The flight simulator at the University of West London

FlightPad: Flight simulator experiences in London

Introduction

Experience the thrill of flying an airliner with our Boeing 737 flight simulator.

Based in Ealing, West London, FlightPad is a conveniently-located, high-tech fixed-based flight simulator, ideal for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Introduction

A gift with a difference

An aspiring pilot in the cockpit of a 737 simulator

Our flight simulator experiences make a unique gift for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

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Available for one or two pilots

Two pilots in a simulator cockpit

FlightPad experiences for two are available for those who would like to share the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of flying a modern airliner.

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Practice a range of simulated scenarios

An aspiring pilot performing a check in a simulator cockpit

Learn how to perform a checklist, take off and handle a range of emergency situations.

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Make a day of it

The Heathrow Exhibition

Explore the fascinating Heathrow Exhibition or why not enjoy lunch at our on-campus Pillars restaurant?*

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How it works

Flight simulator sign at the University of West London

Pre-flight

  • When you book we'll send you a welcome message and a voucher code. Follow the instructions to select a date and time.
  • Why not explore our on-campus Heathrow Exhibition before starting your experience? When your booking time arrives we'll escort you to our departure lounge.
  • You and up to four guests will be invited to a pre-flight briefing, where you'll go over the aircraft controls and discuss the session.  
  • Let us know when you arrive if you'd like to fly from a particular airport, as our flight simulator has many popular destinations pre-loaded.
The UWL flight simulator in mid-flight

Take-off

  • After the briefing, we will take you into the flight simulator. You will be shown into your seat, with the rest of your crew assuming their positions at the back. At this point, your allotted simulator time begins.
  • It is your session and therefore the simulator instructor will enable you to be at the controls at all times. Following your instructor's instructions will help ensure that your flight is a success.
  • If you want to purchase more time, your instructor will be able to advise you about availability on the day.
A smiling pilot using the University of West London flight simulator

Post-flight

  • Now it's time to relax. Take some photos with your guests, take part in a post-flight briefing todiscuss what went well and how you can improve for next time.
  • You can browse our fantastic items for sale in the FlightPad arrival lounge or perhaps enjoy lunch at the on-campus Pillars restaurant (depending on availability and opening times).
  • We hope to see you at FlightPad again soon.
     

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  • Further booking information

    • To give you maximum control over your experience we operate a voucher based system. All payments are secure and will go through the UWL shop. Please follow the outline below to book your flight!
    • Purchase online using the Buy Now button. This will take you into the UWL Shop to complete your purchase. Alternatively, request a call back and one of our team will assist you. 
    • Once you have we have received your payment, you will be sent a confirmation email both from the UWL shop as well as a separate email from the Flight Pad detailing with an e-gift voucher detailing next steps and information on how to redeem your voucher. We can send a separate gift voucher in the post to someone special. We will get the voucher on it’s way within 3 working days of purchase via royal mail 1st class post. 
    • The voucher is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. We are able to issue extensions to the gift vouchers of up to 6 months for a small fee.
    • To redeem your voucher, call the number provided on your e-voucher and talk to one of our operations staff who will help you to select a suitable date. We do get busy so make sure you book well in advance if you have a specific date in mind and we will do our best to accommodate you.
    • You will need to arrive 15 minutes before your booking time. If you get to us earlier, you may have to wait.
    • If you want to visit the Heathrow Exhibition before or after your SIM session, please mention this at the time of your booking and we will able to arrange the visit for you and advise on timings.
    • If you want to make a day of it, please ask us about booking in for lunch or dinner at the Pillars Restaurant. This is a student run, educational restaurant, which provides you with a fantastic fine dining experience at a very affordable price. The Pillars Restaurant is currently shut until September. Other dining facilities are available at the University and you are welcome to use these during your visit with us.

  • Accessibility information

    • We try to accommodate all our guests but certain restrictions do apply for your own safety.
    • Access into the simulator is somewhat restricted. If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues, please call us to discuss your individual requirements – we will do our best to help and to try accommodate you.
    • This flight simulator experience is not suitable for anybody with photo sensitive epilepsy.
    • Minimum age to fly is 12 years – there is no upper age limit!
    • If you are shorter than 4ft 8″, you may struggle to see out of the window.
    • When coming to the flight simulator experience, please inform the instructor if you suffer from motion sickness. Although the simulator does not move, it can cause some people to react to the surroundings as it is very realistic!
    • Guests under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent, carer or responsible adult. We ask that if you are bringing younger guests with you who won’t be flying, there is a second, non-flying adult with you.
    • For each public simulator flight experience, a maximum of 4 guests can attend. We unfortunately do not have sufficient room in the simulator for more guests.

Where to find us

FlightPad is located at the University of West London, St Mary's Road, London, W5 5RF.

Visit this page for directions, public transport information and more.

Studying at Ealing

The Ealing site has undergone a £50 million transformation including a refurbished Students’ Union, music studios, an auditorium, and the Paul Hamlyn library.

Heartspace - in the heart of the University of West London's Ealing site.

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