Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&children

Take the pilot’s seat without leaving Oberhausen. This Airbus A320 simulator at Centro Oberhausen gives you a detailed cockpit, authentic instruments, real aircraft soundscapes, and a guided flight with takeoffs, landings, cruise time, weather changes, and emergency situations. I like the private group format, which lets up to four people share the cockpit without being mixed with strangers. I also like that the instructor adjusts the session to your ability, then lets you choose airports around the world for departure and arrival.

The main point to consider is time. The full visit can last from 30 minutes to one hour, while the detailed information describes about 15 minutes of briefing followed by 60 minutes of flying. You should confirm the exact session length when booking, especially if you are giving this as a gift. The experience is best for people who want hands-on cockpit time, not a quick arcade-style ride.

Key things to know before you book

• The A320 cockpit is built around original-style instruments and sounds, giving you far more to do than simply sit in a moving cabin.
• You can choose departure and arrival airports around the world, then work through takeoff, cruise, and landing with an instructor.
• Weather and emergency scenarios add real purpose, allowing you to see how pilots respond when conditions change.
• A private group of up to four people shares the session, making the $117 price useful for a family or small group.
• The briefing matters, since the instructor explains basic flying concepts before handing you the controls.
• German and English are available, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Taking the controls at Centro Oberhausen

The simulator is located at Centro Oberhausen in northern Germany. You enter through the lobby on the first floor, reached by the stairs on the left. If the door is locked, ring the bell marked FLIGHTHOUR.

Parking is free in unmarked spaces. If those are full, additional parking is available around the corner under the bridge. I would allow a few extra minutes to find the entrance and get upstairs, particularly if you are bringing children or arranging this as a birthday surprise.

This is not presented as a general aviation museum or a sightseeing attraction. The focus is the cockpit itself. Once you sit down, you are surrounded by the controls and displays associated with an Airbus A320. The setting is designed to make you ask if the simulator is really moving, which is a good sign for anyone who wants more than a screen and a joystick.

The simulator uses instruments and soundscapes modeled on the original aircraft. That matters because flying an airliner is less about pulling a stick and more about managing a system. You get the feel of working through a flight under guidance, with the cockpit audio and instrument panel helping create the setting.

The 15-minute briefing gives you a useful start

Your session begins with a briefing of about 15 minutes. A flight instructor introduces basic flying concepts and explains the controls before the flight begins.

This opening is especially important for first-time visitors. An Airbus cockpit can look intimidating, with switches, displays, controls, and procedures that have little meaning if nobody explains them. The briefing gives you a starting point, so you can enjoy the flight instead of spending the whole session wondering which control does what.

The instructor can adjust the explanation to your level. In one particularly useful session, professional pilot guidance was matched to the participant’s existing knowledge, and the flight route was discussed and planned before departure. The route ran from Cologne to Düsseldorf, showing how the activity can be shaped around a real flight plan rather than treated as a fixed ride.

That flexibility also helps families. A teenager does not need to know aviation terms before arriving. An adult with flight experience or a strong interest in aircraft can ask for more detail. The same session can work for both, as long as you are comfortable sharing the cockpit and taking turns.

The briefing also sets realistic expectations. You are not being certified to fly an aircraft, and this is not a formal pilot-training course. It is a guided simulator session that introduces you to the basic ideas behind flying an A320 while giving you time to operate its controls.

Choosing an airport makes the flight personal

One of the best features is the ability to choose different airports around the world for takeoff and landing. This gives the session a clear story. You are not simply pressing buttons until the clock runs out. You are planning a flight from one place to another.

You can discuss the route with the instructor before takeoff. If you have a favorite airport, a memorable trip, or a particular city you want to connect with, that choice can make the session feel more personal. The supplied information does not list every airport available, so you should ask about your preferred route when arranging the appointment.

The route choice also gives the instructor a useful way to adjust the session. A beginner may want a straightforward departure and landing with plenty of guidance. Someone more familiar with aviation may prefer to spend more time on aircraft systems, weather, or an emergency exercise.

For children, the airport choice can be a simple way to keep them involved. Letting them help choose the route gives them a role before the aircraft even leaves the ground. For adults, it adds a planning element that makes the hour feel more substantial.

Takeoff, cruise, and landing are the heart of the session

The main flying period includes takeoff, cruise, and landing. These three stages give you a useful sense of how an airline flight works from the cockpit.

Takeoff is likely to be the moment when the simulator feels most convincing. You are surrounded by the A320 controls, hear the aircraft soundscape, and work through the departure with the instructor. The guide remains there to explain what is happening and help you use the controls.

The cruise portion gives you time to look beyond the initial excitement. You can work with the aircraft systems, practice maneuvers, and experience changing conditions. This part may be less dramatic than takeoff or landing, but it helps show that airline flying is built around careful monitoring and procedure.

Landing gives the session its final test. You can select an arrival airport and try to bring the aircraft down with help from the instructor. If your approach is not perfect, that is part of the value. You get to see how corrections are made and how much work goes into keeping an aircraft stable.

The exact balance between instruction and hands-on control may depend on your ability and the instructor’s approach. That is worth discussing at the beginning. If you are giving this to someone who wants to do the flying, make that preference clear.

Weather and emergencies make it more than a cockpit photo

A normal flight is only part of the program. You can also work through different weather scenarios and prepare for unexpected situations that may arise during flight operations.

The information does not specify every weather type or emergency included, so you should ask what is available on your chosen day. Still, the presence of these scenarios gives the session more purpose. You are not only learning where the controls are. You are seeing how changing conditions affect decisions in the cockpit.

Weather exercises can help you understand why pilots monitor instruments so closely. A flight that begins calmly may require different handling when conditions change. Emergency exercises add another layer, showing why pilots rely on procedures and communication rather than instinct alone.

For a child, an emergency scenario may be the most exciting part. For an aviation enthusiast, it may be the reason to choose this experience over a basic flight-themed attraction. For someone nervous about the idea of flying, the instructor’s guidance should help keep the activity controlled and educational.

You should not expect a frightening ride designed to scare you. The focus is on handling situations in a realistic environment with an instructor present. Ask for a scenario suited to your group, particularly if younger children are taking part.

Sharing the cockpit with three companions

The booking is for a private group of up to four people. At $117 per group, that works out to about $29.25 each if four people attend. The price is much easier to justify for a family, couple, or small group than for one person booking alone.

The private setup is important because the cockpit is the main attraction. You can ask questions, take turns, and watch someone else work through the controls without having strangers waiting for their turn. One family session allowed the grandparents to watch as their teenage grandson was guided through the program, which shows how the activity can work even when only one person wants to take the controls.

Do keep the group size in mind. Four people sharing a session means not everyone will be actively flying at the same moment. If each person wants a long individual turn, the time can pass quickly. The person making the booking should ask how the flying time is divided.

The experience can also suit a small celebration or gift. Its private format feels more personal than a public simulator session, and the combination of briefing, flight, and debrief gives the outing a clear structure.

What the instructor adds to the price

The instructor is one of the strongest reasons to choose this simulator. Without guidance, an A320 cockpit could become a confusing collection of lights and switches. With guidance, you have someone who can explain the aircraft, set up a route, and help you respond to conditions during the flight.

The feedback about the pilot-led route from Cologne to Düsseldorf is particularly useful. The pilot first considered the participant’s existing level, then helped plan the flight. That is the kind of personal attention that can make the price feel fair.

The instruction is also available in German and English. If you are more comfortable in English, mention that when making the appointment. If children are attending, you can also ask how the briefing will be adapted for them.

The instructor does not remove the challenge. You still have to operate controls and follow instructions. That balance is important. You get support, but you are not simply watching a professional perform the whole flight.

The debrief helps you make sense of the flight

After the flying portion, you receive a debrief. This is a useful final step, especially if you have tried weather or emergency situations.

A debrief can help connect the different parts of the session. You can review the takeoff, landing, cruise work, and any unusual conditions. It also gives you a chance to ask about controls you did not understand or decisions made during the flight.

For children, the debrief can reinforce what they learned without turning the outing into a classroom lesson. For adults, it gives the session a proper finish and may help you decide if you want to return for a more demanding flight.

The activity does not include a recording. If you want a video or cockpit photos, ask the provider what is permitted before you arrive. Do not assume that recording is part of the package.

Who will get the most from this Airbus simulator?

I would recommend this experience to:

• People fascinated by commercial aircraft and cockpit systems
• Families with a child or teenager who dreams of flying
• Couples or friends looking for a private activity
• Aspiring pilots who want guided simulator time
• Anyone who prefers an interactive experience to a standard sightseeing stop
• People who want to practice basic flight handling in a controlled setting

It may be less suitable if you want a fast, purely visual attraction. The value comes from listening, asking questions, and taking part. You should also be prepared for some waiting while other members of your group use the controls.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, which makes it possible for more people to take part. The meeting point is upstairs, so confirm the access arrangements in advance if you need specific assistance.

Is $117 good value for up to four people?

The price is $117 per private group of up to four. If four people attend, the cost per person is modest for a guided cockpit session that can include up to 60 minutes of flying, in addition to the briefing and debrief.

The value is strongest when you use the private format fully. A family can share the experience, watch a child take the lead, and still feel part of the flight. A solo visitor pays the same group price, so the experience becomes less economical unless the personal attention is your main reason for booking.

The exact duration needs attention. The general duration is given as 30 minutes to one hour, while the detailed plan specifies a 15-minute briefing and 60 minutes of flying. Ask for the confirmed timing before paying, so you know what you are receiving.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule around Oberhausen is still changing. The appointment is arranged by email or phone, so do not treat this as a walk-up activity.

Practical advice for a smooth visit

Make an appointment before arriving. The booking process includes getting your tickets and arranging a time by email or phone.

Arrive with enough time to find the free unmarked parking spaces and the first-floor lobby. If the main door is locked, ring the FLIGHTHOUR bell. These details are small, but they can prevent a rushed start.

Wear comfortable clothing that lets you sit and operate controls easily. No special clothing or prior flight experience is required in the information provided, and the instructor introduces the basic concepts before flying begins.

Think about your route before the appointment. You can choose airports around the world, and a simple plan gives the instructor something to build around. If you have a preferred route, such as the Cologne to Düsseldorf flight used in one session, mention it when booking.

If you are bringing children, explain that they may share the controls with the rest of the group. The session can be enjoyable for spectators too, but the person flying will naturally receive the most hands-on time.

Should you book the Oberhausen A320 simulator?

Book it if you want a private, guided cockpit session with real aircraft sounds, working-style instruments, airport choices, and the chance to handle weather or emergency situations. The strongest part is the instructor-led format. You get enough help to learn, but you still feel responsible for the flight.

I would especially recommend it for a family of four, an aviation fan, or a gift recipient who has always wanted to sit in an airliner cockpit. The 4.9 rating from 20 recorded ratings and the strong praise for clear explanations, personal guidance, and family participation support that choice.

Think twice if you need a confirmed short session or if every member of your group expects equal control time. Clarify the duration, route options, recording policy, and turn-taking before you book. For the right group, though, $117 buys more than a cockpit visit. It gives you a structured flight, a helpful instructor, and a memorable chance to see how much work sits behind an ordinary airline journey.

FAQ

Where is the Airbus A320 flight simulator located?

It is located at Centro Oberhausen in Oberhausen, northern Germany. The lobby is on the first floor, up the stairs on the left.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. The detailed flight plan includes a briefing of about 15 minutes, followed by 60 minutes of flying with takeoff, landing, and cruise, plus a debrief. Confirm the exact duration when checking available times.

How many people can attend?

The activity is a private group experience for up to four people.

Is the price per person or per group?

The listed price is $117 per group of up to four people.

Can I choose the airports?

Yes. You can choose different airports around the world for takeoff and landing. Ask about your preferred route when arranging the appointment.

Are German and English available?

Yes. The instructors provide the experience in German and English.

Is the simulator wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider in advance if you need details about access to the first-floor lobby.