The simulator is located at a popular flying school (Leading Edge Flight Training) at Glasgow Airport and is an integral part of Scotland’s general aviation scene. We like airport locations as it adds to the excitement and realism of the whole experience and immerses the customer in the wider world of aviation. The sounds of large jet airliners arriving and departing can be heard in the simulator and was quite a novelty! We feel the signage could be more prominent for simulator customers, as it wasn’t clear if we were in the correct location for the review. The access road has one sign saying ‘flying club’, and it is not until you arrive at the venue that you see Leading Edge Flight Training branding. However, once arrived, parking is easy and plentiful. If arriving from Glasgow Airport’s main terminal, a taxi or car share app only costs a few pounds and is less than a 10 minute journey.
Once inside there is a cosy lounge area in the reception and a few side rooms. The pre-flight briefing is usually delivered in the simulator itself. We have found this set up often detracts from the hands-on flying time, but Leading Edge say that they bear this in mind and the customer always receives the full purchased flight time. There is plenty of room for spectators at the venue, but as mentioned above, not within the simulator. This is catered for by having a large colour TV in reception with a live feed from the simulator ensuring the experience can still be shared, but from the comfort of a leather sofa and cup of coffee in hand!
When considering customers with special needs or reduced mobility, the venue states they are happy to talk in advance or even host a pre-visit should it be required to assess any requirements and will try their utmost to accommodate everyone. There is a shallow ramp from the car park to the main club building. However, the size and raised setting of the simulator, plus the outside building location where the simulator is housed would be a challenge for someone with reduced mobility. Once inside the simulator, there are some obvious adaptations the business have made with mobility considerations in mind. The seat floor rails have plenty of travel and the flight deck centre console is removable to allow
easier access before being reset in position for the session.
Booking is via the website, email or telephone with the majority of their custom from gift experience voucher sites offering a considerable discount on advertised prices – this is how we would recommend purchasing a session. Flying club member access is prioritised and also heavily discounted, which is a nice touch to reward loyalty. Repeat custom is also a significant part of the simulator’s usage (a good sign as to the popularity of the venue), and again, there are special deals for repeat customers. The simulator is available for use 24 hours a day and people can often be found flying at all times of the night!
