Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&children

The striking part of this Oberhausen experience is how much of the real Airbus A320 cockpit you get to handle. You sit among original-style instruments and sound effects, choose airports around the world, and work through takeoffs, cruise, landings, weather, and emergency situations with an instructor beside you. I like the private group format and the fact that the briefing is shaped around your level. The main consideration is time: the experience is advertised as 30 minutes to one hour, while the detailed program describes 60 minutes of flying plus briefing and debriefing, so check the exact slot before booking.

I also like that the activity works for more than one kind of aviation fan. A young person can sit at the controls while family members watch, and a keen flyer can discuss and plan a route with a professional pilot. One booking even involved a flight from Cologne to Düsseldorf, with three companions included in the experience. Expect guidance, not a free-for-all, since the instructor manages the session and introduces the basic flying concepts.

Key points to know before booking

• A real Airbus A320 cockpit replica: Explore the cockpit and operate aircraft controls surrounded by original-style instruments and soundscapes.
• Takeoffs, cruise, and landings: The detailed flying program includes all three parts of a normal flight.
• Choose your airports: Plan a flight beginning and ending at different airports around the world.
• Weather and emergencies: Try handling changing weather conditions and unexpected situations in a controlled setting.
• Private booking for up to four people: One person can fly while companions watch and take part in the shared experience.
• German and English instruction: The flight instructor can guide you in either language.

Sitting in the Airbus A320 cockpit at Centro Oberhausen

This is not a motionless computer game played from a chair in a shopping center. The setting is a realistic Airbus A320 replica, with cockpit instruments and soundscapes designed to match the aircraft. As soon as you sit down, the combination of controls, displays, and engine sounds is meant to make you wonder if the simulator is moving.

That physical setting matters. An Airbus cockpit is busy, with many systems competing for your attention. You are not simply pushing a joystick and watching a screen. The instructor introduces the basic ideas of flying and helps you understand what the controls do before asking you to use them.

The experience is located at Centro Oberhausen, a well-known leisure and shopping area in Oberhausen. The lobby is on the first floor, up the stairs on the left. If the door is locked, ring the bell marked FLIGHTHOUR. Free parking is available in unmarked spaces, with additional parking around the corner under the bridge.

The 15-minute briefing gives you a proper start

Your session begins with a briefing of about 15 minutes. This is an important part of the experience, especially if you have never sat in an airliner cockpit. The flight instructor explains basic flying concepts and introduces you to the systems you will use.

I would pay attention here rather than rushing to the fun part. The cockpit can feel complicated at first, and a clear explanation helps you understand why a control matters instead of simply copying movements. The instructor can also adjust the explanation to your previous knowledge.

That personal approach was particularly useful for one booking in which a professional female pilot discussed the participant’s existing knowledge before planning the route. The flight then ran from Cologne to Düsseldorf. This suggests that you can get more from the session by explaining your interests and experience before takeoff.

If you are bringing a child or teenager, the briefing also helps set expectations. One family booking allowed a teenage grandson to be guided through the program while relatives watched. That makes the experience suitable for a young aviation fan, even when the whole group does not want to take the controls.

Planning a route from one airport to another

Once the basic controls are clear, you choose where to start and land. The experience allows different airports around the world, so the route can be part of the fun rather than a minor detail.

The Cologne to Düsseldorf example is useful because it shows how a short route can still give you several tasks to manage. You can focus on preparation, departure, cruise, and landing without needing a long period of simulated flight between airports. Other airport choices may create a different feel, but the supplied information does not specify the full airport list, so ask what is available when you book.

Route planning gives the instructor a way to match the session to you. A first-time pilot may need a simpler introduction, while someone with prior aviation knowledge may want more detail and a greater role in setting up the flight. The activity is not only about pressing buttons. You get a chance to think about where you are going and how the stages of flight fit together.

For companions, route planning adds context. Instead of watching a stranger operate instruments, you can follow a shared journey between recognizable airports. Up to four people can join the private group, so the person flying has an audience without being placed with unknown participants.

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

The flying portion includes takeoff, landing, and cruise, with the detailed information describing 60 minutes of flying. These are different tasks, and each tests a different part of your attention.

Takeoff is the dramatic opening. You work through the steps with the instructor and guide the aircraft into the air. The simulator gives you the sounds and cockpit setting needed to make the sequence feel like an operation rather than a simple arcade game.

Cruise gives you time to settle into the controls. It is also where the instructor can introduce different weather scenarios or explain how the aircraft responds to changing conditions. The supplied details do not state which specific weather systems are available, so you should think of this as a chance to practice conditions selected during your session, not a promise of every possible type of weather.

Landing is often the most demanding part for a beginner. You must bring the aircraft back toward the runway while managing speed, direction, and the instructor’s instructions. The ability to practice more than one landing is a useful feature, though the exact number depends on how your booking is run.

The 60-minute flight time gives the activity more substance than a quick cockpit photo opportunity. Still, remember that the full visit also includes the briefing and debriefing. When you compare the duration with other flight experiences, confirm whether the time shown at checkout refers to the whole appointment or the flight portion.

Weather and emergencies add useful pressure

The simulator can place you in different weather scenarios and let you prepare for emergency situations. This is where the experience moves beyond a simple fantasy of being a pilot. Real flying involves managing problems calmly, following procedures, and making decisions with limited time.

The instructor remains central here. You are not expected to know how to handle an emergency before arriving. The point is to introduce you to the challenge in a controlled environment, with professional guidance available throughout the session.

I like this feature because it gives the flight a clear learning angle without requiring you to pursue pilot training. You can see how quickly an ordinary flight demands attention to several systems at once. At the same time, you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a guided simulator experience, not a qualification course or a substitute for professional flight instruction.

Weather and emergency exercises may also be the most engaging part for returning visitors. A first session can focus on basic controls and landings. A later visit might spend more time on unusual conditions or unexpected situations, depending on what the instructor offers.

Companions can watch without being left out

The private group setup is one of the strongest practical features. The price is $117 for a group of up to four, rather than a per-person charge. For four people, that works out to less than $30 each, although the person at the controls will naturally have the most active role at any one moment.

The group format suits families, couples, and small groups of friends. You can rotate attention between the pilot’s work, the instructor’s explanations, and the cockpit itself. The family experience with a teenage participant shows how well this can work when one person is the main pilot and the others follow along.

Do not assume every companion will get equal control time unless the provider confirms it. The information promises a private group, not a fixed rotation schedule. If you are booking for four adults who each want a full turn, ask how the time is divided before paying.

The activity is also wheelchair accessible. The meeting instructions direct you to a first-floor lobby reached by stairs, so if step-free access is important for your group, contact FLIGHTHOUR in advance to confirm the best way to enter.

What the price includes, and where value depends on you

At $117 for up to four people, this is reasonable if you use it as a shared occasion rather than a short individual turn. The value improves for a group of three or four, especially when everyone is interested in aircraft and willing to watch, ask questions, and take part in the planning.

The price includes the briefing, flying, and debriefing. Flying covers takeoffs, landings, and cruise, while the briefing introduces the basic concepts and the debriefing gives you a chance to finish the session with the instructor.

Recording is not included. That is worth noting if you hoped to take home cockpit footage. You can still treat the experience as a hands-on activity, but do not book it mainly for a video souvenir.

The value also depends on what you want. If you want a fast thrill with little explanation, the briefing may feel long. If you enjoy learning how aircraft systems work, the instructor’s guidance and realistic cockpit should make the price easier to justify.

Language, meeting details, and timing

Instruction is available in German and English. Mention your preferred language when arranging the appointment so the session starts smoothly.

You must make an appointment by email or phone after getting your tickets. The exact starting times depend on availability, and the advertised duration ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. The more detailed schedule describes a 15-minute briefing, 60 minutes of flying, and a debriefing, so confirm the length of your particular booking.

Plan a little extra time to find the lobby. Free parking is available in unmarked spaces, and more parking can be found around the corner beneath the bridge. The lobby is on the first floor, up the stairs on the left. If the door is locked, ring the FLIGHTHOUR bell.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the appointment for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Oberhausen plans are still changing.

Who will enjoy this Airbus experience most

I would recommend this to anyone who has looked into an airliner cockpit and wondered what all those controls do. It suits first-time participants because the instructor explains the basics, and it suits experienced aviation fans because you can discuss route planning, weather, and aircraft systems in more detail.

It is particularly good for:

• Families with a child or teenager who loves airplanes
• Couples looking for a shared activity indoors
• Small groups who want a private experience
• Aviation enthusiasts who want to explore an A320 cockpit
• Beginners who want guided takeoffs and landings
• Participants comfortable with instruction in German or English

It may be less suitable if you want to fly alone for the full appointment, need a recorded video, or expect professional pilot certification. The experience offers realistic practice and a strong sense of participation, but it remains a supervised simulator session.

Should you book the FLIGHTHOUR A320 simulator?

Book it if you want more than a cockpit tour and like the idea of taking part in a complete flight. The strongest reasons are the true-to-life A320 setup, the choice of airports, the private group arrangement, and the chance to handle weather and emergency scenarios with an instructor beside you.

For the best value, bring two to four people and agree in advance on who wants to fly. Ask how the time will be shared, confirm whether your booking includes the full 60-minute flying period, and state your preferred language. If you want a recording, this is not the right choice because recording is not included.

I would especially choose it for a family celebration or a teenager with a serious interest in aviation. A professional pilot can adapt the session to your level, while companions can watch and follow the route. With a 4.9 rating from 20 reviews and repeated praise for clear explanations and the fun factor, it has a strong record, but the practical details still matter. Confirm the duration and access arrangements, then book if the cockpit experience itself is what you want.

FAQ

Where is the Airbus flight simulator located?

The simulator is at Centro Oberhausen in Northern Germany. The lobby is on the first floor, up the stairs on the left.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $117 for a private group of up to four people.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. The detailed program describes a 15-minute briefing, 60 minutes of flying, and a debriefing, so confirm the exact duration for your chosen appointment.

What does the flying portion include?

The flying portion includes takeoffs, landings, and cruise. You can also experience different weather scenarios and emergency situations.

Can I choose the airports?

Yes. You can choose to start and land at different airports around the world. The available airport options should be confirmed when you arrange your appointment.

Is an instructor included?

Yes. A flight instructor provides the briefing, explains basic flying concepts, and guides you through the flight.

Which languages are available?

The experience is offered in German and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.