Not every step into aviation starts in a real aircraft. This guide covers the flight simulator experiences, ground schools and aviation training providers across the UK listed on AviatorFinds, from airliner simulator sessions you can book as a gift to ATPL theory courses, engineer training and cabin crew courses.
UK simulators and training at a glance
- Simulator experiences: Deeside (Ellesmere Port), Simulator Adventures (Salford Quays), Virtual Flight Experience (near Hinckley) and Lancaster Flight UK (near Shaftesbury)
- Pilot ground schools: XAir and evoATPL (online), SkyLearner Aviation (Belfast) and Path2pilot (Dunfermline)
- Engineer and cabin crew training: British School of Aviation (Luton), The Aviation Academy (Leeds Bradford) and Heathrow Aviation Academy
- Listed on AviatorFinds: 11 simulator and training providers
Jump to: Providers Choosing a course Events FAQs
For a taste of flying an airliner, Deeside Flight Simulators at Ellesmere Port has Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 simulators and offers helicopter experiences too. Simulator Adventures Manchester in Salford Quays runs an A320 simulator with a full six-axis motion system, and Virtual Flight Experience near Hinckley offers gate-to-gate Boeing 737-800 sessions. Lancaster Flight UK, near Shaftesbury, is something different: a full-size Avro Lancaster cockpit built as a working flight simulator.
If you are working towards a licence, SkyLearner Aviation in Belfast is a CAA approved training organisation teaching PPL, Instrument Rating, CPL and ATPL theory online. Path2pilot near Dunfermline teaches ATPL(A) theory, evoATPL produces ATPL courseware and XAir offers online practice for the PPL theory exams. For other aviation careers, the British School of Aviation at Luton is a Part 147 engineer training organisation, The Aviation Academy is Craven College’s airside campus at Leeds Bradford Airport, and Heathrow Aviation Academy trains cabin crew.
Flight simulators and aviation training providers in the UK
These are the flight simulator and aviation training providers in the UK listed on AviatorFinds, in alphabetical order. Tap a card to see the location, contact details and website for each one.
See all UK training & simulator listings All aviation training & simulators
Choosing a simulator session or course
- Know what you are booking. A simulator experience is a fun way to try flying, but it does not count towards a pilot licence. Only approved training devices used on an approved course can be logged.
- Check the approval for licence training. If a course is part of a licence, check the provider is a CAA approved training organisation (ATO) or works with one.
- Ask about the simulator itself. Ask which aircraft type it is based on, whether it has motion and how much of the session you spend flying.
- Read the small print on gift vouchers. Check the expiry date, rebooking rules and any age or height limits.
Ready for the real thing? See our Flight Schools by Area guides, or read our learn to fly articles.
Run a simulator centre or aviation training business that isn’t listed yet? You can add your listing here.
Aviation events in and near the UK
Upcoming events in the UK:
- 5 Nov 2026IWM Duxford Fireworks Night 2026 – Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire, UK
- 7 Nov 2026Pilot Careers Live London 2026 – Sofitel London Heathrow, London, UK
- 7 Nov 2026Shuttleworth Fireworks Night 2026 – Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, UK
- 4–6 Dec 2026Shuttleworth in Lights 2026 (4–6 Dec) – Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, UK
- 11–13 Dec 2026Shuttleworth in Lights 2026 (11–13 Dec) – Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, UK
Learning to fly: guides from our blog
Frequently asked questions
Does time in a simulator experience count towards a pilot licence?
No. Experience sessions are for fun. Only time in an approved flight simulation training device, as part of an approved training course, can count towards a licence.
Can I study for the PPL or ATPL theory exams online?
Yes. SkyLearner Aviation, Path2pilot, evoATPL and XAir all offer theory training or exam practice that you can do remotely. Check how the course links to your flying school and where you will sit the exams.
Where can I fly a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 simulator in the UK?
Deeside Flight Simulators has both, Virtual Flight Experience near Hinckley has a Boeing 737-800, and Simulator Adventures Manchester has an Airbus A320.
Official sources
More area guides
- Flight Schools by Area: flight schools by county and state.
- Aviation Museums in the UK: museums and heritage centres across the UK.
See every area on our Area Guides page, or browse all aviation training and simulator providers in the directory.
Photo credits: Header photo: Frank Schwichtenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped).