Last edit by: Globaliser
Its back again! Simulator choice this year is 747 and 777. One of the 747 simulators is actually going this year so you may want to try them before they all go. No one will be forced to fly on something they dont want though, and I would imagine the 747 is the one most want (and should) try.
Previous Trip Reports for the Simulators
- Some photos and videos from 2016 here, here, and here.
- Some photos and videos from 2015 here, and here.
- Jagbois TR http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...l#post25536244
- 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 £1,700 (this is cheaper than BA offer to the public), 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 £1,700 excluding VAT per simulator, but we have been offered them for a price of £1,700, including VAT.
As we are charged per simulator generally a group in multiples of 4 would be ideal, with cost per person being £425. If we only had three people for example we would still have to pay £1,700 so the cost per person increases to £567 per person, although we would each get a bit more time at the controls. If we end up with 5 though it may well make sense to go to 1 simulator to reduce the cost and have say 45/50 minutes each per simulator.
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 September or early October 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 £3,400 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. 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 more than 3 months in advance we can hopefully get our choice of date & time. I have already confirmed with BA that the dates offered below are available.
Attendees and Groups
See post 127 for the group lists - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28614931-post127.html
Standby list -
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 and 2016 visits were 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.
Flights
20.10.17
BA835 DUB-LHR (ETA: 1425) EI147, datschi
BA1343 LBA-LHR (ETA: 1535) KARFA,
BA753 BSL-LHR (ETA: 1240) florens
27.10.17
BA1343 LBA-LHR (ETA: 1535) KARFA, S_W_S
Hotels
20.10.17
Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow at Hatton Cross: florens, KARFA, flatlander
Sheraton Heathrow: headinclouds
27.10.17
Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow at Hatton Cross: KARFA, S_W_S
.
FT BA Flight Simulator Outing to Heathrow [UK] 20/27 October 2017
#166
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,427
I have been emailing Andy this week and he does send his apologies as he is sometimes difficult to track down and not always at his desk. You can always call and pay using the general number for BAFT - although I think Andy would like to say hello with all who are coming and have a chat.
Edit: caught Andy this afternoon, he again apologised for his elusiveness but seemed to be looking forward to seeing the chaos we can cause in the simulator world!
Last edited by bhbloke; Oct 4, 2017 at 10:58 am Reason: update to post
#168
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Switzerland / Estonia
Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAEC Silver, airbaltic VIP, HH Diamond, Radisson VIP, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 6,525
I tried several times yesterday but got through in the late afternoon. Everything was done within a couple of minutes. My card has not been charged yet, however.
#170
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,887
Thanks to everyone for all your passport details. I have them all now apart from @Premier Owl
PMs will be going out this weekend with full details including how to pay and instructions on the day.
PMs will be going out this weekend with full details including how to pay and instructions on the day.
Where are you dear chap? Hope you are ok. I really need the passport details asap please
#171
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,887
If you look at the group list you can see on 27th there is a "no 4 tbc" in group 2.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28614931-post127.html
There were two people who were possibles, but my plan was always if they couldn't do it I would take that place and fly both Fridays.
The two possibles have now pretty much said they can't do it so in case anyone is still interested or knows someone who is I am happy to let someone else have that space. Could you send me a PM asap if so. If no one else wants it I will take the space though.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28614931-post127.html
There were two people who were possibles, but my plan was always if they couldn't do it I would take that place and fly both Fridays.
The two possibles have now pretty much said they can't do it so in case anyone is still interested or knows someone who is I am happy to let someone else have that space. Could you send me a PM asap if so. If no one else wants it I will take the space though.
#172
#173
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,742
You can bring water, there isn't airport security. There is a break mid way through the session and there are vending machines with snacks and drinks available. I think tea was 30p, so very reasonable.
I can't recall a specific prohibition, but I doubt you'd be allowed to bring food or drink into the simulator itself. Depending on how skilled some of the participants are, so of the landings can get quite rough; if you had a drink in your hand, you'd be wearing it all over you!
I can't recall a specific prohibition, but I doubt you'd be allowed to bring food or drink into the simulator itself. Depending on how skilled some of the participants are, so of the landings can get quite rough; if you had a drink in your hand, you'd be wearing it all over you!
#174
#175
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,887
You can bring water, there isn't airport security. There is a break mid way through the session and there are vending machines with snacks and drinks available. I think tea was 30p, so very reasonable.
I can't recall a specific prohibition, but I doubt you'd be allowed to bring food or drink into the simulator itself. Depending on how skilled some of the participants are, so of the landings can get quite rough; if you had a drink in your hand, you'd be wearing it all over you!
I can't recall a specific prohibition, but I doubt you'd be allowed to bring food or drink into the simulator itself. Depending on how skilled some of the participants are, so of the landings can get quite rough; if you had a drink in your hand, you'd be wearing it all over you!
#176
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Switzerland / Estonia
Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAEC Silver, airbaltic VIP, HH Diamond, Radisson VIP, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 6,525
Yes, no security. I am sure bottles of water are fine and you can have some whilst everyone is rotating in the sim during your session. Open drinks in the sim I imagine are a big no no. You can bring some snacks to eat during the break, but tbh whilst you are in the sim you aren't going to have time to sit and eat anything.
#177
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,887
@Premier Owl
Where are you dear chap? Hope you are ok. I really need the passport details asap please
Where are you dear chap? Hope you are ok. I really need the passport details asap please
I really need passport details please this week. Also I have sent a PM to you on 2 October with information for the day and instructions on paying - please call to pay this week.
As I noted right at the start each person is responsible for their share of the costs once they have committed. It would be completely unfair if someone commits then doesn't pay and doesn't show up since someone else will have to cover that cost.
If for any reason you now can't make it please let me know so we can try and work something out. However, unless we can find a replacement you are still responsible for your share.
#178
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,887
One week to go until the first session. I understand Andy is out of the office today so if you have yet to pay no need to try today, but do call next week.
I am looking forward to next Friday evening!
I am looking forward to next Friday evening!