I am looking to organise a session at the BAFT simulators at Heathrow. We have previously used the 747-400 simulators and they have the latest virtual systems on them apparently.

There may be some scope this year to try a different simulator. If some want to try a different aircraft we could potentially do a 767 or 777 simulator for those who want to try something else, and a 747 simulator. There is also the possibility of an airbus (not the A380 though) although this is a very different flying experience to the Boeings. This is just a suggestion, and it would be great to hear opinions. No one will be forced to fly on something they don’t want though, and I would imagine the 747 is the one most want to try.

Previous Trip Reports for the 747-400 Simulators

• Some photos and videos from 2015 here, and here
• Jagboi’s TR from last year is here
• My TR from the 2014 outing here
• GodAtum has tried them and did a report here

Cost
Each simulator holds 4 people and one instructor. The total cost of a 4 hour session in one simulator would be Ł1,700, and this would give around 55-60 minutes of time per person on the controls – although we would rotate during the session so this would be split in to a number of smaller time chunks. Please note that the prices on the BAFT website are quoted as Ł1,700 excluding VAT per simulator, but we have been offered them for a price of Ł1,700, including VAT.

As we are charged per simulator generally a group in multiples of 4 would be ideal, with cost per person being Ł425. If we only had three people for example we would still have to pay Ł1,700 so the cost per person increases to Ł567 per person, although we would each get a bit more time at the controls.

Last year we had a group of seven so had two simulators split in to a group of three (who paid a little more each) and a group of four.

Basically once we confirm numbers we can make a choice if we don't have a multiple of 4, although a multiple of 4 would be ideal.

Payment
Once the date is confirmed and booked each person would pay their share directly to BAFT, this is likely to be around August when payment is due. It would be non-refundable so if you don't show you would unfortunately not get your money back, but this stops those that do show all of a sudden having to cover any no-show's share. If you do commit and pay and find in a few months you can't make it one option may be to see if a friend, work colleague, or other FT'er can come and take your place and they can pay you directly for your share which you have already paid to BAFT.

I will ensure that we are absolutely not going to be in a situation on the day where I am asking those that have come along to dip in to their pockets to cover any additional cost. Sorry this seems a bit harsh, but I don't think anyone wants to turn up finding instead of Ł3,400 divided by 8 it is suddenly only divided by 6.

Dates & Times
Unfortunately weekends are not possible for a group booking, so the options are weekdays and the time slots available would be 0700-1100, 1100-1500, 1500-1900, or 1900-2300. My own preference would be a Friday and probably 1900-2300 as (coming from the regions) I would only need to take half a day off work and wouldn't have to worry about getting back for working the next day. For those in London or around the South East you could come in the evening and there would be no need for any holiday being used.

If we booked for a date within 3 months it would be difficult so choose what we wanted due to availability. However, beyond 3 months is much better and we should be able to book our choice of date & time. In order to do this we need to book by the end of May at the latest.

The possible dates are (updated to post #60):

• Friday 23 September 1900-2300 - 12939, Airprox, AAtticus, csutter, Fitch, flatlander, fransknorge, GDOCP, Greenpen, KARFA, Kungpo, matthandy, NewBlue, PrimaVista - 14
• Friday 30 September 1900-2300 - Airprox, AAtticus, BoeBus, Fitch, flatlander, GDOCP, Greenpen, headinclouds, KARFA, Kungpo, matthandy, NewBlue, PrimaVista - 13
  
• Friday 7 October 1900-2300 - 12939, Airprox, AAtticus, BoeBus, csutter, FastTrak2Elite, danielbk, danielbk+1, flatlander, FlyboyStu, fransknorge, Greenpen, headinclouds, KARFA, Kungpo, matthandy, NewBlue, Toonfan - 17

See here for the groups for the five simulators.

Standby list - Soddon

Location
The simulators are all now at the new Engineering Base at Heathrow near Hatton Cross tube station - they used to be at Cranebank which is where we went in 2014, but they were moved last year and our 2015 visit was at the new facility. More details here.

As this is part of a secure area you would need a passport or other photo ID to enter.