Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&children

The striking part of this Oberhausen experience is the cockpit itself. You sit among original-style Airbus A320 instruments and soundscapes, then work through the controls with an instructor beside you. Choose airports around the world, set up a route, and see how the aircraft responds to weather, maneuvers, and problems.

I like the private group format, since up to four people can share the session instead of being mixed with strangers. I also like the careful briefing and debriefing, which give the flying time some structure. The main consideration is time: the total booking is listed as 30 minutes to one hour, while the flight portion is described as 60 minutes, so confirm the exact session length when you book.

• A320 cockpit replica: Explore a detailed flight deck with realistic controls, instruments, and sound effects.
• Hands-on flying: Practice take-offs, landings, cruising, maneuvers, weather changes, and emergency handling.
• Worldwide airport choices: Select different airports for departure and arrival and plan the route with your instructor.
• Private experience for up to four: One person can fly while companions watch and take part in the excitement.
• Instructor-led introduction: A briefing of about 15 minutes explains basic flying concepts before take-off.
• Oberhausen Centro location: Find the lobby on the first floor, with free parking in unmarked spaces nearby.

Sitting in the Airbus A320 cockpit

This is not a simple arcade game with a joystick and a cartoon screen. The setting is a replica Airbus A320 cockpit, with instruments and soundscapes designed to match the real aircraft. That matters because the controls feel connected to an actual flight routine: prepare, take off, climb, cruise, descend, and land.

You can explore the cockpit before flying. Look over the panels, locate the controls, and get a sense of how much information a commercial pilot manages. You do not need previous aviation training. The instructor introduces the basic concepts and adjusts the guidance to your level.

The simulator is also built to make you wonder if the cockpit is moving. That is part of the appeal. The combination of cockpit detail, aircraft sounds, and changing flight conditions aims to create the feeling of a working aircraft rather than a themed attraction.

The 15-minute briefing sets the tone

Your session begins with a briefing of roughly 15 minutes. This is useful time, not filler. The instructor explains the basic ideas behind flying and helps you understand the controls before asking you to handle them.

You can also discuss the flight route in advance. One participant had a route from Cologne to Düsseldorf planned with a professional female pilot, with the instruction matched to their existing knowledge. That detail is important: the experience can be more than a fixed demonstration, especially if you already know something about aviation and want a little more responsibility.

If you are new to flight controls, the briefing should help you get your bearings fast. You will not be left to guess which switch or display matters. The guide can introduce the cockpit at a beginner’s pace, while someone with more experience can use the planning stage to make the flight more specific.

English and German instruction is available. If you have a preferred language, select or confirm it when arranging the appointment.

Choosing airports makes the flight personal

A strong feature is the choice of departure and arrival airports around the world. You are not tied to one preset route. You can start and land in different places, then work with the instructor to shape the flight.

That choice adds purpose to the session. A take-off is not just a button press when you know where you are departing and where you are headed. The flight can include cruise time, a planned descent, and one or more landing attempts, depending on the booking and the selected program.

The available information does not list every airport or promise a specific route. I would therefore treat the airport choice as flexible rather than assuming a particular city is guaranteed. Ask about your preferred airports when you make the appointment.

Take-off, cruise, and landing

After the briefing, you move into the flying section. The advertised program includes take-off, landings, and cruise flight. These stages give you a useful taste of the work involved in airline flying.

Take-off gives you the most immediate sense of control. You manage the aircraft as it leaves the runway, with the instructor helping you handle the basic sequence. Cruise flight is quieter, but it shows that flying is not only about the dramatic moments. You must monitor the aircraft and respond to changing conditions.

Landing is likely to be the most demanding part for beginners. The aircraft must be lined up and controlled as it approaches the runway, and small errors become obvious. You may have the chance to try different landings, but the exact number is not specified, so do not assume you will complete several full approaches.

The listed flight time is 60 minutes, while the general duration is shown as 30 minutes to one hour. Since the experience also includes a briefing and debriefing, clarify whether your chosen option includes a full hour of flying or a shorter total appointment.

Weather and emergency situations add useful pressure

The simulator can introduce different weather scenarios and emergency situations. This is where the experience moves beyond a scenic virtual flight. You get to see how a routine flight can become a problem-solving exercise.

The available information does not identify every weather type or emergency. That is a good reason to ask the instructor what will be included in your session. The scenarios may be adjusted to your experience, and the goal is to learn how to respond rather than simply watch a dramatic effect.

For a child or first-time flyer, this can be exciting without requiring technical expertise. For an aviation enthusiast, the emergency element may be the part that makes the session worth repeating. Still, the experience is presented as an introduction and guided flight, not as a substitute for certified pilot training.

What companions do while one person flies

The private group setup is a real advantage for families and small groups. The price is $117 per group of up to four people, so the per-person cost can be reasonable when four people share it. One person can take the controls while the others watch the cockpit work and follow the flight.

A recent family booking specifically allowed companions to watch a young grandchild being guided through the program. That makes this a practical choice for a birthday, family outing, or aviation-themed gift. The experience does not require every member of the group to be an aspiring pilot.

You should still ask how the flying time is divided if several people want to take control. The supplied details confirm a private group of up to four, but they do not state that each person receives an equal turn. If everyone wants hands-on time, settle that point before arrival.

What the price includes

At $117 for up to four people, the value depends on how many of you attend and how much flying time is confirmed. For four people, it works out to less than $30 each. For one person, it becomes a more specialized purchase, but the private cockpit setting and instructor-led program make it different from a standard sightseeing activity.

The price covers the appointment, briefing, flight preparation, flying, and debriefing. The flying program includes take-offs, landings, and cruise flight. It does not include a recording, so bring no expectation of receiving a video afterward.

I like that the session has both an introduction and a debrief. You get a chance to understand what you are doing, then talk through the experience afterward. That structure gives the activity more value than a short turn at a control panel with no explanation.

Arrival at Centro Oberhausen

The simulator is at Centro Oberhausen in northern Germany, with the meeting point in the building lobby. Free parking is available in unmarked spaces, and additional parking spaces are located around the corner under the bridge.

The lobby is on the first floor, up the stairs on the left. If the door is locked, ring the bell marked FLIGHTHOUR. These instructions are worth saving on your phone, especially if you arrive outside a busy period and find the entrance closed.

No public transport directions are provided, so check your route before setting out. The parking instructions also suggest that you should not assume every nearby space belongs to the simulator. Look for the unmarked spaces and the extra area around the corner.

Who will enjoy this most

This experience works well for several kinds of visitors:

• Children and families: The cockpit setting is easy to enjoy even when a child has no technical background, and companions can watch.
• Aviation enthusiasts: The realistic instruments, soundscapes, aircraft systems, and emergency scenarios offer more detail than a casual flight-themed attraction.
• Aspiring pilots: The session provides a guided introduction to cockpit procedures and lets you practice basic handling in a controlled setting.
• Couples and small groups: The private format keeps the experience focused and allows you to share a memorable activity.
• People curious about airline operations: The briefing, route planning, cruise segment, and landing practice show that flying involves more than steering an aircraft.

It is less suitable if you want a long, independent simulator session with no instructor input. The experience is deliberately guided, and the instructor remains part of the program.

A realistic experience, with sensible limits

The simulator aims for realism through its A320 layout, instruments, soundscapes, weather scenarios, and flight controls. That can create a strong sense of being in the cockpit, but it is still a simulator. The information does not promise full aircraft motion or professional certification, so you should book it as an educational and entertaining flight experience.

The instructor is central to the quality of the session. A well-paced explanation can make the cockpit understandable instead of overwhelming. One session was led by a professional female pilot who discussed the route beforehand and adapted the instruction to the participant’s knowledge. That is the kind of personal guidance that makes the activity work for both beginners and enthusiasts.

The program can also help you understand why airline flying takes concentration. You will be handling systems, watching conditions, and responding to instructions rather than simply pointing the aircraft toward a runway.

Accessibility, language, and booking flexibility

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and instruction is available in German or English. It is a private group activity, with space for up to four people.

You must arrange an appointment by email or phone after getting your tickets. The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available. Since the duration details vary between 30 minutes to one hour and a 60-minute flight segment, confirm the exact format before paying.

The booking process is part of the practical planning here. Ask about the flight length, airport choices, number of participants taking the controls, language, and any preferred weather or emergency scenarios.

Should you book the Airbus A320 simulator?

I would book this if you want a focused, hands-on aviation activity in Oberhausen, especially for a family group or up to four friends. The private format, realistic cockpit, route choices, and instructor-led guidance give it more substance than a quick novelty ride.

The price is strongest when shared by four people. It is also a good fit for a child or teenager who wants to experience the pilot’s seat, since companions can watch and the instructor can guide the session. Aviation enthusiasts should confirm the level of technical detail and the flight plan in advance.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed recording, a specific number of turns for every participant, or a clearly fixed total duration without contacting the provider. For everyone else, this is a practical way to try an Airbus cockpit, test your hand at take-offs and landings, and discover how quickly a calm flight can become a technical challenge.

FAQ

Where is the Airbus A320 simulator located?

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

Is parking available?

Free parking is available in unmarked spaces. Additional parking spaces are located around the corner under the bridge.

What should I do if the entrance is locked?

Ring the bell marked FLIGHTHOUR.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 30 minutes to one hour. The flight portion is also described as 60 minutes, with a briefing and debriefing included, so confirm the exact timing when booking.

How many people can join?

This is a private group experience for up to four people.

Is a briefing included?

Yes. The briefing takes about 15 minutes and introduces basic flying concepts before the flight.

Can I choose the airports?

Yes. You can choose different airports around the world for departure and arrival. Confirm your preferred route when making the appointment.

Which languages are available?

The instructor can provide the experience in German or English.

Is the simulator wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Is a recording included?

No. Recording is not included in the price.

Can I cancel the booking?

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