Airbus A320 flight simulator Frankfurt Airport

Taking the controls of an Airbus A320 is the main event here, and the simulator gives you a convincing pilot’s workload without requiring a pilot’s license. You begin with a 15 to 20 minute briefing, then spend a guaranteed hour in the cockpit practicing takeoffs and landings at airports you choose.

I like the freedom to set your own route, from Frankfurt to New York, Sint Maarten, or the former Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong. I also like the large 180-degree screen, which uses three Full HD projectors to give the cockpit a wide forward view. The main consideration is concentration: flying an airliner means handling several tasks at once, and the 60 minutes can pass quickly.

Key points at a glance

• 60 minutes of guaranteed cockpit time: You get a full hour at the Airbus A320 controls, not just a short demonstration.
• Choose from 24,000 airports: Set your own route or let the instructor create the program.
• Weather is part of the challenge: Try clear skies, fog, thunderstorms, or an instrument landing.
• A real briefing comes first: You learn the controls, flight physics, and basic A320 operation before takeoff.
• Two people can watch live: Up to two companions can follow the action on a monitor and receive a soft drink.
• A possible second cockpit session: If another customer shares your time slot, you may act as co-pilot for another 60 minutes at no extra charge.

Inside the Airbus A320 cockpit near Frankfurt

This is not a motionless video game with a joystick on a desk. You sit in an authentic Airbus A320 cockpit and work through the same basic challenge faced by airline pilots: keep the aircraft on course while managing speed, altitude, navigation, weather, and landing.

That distinction matters. You do not simply point the airplane toward a runway and press a button. Even with technical assistance from the instructor, you need to focus on several controls at once. A participant who flew with instructor Lars described the session as fun but demanding, especially because the aircraft reacted differently from what he expected.

That is exactly the right way to approach this experience. You do not need aviation training, but you should expect a hands-on activity that rewards concentration. The simulator is suitable for a curious first-timer, while aviation fans and professional pilots can use the session to work on specific scenarios.

The experience is offered in German and English, and the group is private. You can bring up to two accompanying people, who watch the action live on a monitor while you fly. They are not simply waiting in another room, which makes this a better shared activity for a couple, family, or small group.

The 15 to 20 minute briefing sets the tone

Your session begins with an instructor who explains the main controls, basic flight physics, and the Airbus A320 itself. The briefing lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a short debriefing of roughly 5 to 10 minutes after the flight.

I like this format because it gives you enough preparation to make the cockpit time useful. An inexperienced pilot can learn what the controls do before the pressure of takeoff begins, while someone with flight experience can tell the instructor what kind of session he or she wants.

The instructor also helps you understand what the aircraft will do in response to your inputs. That preparation is important because the A320 does not handle like a small recreational aircraft. You are working with a large short- and medium-haul airliner, so the simulator gives you a taste of airline flying rather than a simple arcade-style flight.

Lars is one instructor specifically associated with the experience, and he has been praised for giving a clear briefing and steady support during the flight. The instructor remains part of the session, so you are not expected to manage every procedure alone.

Choosing your route, from Frankfurt to Kai Tak

You choose the route before the flight, or you can ask the instructor to guide the program. The available database includes 24,000 airports, giving you plenty of room to match the session to your interests and ability.

Frankfurt is the obvious home base. It lets you practice at a major German airport while keeping the setting familiar. New York offers a major international airport setting, while Sint Maarten gives you a Caribbean arrival with a more unusual airport environment.

You can also attempt a landing at Kai Tak in Hong Kong, the famous former airport that is no longer open for regular service. The simulator makes it possible to try this historic approach even though real airline passengers cannot fly into Kai Tak today.

You do not need to spend the entire hour on one long flight. The included program focuses on takeoffs and landings, so your instructor can help you work through several attempts. If you want to improve, repeating a landing can be more useful than simply flying from one airport to another.

Tell the instructor what interests you before the flight begins. If you want the most practical introduction, start with a standard departure and landing in good weather. If you already understand the basics, choose a difficult airport or ask for a more demanding scenario.

Weather choices make the hour feel different

The simulator lets you select current weather or create the conditions you want. You can request a calm, clear day, or make things harder with fog, thunderstorms, and an instrument landing.

This is one of the best features for repeat visitors and aviation fans. A smooth takeoff in good visibility helps you learn the cockpit, while poor visibility forces you to rely more heavily on instruments and instructor guidance. Weather changes the task, not just the view outside the windshield.

I would start conservatively if this is your first simulator session. The cockpit already asks you to manage many things at once, and adding thunderstorms immediately may turn the hour into confusion rather than useful practice. Once you understand the controls, you can ask for fog or another difficult approach.

The instructor can support you during the flight, but technical help does not remove the work. You still need to concentrate on the aircraft and respond to what is happening. That mix of assistance and responsibility is what makes the simulator more satisfying than simply watching a prerecorded flight.

What the 180-degree screen adds

The cockpit is paired with a 180-degree spherical screen using three Full HD projectors. The wide view gives you a better sense of the runway and surrounding airport than a single flat monitor would provide.

For takeoff and landing, the forward view matters most. You can see the runway environment spread across the screen as you bring the aircraft into position. The broad image also helps make airport selection worthwhile, since Frankfurt, New York, Sint Maarten, and Kai Tak each give you a different setting to work with.

The screen is not the only reason the session works. The controls, briefing, and instructor support do as much of the work as the visual system. Still, the wide projection makes the hour feel more like cockpit practice and less like playing a desktop flight simulator.

Do not expect a full-motion theme-park ride from the information provided. The key feature is the authentic cockpit paired with a broad projected view, not a promise of violent movement or special effects. If you are mainly seeking the sensation of aircraft motion, ask about that before booking.

The extra co-pilot hour can change the value

You receive 60 minutes of cockpit time as the main participant. There is also a useful possibility if another customer is booked in the same shift: you may act as co-pilot during that person’s 60-minute session at no additional cost.

That option can extend your visit to around 2.5 hours, so plan enough time rather than assuming you will be finished after exactly one hour. You should tell the instructor if you do not want this extra participation.

This arrangement can add real value. Watching another person handle the aircraft shows you the controls from a different angle, and it may help you understand procedures before your own turn. It is also a good reason for aviation-minded friends to book around the same time.

The extra hour is not guaranteed for every booking. It depends on another customer sharing the shift, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than part of the standard promise. The published total duration is at least 1.5 hours and up to 2.5 hours.

Who gets the most from the $192 price

At about $192 per person, this is not a casual airport attraction. It is priced as a private, instructor-led cockpit session with a full hour of control time, rather than a short turn on a simulator.

The value is strongest if you care about aviation or want a memorable special-occasion activity. You are paying for the authentic A320 cockpit, personal instruction, route and weather choices, the large projection system, and a guaranteed 60 minutes at the controls.

The price makes less sense if you only want a quick novelty or if you would rather watch someone else fly. Much of the fun comes from the challenge, and you need to stay engaged throughout the hour.

Two accompanying people can watch live, which helps a group share the experience without buying three full cockpit sessions. The welcome soft drink for pilots and companions is a small touch, not a major part of the value.

An optional DVD recording can be purchased after the flight. It is not included, so ask about the cost and format if you want a permanent record. The DVD is most useful for a birthday, gift, or aviation enthusiast who wants to replay the session.

Practical details before you book

The experience is in Hessen near Frankfurt Airport, with the activity beginning and ending at the meeting point. The exact start time depends on availability, so check the schedule before arranging other plans.

The total visit lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The shorter version includes the briefing, 60 minutes of cockpit time, and debriefing. The longer version may include the additional co-pilot opportunity if another customer is booked in the same shift.

The experience is not suitable for children under 12. A minimum height of 120 centimeters applies, and the stated maximum weight is 135 kilograms. Babies under one year are not permitted.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Frankfurt plans are still changing.

The group is private, but companions are limited to two people. German and English are available, so state your preferred language when arranging the session.

Is this a good Frankfurt activity for you?

I would book this if you have a serious interest in aviation, want to try something unusual near Frankfurt Airport, or are looking for a gift that involves more than sightseeing. The choice of airport and weather lets you shape the session around your interests, and the instructor’s guidance keeps a first flight manageable.

I would also consider it for two aviation fans who want to share the cockpit experience. If the extra co-pilot hour becomes available, you may both get meaningful time with the aircraft rather than watching from the side.

I would hesitate if you dislike technical tasks, want a passive attraction, or have a very tight schedule. The hour requires focus, and the total visit may stretch to 2.5 hours. For the right person, though, the chance to sit in an A320 cockpit and attempt landings in places such as Sint Maarten or Kai Tak gives the price a clear purpose.

FAQ

Where is the Airbus A320 flight simulator located?

The experience is in Hessen, Germany, near Frankfurt Airport. The activity begins and ends at the stated meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is at least 1.5 hours and can reach 2.5 hours. This includes the briefing, guaranteed cockpit time, and debriefing.

How much cockpit time is guaranteed?

You receive 60 minutes of cockpit time in the Airbus A320.

Is instruction included?

Yes. You receive a 15 to 20 minute briefing covering the controls, flight physics, and the Airbus A320. A 5 to 10 minute debriefing follows the flight.

Can I choose the airport?

Yes. You can choose from 24,000 airports, including Frankfurt, New York, Sint Maarten, and the former Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong. You can also let the instructor choose the program.

Can I choose the weather?

Yes. You can use the current weather or request conditions such as clear skies, fog, or thunderstorms.

Can companions watch the flight?

Yes. Up to two accompanying people can follow the action live on a monitor. Pilots and companions receive a welcome soft drink.

Is the flight recording included?

No. A DVD recording is optional and can be purchased separately after the flight.

What languages are available?

The instructor can provide the experience in German or English.

Is there a minimum age or height?

The experience is not suitable for children under 12 or people under 120 centimeters tall. It is also not suitable for babies under one year or people over 135 kilograms.

Can I get extra cockpit time?

Possibly. If another customer is booked in the same shift, you may act as co-pilot for that person’s additional 60-minute session at no extra cost. This is not guaranteed, and you can tell the instructor if you do not want to take part.