I debated whether to put this in the retired 744 thread or it's own topic - in that it's on a BA 744 (technically speaking two of them), I thought I'd put it as a separate thread.



Following the retirement of the 744s, a few people in Cheshire (Tattenhall) decided it would be good to build a full BA Simulator from the remains of actual BA 744s, called the 744 Experience. It took them a few years, but they've got there and having had it bought as a Xmas present and been today, I have to say, it's the best simulator I've ever been on. The technical guy setting it up used to maintain the BA Simulators at Heathrow.



When you arrive and walk in, you see the amazing sight of the outside of a 744 upper deck. This is from G-BYGG - which they chose because is was in half decent condition.








You then head up into the steps into the simulator


Bonus points for anyone who recognises these steps?





Into a familiar cabin for many people on here.








And for all of those of you wondering - yes they all still work, so you can still get comfortable in 62 / 64K etc.



It even has the magazines.

The cockpit is from G-CIVM (the cockpit from G-BYGG wasn't available and the state of the upper deck on G-CIVM wasn't great).




It's the full cockpit, with 95% of the buttons working. e.g. I had to hammer the brakes after a landing and it showed the brakes as being hot. Picture above is lined up at Heathrow.


I booked the 150 minute experience, with a professional pilot sat next to me giving me guidance. Thoroughly enjoyed it. You can either do loops (takeoff and landing at the same airport) or A to B routes. I wanted to have fun taking off and landing, so I did:

Heathrow, tour of London then back again.
San Francisco
Manchester
Kai Tak (twice!)
Barbados with a nice tour around the island.

The thing that is really amazing with it is the sound. They really do simulate being on a 744, particularly the sound, even with things like the sound and vibrations of the engines idling when descending.
They also have part of a wing and an APU outside.

It's about 30 mins from me and unfortunately no choice but a car to get there, but something I'd thoroughly recommend any fan of BA, particularly ones who like the 744. Already planning another trip.



T