Ascent Aviation

The simulator is located in a sparsely populated office block in Paisley, only a few minutes drive by taxi from Glasgow Airport. There is plentiful well lit on-street parking outside the venue and the signage is clear and prominent for simulator customers. The venue is situated on the first floor of the building and is accessed by voice entry and then up some stairs – there is no lift available.

The venue really comes into its own once inside. It has modern, appropriate and tasteful aviation décor and feels new and well appointed. There is a large reception and lounge area creating a very professional atmosphere, where there is a warm welcome, computer check in, a large TV displaying simulator information and comfy chairs. The attention to detail is continued throughout the premises which are accessed off the main ‘runway’, with guidance to the facilities, kitchen, simulator and briefing rooms via yellow taxiway centrelines – a nice touch for those of us who are dedicated aviation enthusiasts. Reception is constantly manned whenever the centre is open and customers and spectators are made to feel welcome and offered refreshments. There is room for spectators in the simulator with two spare seats, and the TV in reception can also broadcast footage from inside the simulator to a wider audience.

Sessions begin in reception, where the instructor will be waiting, and then customers are led to a well-appointed and comfortable briefing/conference room, before being taken into the simulator for the flight.

When considering customers with special needs or reduced mobility, the business owner acknowledges that not having a lift and being situated on the first floor does pose a challenge, but he is happy to talk in advance or even host a pre-visit to assess any requirements. Once upstairs, the rest of the venue is accessible, including simulator entry and access to facilities. The business owner was very keen for the situation not to deter any customers, and would do all he can to assist and arrange any help required to accommodate everyone.

Booking is via the website, email, or telephone. Their website is interactive, media heavy and informative, but we’ve been told there’s a new, even better one shortly about to be released. Flight time equals voucher time meaning you get the full time you paid for. The venue is extremely popular and as a result is very busy. However, a generous flex of 30 mins between simulator sessions is factored, ensuring customer value for money and a professional experience. This is something a lot of venues do not do, with rostering of sessions often lined up right after the previous, causing potential for delays and waiting times. This flex time also allows for technical issues to be solved ASAP and not deter from the next flight experience. After booking, each customer is sent a flight voucher in the form of a boarding pass (nice little touch), and everyone is given a personalised certificate on completion of their session; further adding to the tangibility of the product as a gift and sense of value for money.

Worthy of mention are the additional services offered by Ascent Aviation. Children’s parties are encouraged and fully catered for, plus ground school days and airline preparation sessions. The ground school days are full day events including refreshments and cover SOPs, CRM and other technical aspects of commercial aviation. The airline prep sessions boast a 93% employment success rate and include in depth briefings and personal mentorship after the session.