Discover the virtual world from above
Virtual Aviation Experience
Curious to find out what it’s like to fly an aeroplane?
Want to experience the view from the cockpit?
Fancy trying something new without leaving your home?
VAE offers virtual sessions with an instructor, using video call and an online flight simulator, bringing the magic of flight to you!
With your first session being completely FREE, equipment delivered direct to your door, and the option to purchase more sessions, you can explore the world without pressure, learn the basics of flight and get an insight into the world of aviation…where will your virtual aviation experience take you?
Simulator equipment available
First session completely FREE
Accessible HD flight simulator
Online booking system
Train anywhere in the virtual world
Tailored flight sessions
Option to purchase additional sessions - see more >
About
The Course
Each session begins with a pre flight briefing with your VAE Instructor via Microsoft Teams, before joining each other in the virtual aircraft online.
Participants can ask questions and interact with their Instructor, who just as in a real aircraft, will be able to take and give you control as needed, to ensure you enjoy the virtual sky as much as possible.
How to setup
No downloads or special computers needed! The simulator is accessed via a web browser. All you need is a standard computer with a microphone and camera with internet access.
We do have a range of support equipment possible to loan for the duration of your course including aircraft joysticks. Please specify what you may need in your application form. You are welcome to use your own joystick if already owned.
Who can Participate
Anyone aged 12 or over, living in the UK with a disability can apply to take part.
This course can be tailored to your goals. You can use this opportunity to help you boost confidence, to try something new, or to kickstart a possible new career or hobby - the world is at your fingertips!
Continue your experience
Have you completed your free virtual aviation experience and found yourself wanting more?
Now you can keep going for even longer. Take full control of your journey by adding as many extra sessions as you’d like. Each additional session with an instructor is just £15, giving you the flexibility to continue your virtual experience at your own pace. Simply choose the number of extra sessions you want and enjoy even more of the virtual world with your instructor.
The Virtual Aviation Experience (VAE) offers virtual sessions with an actual instructor using an online flight simulator so you can access the magic of flight from home.
Sessions last 1 hour. We offer your first session free of charge, and further sessions can be purchased at £15 per session, either for yourself or as a gift for someone else. You can purchase one or more sessions at a time, the choice is yours!
To apply for your first session please click here to complete our application form.
Each session begins with a pre flight briefing with your VAE Instructor via Microsoft Teams, before joining each other in the virtual aircraft accessed remotely from the comfort of your home. Participants can ask questions and interact with their Instructor who, just as in a real aircraft, will be able to take and give you control as needed, to ensure you enjoy the virtual sky as much as possible.
Anyone aged 12 or over, living in the UK with a disability can participate. This course can be tailored to your goals. You can use this opportunity to help you boost confidence, to try something new, or to kickstart a possible new career or hobby!
No downloads or special computers are needed. The simulator is accessed via a web browser. All you need is a standard computer with a microphone and camera, with internet access.
We do have a range of support equipment available to loan for the duration of your course, including aircraft joysticks. You are welcome to use your own joystick if already owned.
After you have made your purchase, we will contact you with details of how to book your session(s) using our online booking system.
“The whole course in itself made me realise I can actually go on to achieve things in life that I never thought I could. I'm overwhelmed by the new lease of life this has ignited in me after many years of having lost all hope of regaining any kind of life.
My instructor made me feel like I can take on the world and I'll be eternally grateful for the new outlook on life that I am hoping will stay with me. I wish to further my education as far as achieving my pilots licence so will be looking out for what’s next. What an amazing experience. Thank you so much!”
- Former VAE Participant
Meet the VAE Instructors
Matt Smith
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“Thrilled, Focused, Fulfilled”
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“I started gliding with the RAF Air Cadets and became a gliding Instructor. Instructing on the Slingsby T61 (Venture) and Grob 109 (Vigilant) motor gliders for over 30 years. From 2000-2019 I also worked as a Police Air Support Tactical Flight Officer operating police role equipment on the police helicopter out of Birmingham EGBB. Latterly, since 2016 I flew the Grob 115 Tutor, taking Air Cadets and UAS students air experience flying. I have my Private pilot’s licence too and enjoy flying the PA28 out of Tatenhill Aerodrome.”
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“I love to see people learning new things and the pleasure that gives them.”
Mike McLelland
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“Pain-free, Freedom, Happy”
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“Firstly I learned to fly Gliders with the Air Training Corps. I then had a go at flying microlights. Before my injury I was also into skydiving. After this I tried paramotoring before realising my dream of getting my fixed wing licence with Aerobility and have not looked back since. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering for Aerobility too, mainly taking people for a flight in our static simulator made from a real aeroplane.”
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“I chose it because I enjoy it. I like seeing smiles on faces and how happy aviation can make people.”
“My instructor took time to understand my needs and was quite happy to take things at my speed. It showed me no matter my disability or learning needs, the course was adapted. I had always wished to fly but my accident put a hold to that and this was the best thing to get me thinking again and I hope to go further one day and spread my wings.”
- Melissa
One participant took the meaning of virtual to a whole new level. As she was recovering from brain surgery, she spent her time in her hospital bed exploring the virtual world! Doctors commented that it was an amazing initiative to use as part of her recovery procedure.
Virtual Aviation Experience Library
Here you can find all of the links and useful documents that will support your journey…