Originally Posted by
Gaza
I spent an hour in a 727 simulator at
European Aviation at Bournemouth Airport. It was a superb experience. They have an ex-BA 747-200/100 sim that is very difficult for the public to book as it is in high demand by airlines.
As an lapsed PPL I had the basics of aircraft control already and settled in quite quickly although an instrument approach to 27L at LHR had me landing on Terminal 3!
As a lapsed CPL I still thoroughly enjoy the occasional sim ride. The 727 in Bournemouth is not too expensive (and tesco vouchers=buy a gift vouchers=sim in bournemouth) and although the graphics are basic, the 727 is a real hands-on white knuckle job to land well. Simulated engine fires etc make things even more "fun" and if you have the height you can ask your trainer to fail all engines and attempt a glide approach. The 747 there can't be booked with buy-a-gift and is a bit of a monster to handle anyway for novices as is the tristar.