Your child's Journey to Becoming a Pilot Starts Here...

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 take place at scheduled intervals throughout the year.
Each group runs for three months, meeting weekly or bi-weekly at a set time.
When a group reaches full capacity, new cadets can join the waiting list for the next intake.

To join, please email bookings@manchesterflightsim.com with your child’s name, age, and preferred membership type. Once enough new cadets are 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 short, 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 across the world, exploring international destinations and real-world airline operations.
   
• Weather and diversion scenarios - adapting to crosswinds, turbulence, or unexpected route changes.
   
• Precision landings and advanced flight handling - improving accuracy and aircraft control.
   
• Emergency and systems procedures - learning how to manage simulated situations such as engine issues, hydraulic faults, and diversion challenges requiring quick decision-making and teamwork.
   
• Team-based and leadership exercises - rotating cockpit roles such as Captain, First Officer, Pilot Flying, and Pilot Monitoring to build communication and coordination.
   
• Scenario-based missions - working together to complete realistic airline-style operations under instructor guidance.
   
• Confidence and decision-making challenges - focusing on calm leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork under pressure.
   
• Friendly competitions - light-hearted challenges such as spot landings, fuel efficiency flights, or group missions.

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 builds essential transferable skills including communication, teamwork, confidence, and leadership.
Cadets also gain an understanding of professional aviation environments in a safe, supportive, and inspiring way. 

Many cadets join simply for the enjoyment and community, while others discover a real passion for aviation.
The skills developed through The Pilot Project - such as teamwork, leadership, and decision-making - provide a strong foundation for future opportunities in aviation or any career path.
Above all, the experience helps young people grow in confidence and self-belief.