additional people can join your session, and you're welcome to share the available simulator time between your group. The total booked session time remains the same regardless of party size.
♿ Physical Accessibility & Flight Deck Access ▼
There is wheelchair ramp access to the main hangar floor, cabin deck area, and aviation shop.
Flight Deck Access: Due to original Boeing 747 cockpit door width and airframe layout, wheelchairs cannot enter the flight deck itself. The transition into the flight deck involves two small steps, approximately 3 inches high each.
Moving between the pilot seats and flight controls is essentially unaided, although your instructor can assist with foot-pedal positioning or control reach where necessary.
✈️ Simulator & Aircraft Details ▼
You will fly our fixed-base Boeing 747-400 flight deck, constructed using authentic components from ex-British Airways 747-400 G-BYGA.
Features full high-definition 220-degree wrap-around visual displays and functional avionics.
📍 Location, Parking & Arrival ▼
The Deck 747
Taurus Hangar, Barton Aerodrome, Liverpool Road, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7SA.
Parking: Free visitor parking is available at the aerodrome. Follow the signs on site for The Deck 747 / Taurus Hangar — you can park directly beside or alongside the hangar.
Barton Aerodrome: We're based at Barton Aerodrome, so you may want to allow a little extra time before or after your Deck 747 experience to enjoy the surroundings and watch the activity around the airfield.
📅 Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy ▼
The Deck 747 does not offer refunds. However, bookings can be moved or rescheduled subject to our booking-change notice rules (free rescheduling with more than 7 days' notice; 50% re-booking fee between 48 hours and 7 days). If you need to change your booking, please contact us as soon as possible.
Where Booking Flex was purchased at checkout, it provides additional flexibility allowing you to reschedule your session date and time once up to 3 hours prior with zero admin fees.
Under-16s must be accompanied by a booked, paying adult (aged 18+). Because an adult (18+) is occupying one of your 1 included places, no extra adult guest charge is required.
All participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied in the cockpit by a responsible paying adult (aged 18+). You will be able to add an accompanying adult pass and choose optional extras on the next step.