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Alpine Challenge Simulator Offer

Gloucestershire Airport, Cheltenham

What's Included

  • Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Experience for one person
  • Welcome at the airport themed reception
  • One to one tuition by a commercially qualified pilot
  • The tuition will be tailored to your experience of flying and your choice of actions
  • A 180 degree wrap around visual system for realism and genuine sounds
  • A cabin area with airline seats for up to 3 guests to share your experience with you
  • Although this is a ‘fixed base' simulator which does not move, a multi projector system delivers a ‘full motion' experience


'Alpine Challenge' Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Experience

  • 45 Minute flight including take offs and landings
  • Take off at Salzburg Airport on runway 1.6
  • With a steep climb to avoid the foothills of the alps, and levelling off at 15,000ft you can practice some general handling skills
  • Landing in Switzerland you will start your approach into the famous Innsbruck airport where precision is key. Too short and you are in the river, too long and you are in the middle of town!

What Can I Expect

Soar over those snow-capped peaks on this alpine flight simulator experience! It's not every day you get to fly along a deep mountain valley to land at an airport in the Austrian Alps, but that's exactly what you'll be doing on this virtual flying session on a simulator. You'll need nerves of steel for this one...

Innsbruck International Airport (IATA code INN) is classed as a Category C aerodrome, due to its very particular and tricky approach. In fact, for any captain to be allowed to fly into Innsbruck, they are required to be briefed of the specifics of Innsbruck Airport and visit the airport as an observer and/or undertake instruction on a flight simulator. This training needs to then be certified by the airline, before they can fly to this heart of the glorious Austrian Tirol region.

So, you will be following exactly the same sort of simulator training as a fully qualified commercial airline pilot who is seeking category C certification to be able to land at Innsbruck Airport. Pretty exciting eh?

As well as the stunning backdrop of mountain summits all around, this alpine simulator programme can re-create the very particular weather conditions that make Innsbruck so difficult. It's a narrow valley surrounded by mountains and when the Foehn wind blows (a warm southerly wind) it can cause huge gusts and turbulence a plenty.

This will be your challenge on this very special mountainous simulator experience. Will you be able to keep you head when the blustery wind gets up? Will you be able to stick to the flight path that follows the meandering River Inn, to then swoop in over the railway line and motorway to land smoothly on the runway?

Some pilots say it's more like a controlled emergency descent than a landing. Blissfully unaware passengers gaze out of the cabin windows marvelling at the sea of peaks, excited at the thought that they'll soon be skiing the pistes of Mayrhofen, Seefeld, Kitzbuhel, Solden of St Anton. On the flight deck it's a whole different scenario, as you tackle the turbulence and tricky terrain to come in to land. Good luck, Captain!

When Is It Available

  • This experience is available seven days per week throughout the year
  • Sessions generally run between 10:00 and 19:00

Location

  • Gloucestershire Airport, Cheltenham
  • Conveniently located less than 5 minutes from Junction 11 of the M5 and 10 minutes from Cheltenham city centre

Suitable For

  • Suitable for complete novices, domestic passengers or fully trained pilots
  • The minimum age limit is 12
  • Under 18s must be accompanied on site by an adult
  • Suitable for disabled participants with disabled access and facilities available

Spectators

  • Spectators are welcome to wait in the reception area

Anything Else

  • Gate to Gate: Upgrade when booking your date on the day for £30 adding an extra 15 minutes to your experience. This gives you the opportunity to start the aircraft, taxi to the runway then return to the gate and complete a full shutdown
  • A DVD or USB drive of your flight is available as a momento of your day for £30 payable on the day
  • Free parking and disabled access
  • The licenced onsite Aviator restaurant offers superb views of the airfield, serving hot and cold food
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Alpine Challenge Simulator Offer Get this Experience