
The Pilot Project is a three-month cadet programme designed to inspire and develop young aviation enthusiasts (age 12+) through hands-on experience in a professional-grade Airbus A320 simulator.
More than just flight time, this club builds essential real-world skills – including teamwork, leadership, communication, and decision-making, all within a fun, structured environment.
As the only venue in the North West offering a structured aviation programme for young people, our mission is to make aviation accessible, introduce it in an engaging and practical way, and ignite a lifelong passion for flight and learning.
Each 90-minute session is carefully structured to balance fun, learning, and hands-on simulator time – giving cadets the chance to develop real aviation and life skills in a supportive environment.
Membership requires a minimum three-month commitment to ensure steady progress and meaningful learning. After this initial foundation phase, membership continues on a monthly rolling basis, giving cadets the flexibility to continue their journey for as long as they wish, with one month’s notice to cancel.
Bi-Weekly Sessions: Sundays at 12:45pm
Next Course Start Date: Sunday 23rd November 2025 – now at Full Capacity.
To add your child to the waiting list, please email bookings@manchesterflightsim.com with your child’s name and age, and we’ll contact you if a space becomes available.
Our next course start date will be announced in the New Year, and priority will be given to those on the waiting list.
Weekly Sessions: Every Sunday at 14:30
Next Course Start Date: Sunday 9 November 2025 -one space remaining.
To secure the final place, please email bookings@manchesterflightsim.com with your child’s name and age once you have purchased a membership.
1. Select your chosen membership:
There are two membership options below–Select the one that best suits your schedule and budget, or feel free to explore each option in more detail if you’re still deciding.
2. Purchase your subscription:
Once you have decided which membership you wish to purchase, you can select the 'subscribe now' button directly underneath the description.
3. Sign in or create an account:
If you already have an account, sign in using your login details.
(use the “Forgot password” link if needed)
If you’re new, simply create a new account.
Once set up, you’ll be able to manage your membership and book your child’s sessions directly through your account at any time.
4. Book onto your preferred session:
Now that you have purchased a membership, you are able to schedule your child's session/s. Return to our home page on our website and click “Book” (located in the heading at the top of the page) and then select 'Schedule Your Flight' to be redirected to our online booking portal. From there, select your cadet’s correct session category.
Finally, select your preferred date of attendance, and time slot. Sessions will take place every Sunday with more dates to be added during the school summer holidays.
5. You’re all set! Your child’s place in The Pilot Project is confirmed.
Look out for a confirmation email in your inbox (or your spam folder, just in case). We’re excited to welcome your cadet on board!
Future bookings: Once your membership is active, you’ll only need to follow Step 4 to schedule your cadet's next session/s.
Cadets are grouped by membership tiers to ensure consistent progress and high-quality experiences.
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.
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.
Manchester Flight Sim Centre
City Airport & Heliport, Liverpool Rd, Eccles, salford, M30 7SA, United Kingdom
Copyright © 2025 Manchester Flight Sim Centre - All Rights Reserved.
Flying is only half the story...
We’re introducing a new way to experience flight with real-time Air Traffic Control communication from inside the helicopter simulator.
You’ll talk directly with ATC, follow live instructions, and see how pilots and controllers work together in real-world operations.
This exclusive feature will debut with our helicopter simulator this weekend and will be rolled out across our other simulators soon.
Be among the first to experience it - available for a limited time as a complimentary add-on with all eligible bookings.