Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hampshire · Now booking 2026 sessions
info@alpasimulation.co.uk
Do I need any flying experience? +
None at all. We welcome complete beginners and seasoned pilots in equal measure. Your instructor will tailor the session to your level, whether that means starting from "what does this lever do" or jumping straight into a complex IFR approach.
What's the minimum age? +
Nine years old, accompanied by an adult. The session can be tailored down to a younger pilot's level. Note: we don't recommend the experience for anyone with motion sickness, epilepsy, or similar health conditions.
Can I bring friends or family? +
Yes: up to two guests, free of charge. They can sit in the jumpseats behind you in the cockpit, or relax upstairs in the Premium Lounge with snacks, drinks, foosball and a QLED TV. Guests cannot operate the controls unless they've booked their own session.
What happens on the day? +
You'll arrive, be greeted, and shown to the Premium Lounge for a personalised 15-minute pre-flight briefing covering your chosen package, the cockpit layout and your route. Then it's into the simulator for your session. Afterwards, a 15-minute debrief and a small gift to take home.
How realistic are the visuals? +
Three Viewsonic X10-4K UHD projectors throw a warped and edge-blended 4K image across a curved screen covering a full 220° field of view. With MSFS 2020 scenery and live weather, it is genuinely difficult to tell the difference from real flight on approach.
How many airports can I fly to? +
Over 37,000 airports worldwide. You can pick anything from Heathrow to your local strip. We can run live weather, historical weather, or hand-set conditions: your choice.
Does the simulator move? +
It's a fixed-base simulator: no full-motion platform. However, two bass shakers under the pilot seats vibrate in sync with the aircraft's configuration: engine spool-up, gear movement, flap extension, turbulence. Combined with the 220° visual wrap, your peripheral vision does the rest. Most guests forget they're not moving.
Is there a real pilot during my session? +
Yes. We have an active Boeing 737-800NG Captain and two senior instructors on the team. One of us will be with you for the briefing, the flight itself, and the debrief.
Can I practise emergencies? +
Absolutely. Our instructor station can introduce engine fires, bird strikes, hydraulic failures, decompression, smoke in cabin, and dozens of other scenarios. The Emergency Procedures package is designed entirely around this, but we can drop emergencies into any session on request.
Can I take photos and videos? +
Please do. We'll lend you a pilot jacket (S/M/L) and hat to add to the realism. We don't film the experience ourselves; adding cameras to the cockpit would compromise the immersion. So bring your phone, your DSLR, whatever.
How far in advance should I book? +
Demand is high. We accept bookings up to a year ahead, so we recommend securing your preferred date as early as possible, especially for weekends and the run-up to Christmas.
Is there parking? +
Yes, we have dedicated on-site parking. Additional street parking is available nearby if needed.
Can I customise my session? +
Yes: particularly with the Mixed Package, which is fully bespoke. If you have a specific route in mind, a particular airport you've always wanted to fly into, or a scenario you want to recreate, tell us in advance and we'll build the session around it.
What about safety inside the simulator room? +
The room is purpose-built with safety in mind: minimal hazards, smoke detection connected via ADT to the Fire Department, climate control for summer and winter, a private bathroom, and full ventilation. We follow strict construction and operational safety standards throughout.

Question we didn't cover?

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