The Pilot Project- Building Confidence, Skills, and Curiosity Through Flight

The Pilot Project is a unique programme designed to introduce young people aged 12–17 to the world of aviation through hands-on experience in a professional Airbus A320 simulator.
It combines flying activities with teamwork, communication, and leadership development -giving cadets a realistic insight into aviation in a fun and supportive environment. 

Full instructions on how to purchase a membership subscription can be found just above this FAQ section.

Once you’ve completed your subscription, please email bookings@manchesterflightsim.com with your child’s name and age so we can finalise their enrolment.

Our team is always available to help if you have any questions or need support setting up your membership. 

We look forward to welcoming your cadet to The Pilot Project! 

All sessions are led by our experienced simulator instructors, many of whom have aviation, airline, or training backgrounds.
Sessions are designed to be safe, structured, and tailored to suit each cadet’s ability and confidence level.
On occasion, current airline pilots also take part in leading or supporting sessions, giving cadets a valuable insight into real-world flight operations and career experiences. 

New intakes run at scheduled intervals throughout the year. Each group operates for three months, meeting weekly or bi-weekly at a fixed time.

If spaces are currently available, booking links will be shown above.
If no availability is listed, the group is full and you can join the waiting list for the next intake.

To join the waiting list, please email bookings@manchesterflightsim.com with your child’s name, age, and preferred membership type. Once sufficient interest is registered, we’ll confirm the next start date and open a new course.

No - The Pilot Project is not a formal pilot training programme.
It’s an educational and experience-based initiative, designed to inspire young people and develop their skills through realistic simulation in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Memberships are paid by monthly direct debit - £85 for Standard or £165 for Elite, depending on which option you choose.
After the first three months, your membership moves to a monthly rolling plan, and you can cancel anytime with one month’s notice. 

Yes - absolutely.
No prior flying experience is needed. The programme is designed to support all abilities, from first-time flyers to those already passionate about aviation. 

Cadets meet their instructor and fellow cadets, learn how the Airbus A320 flight controls and cockpit systems work, and take part in a guided flight experience.

They’ll also be introduced to key cockpit roles such as Captain, First Officer, and Pilot Monitoring, taking turns in each role during every session to gain a well-rounded understanding of how real flight crews work together.

The session is designed to be relaxed, confidence-building, and fun, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.

Parents drop cadets off and collect them at the end of the session.

Each session lasts around 90 minutes, and parents will have the opportunity to meet with the instructor at drop-off and collection for any updates or questions.

This approach allows cadets to build confidence and independence while still keeping parents informed and involved. 

If a cadet can’t attend their scheduled group session, please let us know in advance.

We’ll arrange a 45-minute one-to-one catch-up session at no extra charge to ensure they don’t miss out on any progress or learning.

Catch-up sessions are subject to instructor and simulator availability but will always be prioritised where possible. 

During the first three months, cadets follow a structured foundation programme designed to bring everyone up to speed with the essentials - including flight controls, cockpit procedures, teamwork, and communication skills.

After this initial phase, sessions become more flexible but remain instructor-led, giving cadets the opportunity to share ideas and set goals for future activities.
This approach allows instructors to adapt sessions to the group’s interests and strengths, while still ensuring clear structure, progression, and continued skill development.

The focus then moves toward personal growth, teamwork, and confidence building, as cadets take part in advanced challenges, emergency procedures, and scenario-based exercises - all under the guidance and support of their instructor.

• Route planning and navigation challenges - cadets plan and fly routes around the world, exploring international destinations and gaining insight into real-world airline operations.
• Weather and diversion scenarios - learning to adapt to changing conditions such as crosswinds, turbulence, and unexpected route changes.
• Precision landings and advanced flight handling - developing accuracy, control, and confidence through progressive flying challenges.
• Emergency and systems procedures - safely managing simulated situations including engine issues, system faults, and diversion scenarios that require quick thinking and effective collaboration.
• Team-based and leadership exercises - rotating cockpit roles such as Captain, First Officer, Pilot Flying, and Pilot Monitoring to strengthen communication, coordination, and responsibility.
• Scenario-based missions - working together to complete realistic, airline-style operations under expert instructor guidance.
• Confidence and decision-making challenges - focusing on calm leadership, problem-solving, and effective teamwork in dynamic situations.
• Friendly competitions - enjoyable challenges such as spot landings, fuel efficiency flights, and group missions designed to motivate and engage cadets.

Cadets rotate through various roles such as Captain, First Officer, Pilot Flying, Pilot Monitoring, Flight Dispatcher, or Cabin Crew Coordinator - mirroring how real cockpit teams work together. 

The programme is designed to develop a wide range of essential, transferable life skills that support both personal growth and future education or career pathways.

Cadets will build:

• Confidence - through hands-on flying experiences, decision-making, and progressive challenges
• Communication skills - learning to listen, follow instructions, and communicate clearly in structured scenarios
• Teamwork - working alongside other cadets, sharing responsibilities, and supporting group objectives
• Leadership - taking turns in command roles, managing tasks, and developing accountability

In addition, cadets gain valuable exposure to professional aviation environments, learning about cockpit discipline, procedures, and safety culture in a safe, supportive, and inspiring setting.

The programme encourages focus, responsibility, and resilience, helping cadets develop skills that extend far beyond aviation and into everyday life, education, and future career choices.

For some cadets, The Pilot Project is simply an exciting and social experience - a chance to learn something new, make friends, and be part of a supportive community. For others, it becomes the starting point of a deeper interest in aviation and related industries.

Through regular participation, cadets are introduced to structured environments that mirror real-world settings, helping them develop maturity, responsibility, and independence. The programme encourages problem-solving, initiative, and accountability - qualities that are valued across education, training, and employment.

Whether a cadet goes on to explore aviation further - such as flight training, engineering, air traffic control, or aerospace - or pursues a completely different path, the experience provides a strong platform for personal development.

Most importantly, The Pilot Project helps young people recognise their own capabilities, build belief in themselves, and gain the confidence to take on new challenges both inside and outside the simulator.