Flight Simulator Cockpit
Our 737 flight simulator cockpit delivers ultimate realism. The seats, the pedals, switches, dials, display and controls all give you the authentic feeling of being in the cockpit of a real Boeing 737.
There's a simple reason for that - our full motion flight simulator is built around a real aircraft cockpit cut from a Boeing 737, this delivers an exceptional true-to-life feel for experienced 737 pilots and armchair ones too. You simply can't get more realistic than the real thing!
Whether you're a pilot or a complete aviation novice, if you join us for a flight simulator experience, we'll be on hand as needed to help you navigate the various controls.
If you're interested in learning more details about the cockpit before your visit, read on - we'll explore its various parts below.
Our Flight Simulator Cockpit
Real Boeing 737 Cockpit
Not a mockup, our flight simulator cockpit is the real thing, cut from an original Boeing 737 NG, so everything is in the right place
Fully Working Controls
Every switch, dial, light and display acts as it does in the real cockpit so you can be sure of an authentic flying experience
Authentic Seating
Original seats, adjustable in multiple ways to accommodate pilots of different sizes and ensure optimal visibility and reach to all controls
Layout and Ergonomics
The cockpit layout of the Boeing 737 is designed with pilot ergonomics in mind. Every switch, dial, and control is strategically placed to be within easy reach of the pilots, allowing them to operate the aircraft with minimal physical effort and maximum efficiency. The main components of the cockpit can be broadly categorized into several sections:
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the main instrument panel
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the overhead panel
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the centre pedestal
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the side panels.
Ready to Step Into the Cockpit?
30 Minute Experience
For a taste of what it's like to fly a commercial 737 jet.
You'll get to taxi, take off, tour the skies and land at any airport in the world, all from the captain's seat.
60 Minute Experience
Want to try your hand at some tricky weather conditions? Or a few challenging approaches?
Our most-popular hour long experience will give you the time to feel a variety of real-world flying situations.
120 Minute Experience
Our two-hour flying experience gives you the chance to try your hand at some really challenging flights.
Fancy a stall recovery? Or zero visibility approach? Or perhaps see how you fair with an engine failure!
The Main Instrument Panel (MIP)
The main instrument panel is the primary interface through which pilots receive information about the aircraft's status and performance. It is divided into several key sections, each containing critical instruments and displays.
Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND)
At the heart of the forward instrument panel are the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and the Navigation Display (ND). The PFD provides essential flight information, such as altitude, airspeed, attitude, vertical speed, and heading. This digital display replaces traditional analog gauges, offering a more comprehensive and easy-to-read format.
The ND, located adjacent to the PFD, offers navigational information, including the aircraft's current position, flight route, waypoints, and weather radar data. Together, the PFD and ND provide pilots with a complete picture of the aircraft's flight status and environment.
Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS)
Beside and beneath the PFD and ND, the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) displays critical information about the aircraft's engines, fuel levels, hydraulic systems, and other essential parameters. The EICAS allows pilots set engine thrust and monitor the aircraft's systems for abnormalities or failures.
Flight Management System (FMS) Control Display Unit (CDU)
The CDU is an integral part of the Flight Management System (FMS), which automates various in-flight tasks, including navigation, performance management, and flight planning. The CDU allows pilots to input and modify flight plans, select navigation aids, and manage performance data. The 737 has two units located either side of the lower EICAS display, one for each pilot.
Autopilot and Flight Director Systems
The autopilot and flight director systems are essential tools for reducing pilot workload and enhancing flight precision. The autopilot system can control the aircraft's heading, altitude, route, and speed, allowing pilots to focus on monitoring systems and making strategic decisions. The flight director provides visual guidance cues on the PFD, helping pilots maintain the desired flight path.
The Overhead Panel
The overhead panel in the Boeing 737 cockpit contains an array of switches and controls related to various aircraft systems, including electrical power, fuel, hydraulics, and environmental controls.
Electrical Power Controls
The electrical power controls on the overhead panel manage the distribution of electrical power throughout the aircraft. This includes controls for the aircraft's generators, battery, and external power sources. Pilots use these switches to ensure that all electrical systems are functioning correctly and to switch between power sources as needed.
Fuel Management
The fuel management section of the overhead panel allows pilots to control fuel pumps, crossfeed valves, and other components of the fuel system. Proper fuel management is crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring that the engines receive a consistent fuel supply throughout the flight.
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic systems are vital for operating the aircraft's control surfaces, landing gear, and brakes. The overhead panel includes controls for hydraulic pumps and indicators for system pressure, enabling pilots to monitor and manage the hydraulic systems effectively.
Environmental Controls
Environmental controls on the overhead panel manage the aircraft's air conditioning, pressurization, and anti-ice systems. These controls ensure a comfortable and safe environment for both passengers and crew, adjusting cabin pressure and temperature as needed.
The Centre Pedestal
The centre pedestal is located between the captain and first officer's seats, housing essential avionics including navigation and communication (NAV/COM) radios that are used during every flight. at the front of the pedestal is the fire panel which has warning lights and extinguishers for the engines and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) - a small jet engine mounted in the tail.
Thrust Levers
The thrust levers are the primary controls for managing the engines' power output. Pilots use these levers to adjust thrust during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing. The throttle controls also have levers for actuating reverse thrust, these are equipped with detents and interlocks.
Speed Brake and Flap Controls
The speed brake and flap controls are also located on the centre pedestal. The speed brake lever allows pilots to deploy spoilers on the wings, helping to reduce airspeed and increase descent rate. The speed brakes are deployed automatically on landing if armed. The flap lever controls the position of the wing flaps, which are used to increase lift at low airspeeds and allow steeper pitch angles to be flown during approach, it has detents to prevent incorrect settings from being selected.
Radio and Communication Panels
The centre pedestal houses the aircraft's radio and communication panels, allowing pilots to manage communications with air traffic control, other aircraft, and ground services. These panels include controls for tuning frequencies, selecting communication channels, and adjusting volume levels.
The Side Panels
The side panels in the Boeing 737 cockpit contain additional controls and switches that are used less frequently but are still essential for safe operation.
Lighting Controls
The side panels feature controls for the cockpit reading lights. Proper lighting is crucial for ensuring that pilots can read documents clearly, especially during night flights or low-visibility conditions.
Oxygen and Emergency Equipment
The side panels also house the crew oxygen masks and spare instrument light bulbs. On the left hand (captains) side panel there is a tiller used to steer the nose wheel when on the ground.
Cockpit Seating and Ergonomics
The seating in the Boeing 737 cockpit is designed to provide maximum comfort and functionality for pilots during long flights. The captain's seat is on the left side, while the first officer's seat is on the right. Both seats are adjustable in multiple ways to accommodate pilots of different sizes and ensure optimal visibility and reach to all controls.
Seat Adjustment
The pilot seats in the Boeing 737 are mounted on "J rails" that allow them to slide back and sideways for easy access.
Harnesses and Safety Belts
The seats are fitted with harnesses and safety belts to ensure the pilots' safety during turbulence or emergency situations. These restraints are designed to keep pilots securely in their seats while allowing enough mobility to reach essential controls.
