Learn what happens in a flight simulator experience, from the briefing and controls to take-off, landing, motion and common beginner mistakes.
A flight simulator experience is a guided session in a simulated aircraft cockpit, usually with an instructor helping you take off, fly a short route and land. Beginners should expect unfamiliar controls, plenty of coaching and a steep but enjoyable learning curve—not a test, and not the sustained acceleration of real flight.
What does “flight simulator experience” mean?
The phrase usually means a booked session in a replica or generic cockpit rather than simply playing a flight simulator at home. The cockpit may run Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, specialist simulation software or another platform, but the basic principle is the same: your control inputs alter a calculated model of the aircraft.
Our explanation of how simulation software converts control inputs into aircraft movement covers what is happening behind the displays. An instructor normally controls the weather, aircraft position and technical setup from a separate station.
Which type of simulator experience should a beginner choose?
Choose a light-aircraft cockpit for basic hand-flying, an airliner replica for flight-deck procedures, and a motion-equipped rig only if physical movement is part of the appeal.
| Option | Choose it when | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Light-aircraft cockpit | You want to learn turns, climbs, descents and visual landings with fewer systems competing for attention. | It may lack the spectacle and complex controls of an airliner flight deck. |
| Airliner replica | You want to sit in a recognisable jet cockpit, use automation or fly an airline-style approach. | The number of switches and displays can overwhelm a first-time flyer, so the instructor may configure much of the aircraft. |
| Fixed-base simulator | You are interested mainly in the visuals, controls and procedures, or are sensitive to physical motion. | The cockpit does not move, although wide displays can still create a strong sensation of movement. |
| Motion-equipped simulator | You want pitch, roll and vibration cues alongside the cockpit view. | It cannot reproduce sustained acceleration or the full forces of real flight. |
Marketing terms require care. “Full motion” describes a moving platform; it does not automatically mean the device is a certified full-flight simulator. A well-built fixed-base cockpit can be more useful than a poor motion rig if the controls, visibility and instruction are better.
What happens during the session?
Most beginner flight simulator experiences follow a briefing, cockpit setup, short flight and coached landing, although the exact sequence depends on the venue and aircraft.
- Briefing: The instructor asks what you want to fly and explains the yoke or stick, throttle, rudder pedals and main instruments. Mention immediately if you have no previous experience.
- Cockpit setup: Your seat and controls are adjusted, then the aircraft, airport, weather and starting position are selected. Some sessions begin with the engines running to preserve more time for flying.
- Departure: You may taxi from a stand or begin lined up on the runway. Taxiing is often harder than beginners expect because steering methods and pedal braking differ between aircraft.
- Basic flying: Expect gentle turns, climbs and descents while learning to hold a heading, altitude and speed. The instructor may handle radios, navigation and complex systems.
- Approach and landing: The instructor coaches power, pitch, alignment and the flare. An untidy touchdown or go-around is normal on a first attempt.
- Review: Time permitting, you may repeat the landing, try different weather or discuss where the flight went wrong.
Ask whether the advertised duration includes the briefing. Also confirm whether engine start and taxiing are included; a short session may focus almost entirely on take-off, basic handling and landing.
Is a simulator experience suitable with no flying experience?
Yes, a beginner needs no aviation knowledge for an introductory flight simulator experience, provided the session includes instruction. You are not expected to understand every display, complete checklists from memory or operate the aircraft without help.
Familiarity with the main controls does make the first minutes easier. Our breakdown of sticks, yokes, throttles and rudder pedals explains what each control does.
The mistakes we see most often are predictable:
- Overcontrolling: Make small inputs, then wait for the aircraft to respond instead of moving the controls rapidly from side to side.
- Gripping the yoke too tightly: Relax your hands and use light pressure. A tight grip encourages abrupt corrections.
- Staring at one instrument: Scan between the outside view, attitude, airspeed and altitude rather than chasing a single number.
- Ignoring trim: Once the attitude and power are stable, use trim to remove constant control pressure if the simulator models it properly.
- Looking too close during landing: Look towards the far end of the runway as the aircraft flares; staring immediately over the nose makes height harder to judge.
What does a flight simulator feel like?
A good simulator feels convincing mainly because the cockpit view, sound and controls agree with one another. Your eyes may report acceleration, banking or descent even in a fixed cockpit, but your body will not feel the sustained forces produced by a real aircraft.
Motion platforms tilt and reposition the cockpit to create short acceleration cues before gradually returning towards their neutral position. Control feel varies more than many beginners expect: some rigs reproduce changing control forces, while others use simple spring-centred controls.
Visual motion can cause nausea even in a fixed-base simulator because the eyes sense movement while the inner ear does not. Tell the instructor at the first sign of dizziness, sweating or discomfort rather than trying to endure it.
How should a beginner prepare?
Prepare by choosing one clear goal, learning the basic controls and checking what the booking actually includes.
- Pick a light aircraft in calm daylight conditions if you mainly want to fly by hand.
- Choose an airliner cockpit if operating a specific jet or making an airline-style landing is the main attraction.
- Tell the instructor if you would rather practise several approaches than spend time starting engines or taxiing.
- Wear flat footwear that lets you feel and move the rudder pedals accurately.
- Bring any glasses or hearing aids you normally use, and check the operator’s age, height, mobility and medical restrictions.
- Confirm whether the simulator is fixed-base or motion-equipped and whether briefing time is included in the advertised duration.
Anyone wanting to rehearse beforehand can review the normal engine-start, taxi and take-off sequence. There is no need to memorise an airliner cockpit for an introductory session.
Does a simulator experience count as real flight training?
Usually not: an entertainment flight simulator experience does not automatically count towards a pilot licence or recognised training record. Whether any time can be credited depends on the device’s approval, the instructor, the exercise and the rules of the relevant aviation authority.
The session can still teach useful control coordination, instrument scanning and procedural discipline. If it encourages you to continue at home, follow a simple first-flight plan built around a trainer aircraft and manageable weather rather than immediately attempting a complex airliner.