Airbus A320 flight simulator Frankfurt Airport

Take off without leaving Frankfurt. This Airbus A320 simulator gives you a full hour at the controls, with a 180-degree spherical screen, 3x Full HD visuals, and a choice of 24,000 airports. I like the careful 15 to 20-minute briefing and the freedom to choose your own route, from Frankfurt to New York or Sint Maarten. I also like that up to two companions can watch the action live. The main drawback is that flying an airliner is harder than it looks, so you should expect concentration and multitasking, not a casual arcade game.

The session costs $192 per person, which is a serious price for a simulator ride. Still, the guaranteed cockpit time, private group format, personal instruction, and possible extra hour as co-pilot give it good value for aviation fans, gift buyers, and anyone who wants more than a quick novelty.

Key details before you book

• 60 minutes in an authentic A320 cockpit: You train takeoffs and landings under an instructor rather than simply watching a screen.
• Choose from 24,000 airports: Pick familiar Frankfurt or try demanding destinations such as Sint Maarten and the former Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong.
• Weather is part of the challenge: Set clear skies, fog, thunderstorms, or other conditions for a simple flight or a serious test.
• A practical briefing comes first: You receive instruction on the controls, flight physics, and the Airbus A320 before taking the seat.
• Companions can follow the flight: Up to two people may watch live on a monitor and receive a welcome soft drink.
• You may receive another hour at no extra cost: If another customer shares the shift, you can act as co-pilot for that person’s session.

Your first steps inside the Frankfurt A320 simulator

The session begins with a welcome from your instructor, who is described as an experienced traffic plotter. That matters because the cockpit can feel busy even before the aircraft moves. Airbus controls, flight instruments, communication tasks, and the need to monitor several things at once are a lot to absorb in a few minutes.

You receive roughly 15 to 20 minutes of preparation. The briefing covers the main controls, basic flight physics, and the A320 itself. This is enough to give a newcomer a working grasp of the task, though it is not pilot training in the professional sense.

I like that the format is designed for both beginners and people with aviation experience. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to operate an Airbus, but the instructor can also give a more demanding session to someone who already understands the basics.

The careful introduction is one of the most important parts of the visit. A direct flight from one airport to another may sound simple, but the practical challenge is keeping track of several jobs at the same time. A previous participant praised instructor Lars for preparing the session well and offering steady support during the flight. That is useful context: good guidance makes the difference between feeling lost and feeling involved.

Sixty minutes as the A320 pilot

After the briefing, you take the pilot’s seat for a guaranteed 60 minutes of cockpit time. The focus is on takeoffs and landings, so you are not simply handed a route and left to watch the scenery roll by.

The instructor helps you work through the flight and supports you while you manage the controls. You may get several attempts at the parts that require the most attention, depending on how the session is arranged. The supplied information specifically promises training in takeoffs and landings, but it does not promise a fixed number of attempts or a particular flight plan.

That distinction is worth keeping in mind. This is a guided simulator lesson, not a free-form video game. You will have room to make choices, but the instructor remains part of the process.

The cockpit is described as authentic, which should appeal to anyone who wants the feel of a real airliner rather than a desktop setup. The A320 is a short and medium-haul workhorse used around the world, so the aircraft itself is a sensible choice for a first large-airplane simulator session.

The technical challenge is real enough to keep the hour interesting. One participant noted that flying remained difficult even with technical support, particularly because of the need to concentrate while multitasking. The aircraft also reacted somewhat differently from what that person expected. That is a useful warning for first-timers: you may have fun, but you should not expect to land perfectly on the first try.

Choosing Frankfurt, Sint Maarten, or Kai Tak

You choose the route, or you can let the instructor guide you through the program. The ability to pick an airport is one of the strongest features because it lets you shape the session around your own interests.

Frankfurt is the natural choice if you want a local connection. You can also select New York for a major international airport setting or Sint Maarten for a famous island approach. The former Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong is offered as another option, giving you a chance to try an airport known for its demanding approach before it closed.

The information does not specify exactly how much of each route you will complete during the 60-minute cockpit period. In practice, your available time will be shared between briefing, setup, takeoff, flight, approach, and landing practice. If you want to try several airports, tell the instructor early so the plan fits the session.

I would choose one or two destinations rather than trying to collect a long list. A single airport gives you time to understand the approach and try again if needed. Your choice also affects the mood of the hour. Frankfurt may feel familiar and logical, while Sint Maarten or Kai Tak adds a more unusual challenge.

Weather settings turn the session into a test

You can use current weather or create your own conditions. Clear weather provides the easiest introduction, while fog and thunderstorms raise the pressure considerably.

This option gives the session more depth than a standard takeoff-and-landing demonstration. You can begin with a straightforward flight and then ask for more difficult conditions once you understand the controls.

I like the way this lets you set your own level of challenge. A first-time pilot may want good visibility and a gentle start. An aviation enthusiast may prefer an instrument landing in fog. The experience can be playful, but it can also show you why airline pilots train repeatedly for poor weather and high workload.

The exact weather combinations and simulator settings are not specified, so you should ask the instructor what can be arranged when you arrive. The important point is that you can request personal weather conditions rather than being limited to one preset scenario.

The screen and what your companions see

The simulator uses a 180-degree spherical screen with 3x Full HD resolution. This gives you a broad forward view instead of the narrow image you get from a single ordinary monitor.

That wide display matters most during takeoff, approach, and landing. You need to judge the runway, horizon, and surrounding view while also working the cockpit. The screen is not just decoration. It helps create the sense that the aircraft is moving through a real approach environment.

Up to two accompanying people can watch the action live on a monitor. This makes the activity more practical as a shared gift or small group outing. Your friends or family members are not taking the controls during your guaranteed hour, but they can follow what is happening.

A welcome soft drink is provided for pilots and companions. It is a small touch, not a reason to book on its own, but it helps make the setup more comfortable.

The booking is for a private group, which should suit people who want the session to focus on their own party. The possible exception comes when another customer is booked during the same shift. In that case, you may have the chance to act as co-pilot for another 60-minute flight at no extra charge.

Plan for up to two and a half hours

The formal session takes at least 1.5 hours and can run up to 2.5 hours. The basic structure includes:

• 15 to 20 minutes of briefing
• 60 minutes of guaranteed cockpit time
• Training in takeoffs and landings
• Five to 10 minutes of debriefing
• Time for setup and transitions

You should reserve the full 2.5 hours, especially if the extra co-pilot opportunity interests you. If another customer is booked on the same shift, you may sit in as co-pilot for that person’s additional hour without paying more.

This is a useful bonus, but it is not guaranteed. If you do not want to take part in the extra session, discuss that with your instructor. Do not plan a tight airport connection, meal reservation, or onward departure around the minimum time.

The debriefing is short, but it gives the session a proper finish. You can discuss how the flight went, including the parts that felt difficult. That is particularly useful after a challenging approach or a landing in poor weather.

An optional DVD recording of your flight is available for purchase. It is not included in the $192 price. If you want a permanent record, ask about the DVD before or during the session so you understand the extra cost and how it is arranged.

Is $192 a fair price?

At $192 per person, this is not a cheap amusement. The price makes more sense if you value time in a full-size-style cockpit, direct instruction, route choice, and the chance to repeat the experience with different weather or airports.

You receive 60 guaranteed minutes at the controls, not merely a short turn. The briefing and debriefing add useful structure, and up to two people can watch without needing to operate the simulator themselves. The possible second hour as co-pilot improves the value when another customer is scheduled.

The private group format is another point in its favor. You are not competing with a large crowd for attention, and the instructor can adjust the session for a beginner or someone with prior aviation knowledge.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick thrill or a photo in an aircraft cockpit. It is also worth remembering that the optional DVD costs extra. For a serious aviation fan, a birthday gift, or someone who has always wanted to try an airliner cockpit, the longer format helps justify the cost.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the simulator to adults and children aged 12 or older who are curious about aviation and comfortable following instructions. It suits a person who enjoys technical challenges, not just passive sightseeing.

It is also a good choice for someone who has flown frequently as a passenger and wants to understand what happens in the cockpit. You get a practical sense of how many tasks compete for your attention during takeoff and landing.

Aviation professionals and experienced hobbyists may enjoy the ability to choose airports and difficult weather. The session is not reserved for beginners, and the instructor can guide you through the program at an appropriate level.

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, people shorter than 120 centimeters, babies under one year, or people over 135 kilograms. These limits should be checked before booking, particularly if the simulator is intended as a gift.

What to know before booking near Frankfurt Airport

The location is in Hessen at Frankfurt Airport, but the supplied details do not give a full street address or explain the best way to reach the meeting point. Confirm the exact meeting instructions and allow time to find the location.

Instruction is available in German and English. If you have a strong preference, mention it when arranging the session.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those terms are helpful if your Frankfurt plans may change, though you still need to protect the 24-hour cancellation window.

Bring about 2.5 hours of free time. Even if your own cockpit period is fixed at 60 minutes, the extra co-pilot opportunity may extend the visit. Companions should also know that they watch the action live on a monitor rather than taking part in the main flight.

Should you book the A320 simulator?

Book it if you want a serious, hands-on aviation activity and are willing to spend $192 for an hour at the controls. The best reasons are the authentic cockpit, strong instructor support, custom airport choices, and weather settings that let you build from easy to difficult.

I would be especially happy to recommend it as a gift for an aviation fan or as a small private outing with two companions. Choose one main airport, tell the instructor what you hope to practice, and keep the full 2.5-hour window open.

Skip it if you want a short, low-cost attraction or dislike tasks that demand focus. Flying the A320 is more complicated than it looks, but that challenge is also the point. With instructor Lars praised for clear preparation and support, the session offers a good chance to feel the work behind the glamour of airline flight.

FAQ

How long does the Airbus A320 simulator session last?

The total duration is at least 1.5 hours and may last up to 2.5 hours. This includes a 15 to 20-minute briefing, 60 minutes of guaranteed cockpit time, and a five to 10-minute debriefing.

How much cockpit time is guaranteed?

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

Can I choose the airport and route?

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

Can I choose the weather?

Yes. You can select current weather or request your own conditions, including clear weather, dense fog, and thunderstorms.

Can companions watch the flight?

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

Is the flight recording included?

No. A DVD recording of the flight is available as an optional purchase and is not included in the activity price.