This listing is for discounted sim packages on a Tuesday and Wednesday only, giving 30% discount off the base price compared to other days. If you wish to purchase a voucher valid on any day of the week, please go back to the "gift voucher button".
Boeing Pilot Simulator Experience — Guaranteed Instruction by a Boeing Commercial Pilot
This premium simulator session includes everything in our standard 747 simulator package—with one major difference: you are guaranteed to be instructed by a real Boeing commercial pilot.
Whether you’re a curious beginner, a seasoned sim enthusiast, or an aspiring aviator, this exclusive experience gives you the opportunity to ask real-world questions, receive advanced instruction, and gain insight from someone who has flown Boeing aircraft for a living. It is the only package we offer that ensures instruction by a current or former Boeing pilot.
Perfect for participants aged 7 and up, this experience delivers the highest standard of instruction, authenticity, and immersion available.
Take the Controls of the Queen of the Skies
Step aboard the preserved upper deck of ex-British Airways Boeing 747-400 (registration G-BYGA), retired from service in March 2020. Located at The Deck 747, City Airport (Barton), Manchester, the aircraft’s cockpit has been converted into a fully immersive, geometrically correct simulator using original 747 controls and components.
Highlights include:
Authentic 747-400 cockpit layout
Real flight controls and instruments
180° wraparound visual screen
Fully immersive, single-image visual field
With your Boeing pilot instructor seated beside you, you’ll take command of the flight—choosing where to fly and what challenges to take on.
What to Expect from Your Session
Each experience is fully tailored to your group’s skill level and goals.
If you’re a first-time flyer, your instructor will begin with a 5-minute familiarisation to introduce you to the basic controls, instruments, and handling techniques.
You’ll then complete a takeoff, flight, and landing from and to an airport of your choice. If your first landing doesn’t go quite to plan, don’t worry—you’ll have the opportunity to try again, with support if needed.
For more experienced guests, the session can jump straight into complex or advanced scenarios, or specific training exercises of your choice.
Flight Scenarios and Optional Challenges
You can choose how to use your simulator time. Options include:
Multiple takeoffs and landings
Emergency simulations (engine failure, bird strike, hydraulic issues)
Scenic flights over:
Manhattan
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Kai Tak approach (Hong Kong)
The famous "Sully" Hudson River landing
Let your instructor know your preferences at the start of your session.
You may also extend your time by adding 15-minute increments (£35 per block) during checkout—ideal for more scenarios or allowing extra flying time for guests.
A Real Cockpit, Optimised for Everyone
The simulator is built using authentic Boeing 747-400 cockpit parts from G-BYGA, but the flight deck has been adapted for enjoyment and ease of use. Complex systems are simplified where necessary to allow users of all backgrounds to take part, but your instructor is always happy to explain real-world procedures on request.
Due to the aircraft’s physical layout, your instructor may assist with some controls, especially if participants are younger or unable to fully reach the rudder pedals or yoke.
Bring Family and Friends
You’re welcome to bring up to four additional guests, who may either:
Share your flying time (you decide how it’s split), or
Sit in the cockpit as observers in one of the jump seats
Please note: All guests entering the simulator must be included as additional persons on the booking, even if they’re only watching. Use the product options during checkout to add extra participants or time.
Access, Age & Safety Information
Minimum age to fly: 7 years old
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (16+)
The cabin is wheelchair accessible, but the cockpit is not—due to the narrow flight deck doorway and original aircraft design
Flying participants must be able to walk unaided into the cockpit and sit in the pilot seat
Please note: Children under 7 will not be permitted unless prior agreement has been arranged. The cabin is closed during simulator operation, and for safety reasons, non-paying guests and young children cannot remain in the hangar while a session is in progress.
Photos & Souvenirs
As part of your experience, you are welcome to take photographs in the business class cabin area of G-BYGA.
Want a keepsake? Choose from two unique gifts made from the aircraft itself:
✈️ Engraved Tail Skin Tag
A real piece of aluminium from G-BYGA’s tail
Approx. 6x4cm, engraved with The Deck branding
Selected at random (photos for example only)
🥃 Limited-Edition “Club” Whiskey Glass
38cl Chef & Sommelier glass
Fitted with a high-polish fuselage skin disc from G-BYGA
Laser engraved with The Deck logo
Comes with certificate of authenticity
Both items are available as optional add-ons during booking.
Availability & Booking Information
We are open daily, Monday through Sunday, and generally have availability within 10–14 days of booking, subject to Boeing pilot availability.
To check the latest availability, please:
Use the live chat box on our website
Or email us at info@thedeck747.com with your preferred dates
Once your simulator voucher is purchased, please email us to confirm your desired date/time.
Gift Voucher Terms
Gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date of booking.
A voucher will be sent in the post to you- should you require one emailed urgently, please contact us on info@thedeck747.com to arrange for a blank one to be sent to you.
If you need to use your booking before your voucher arrives by post, email confirmation is sufficient
Expiry dates can be extended by 6 months for a fee of £39.95—please email info@thedeck747.com to request this service
Cancellations, Changes & Terms
This simulator experience is non-refundable
You may reschedule your date/time up to 7 days before your session—contact us at info@thedeck747.com to confirm availability
All bookings are subject to the full Terms & Conditions outlined on the General Info tab at www.thedeck747.com. By booking, you confirm that you have read and agreed to these terms