Set in a prominent position within the huge Dubai Mall, the Emirates simulator is eye catching and looks impressive from the outside.  The fixed base simulator is housed within a large A380 front shell, containing the flight deck and two pilot seats. The visual system is limited to approximately 100 degrees of lateral visibility with no view possible from the side windows.  Scenery is considered basic and we assume uses stock P3D software, which only animates the bare minimum in terms of airport configuration and major landmarks. The simulator is primarily composed for flying around Dubai or London.  

The flight controls are also what we consider to be at a basic level of realism.  For example, the behaviour of the side stick is at odds with airbus flight control logic which other sims we have visited replicate accurately.  Once you have banked the aircraft, a lateral pressure is required on the sidestick to maintain the bank angle and turn. This is not the case in real Airbus aircraft.  For a customer who seeks a quick, hands on, fun flight and has no experience, this will not be an issue, but for a more seasoned simulation aviator we would advise this as a little frustrating.

Once seated in the flight deck, there are a few controls which are functional. These include all of what we consider the primary flight controls; the parking brake, thrust levers, side stick, flap lever, landing gear lever, speed brake and foot brakes.  Additionally, some of the switches on the overhead panel are simulated. All other switches and buttons are painted on or stickers. The primary flight displays, flight directors and navigation displays are functional, along with the two centre system displays.  Real aircraft systems such as autopilot or autothrust are not functional, but the navigation displays are able to show some pre-programed routes.   

Simulator and aircraft system setup is done via the instructors’ tablet.  It has some ability to program and simulate basic failures such as an engine failure. However, with such limited controls and system functionality, the ability to deal with failures and more interesting simulated scenarios is limited.  Pre-recorded ATC chatter played in the background for realism and some artificial aircraft traffic can be added for further realism.