Private Pilotage of a Flight Simulator in Paris

This is Paris aviation, minus the gate stress. You’ll climb into an Airbus A320 cockpit simulator and fly with a pro instructor beside you. What I like: you get a real “captain” format with 35 minutes at the controls, and the briefing is built to help you handle the cockpit quickly. One drawback to consider: the experience runs on a tight time block, so arriving late can shrink your hands-on flying time.

You’ll meet at 16 Rue Raymond Aron in the 13th arrondissement, then get set up in a modern-looking airliner simulator. After a short briefing where you start the engines and learn the layout, it’s time for takeoff and flying the route you want. If you’re the type who likes checklists, procedures, and learning as you go, this is a great match.

This is private, meaning it’s only your group, and it’s offered in English. It’s designed for ages 10 and up, so it’s also a fun family activity if the adults are okay with letting the kids run the session.

Key takeaways before you book your A320 simulator flight

• Captain-style format: after briefing and engine start, you take the controls for the flight.
• Short and focused timing: about 10 minutes briefing and 35 minutes flying.
• English-speaking instruction: you can follow what’s happening in the cockpit without a language hurdle.
• Pilot Diploma included: you leave with a certificate, not just a photo op.
• Simulator settings can change: you may be able to adjust things like weather and aircraft parameters during the session.
• Private session, no sharing: only your group participates.

Entering the A320 cockpit, engines to takeoff

The moment you sit down in the simulator cockpit is the whole point. The experience is built around you taking the captain’s seat in an Airbus A320 setup. That matters because it’s not just “watch a screen.” You’re in the place where decisions happen, with controls that feel like the real job.

The session starts with a briefing where you discover the cockpit layout, then you start the engines. That step is more than a tech moment. It gives you a sense of sequence, which helps when you’re suddenly asked to steer, manage speed, and handle cockpit systems in real time.

Once the instructor is satisfied you’re oriented, you take off. And yes, the tone shifts from lesson to command. The experience description is very direct: from now on, you are the captain. In practice, that means you’re doing the work, not just pushing a guided button path.

What you’ll actually do during the “captain” time

Even without being a pilot, you’ll get tasks that feel like flight fundamentals:

• managing the flight path after takeoff
• dealing with cockpit controls as they relate to attitude and speed
• practicing standard procedures in a controlled environment

From the experience design, the best part is how fast the instructor gets you moving. You’ll likely spend less time “learning buttons” and more time doing flying actions while the instructor coaches you.

The 45-minute reality check, briefing plus flying time

The overall duration is about 45 minutes, and it’s tight. The structure is clearly laid out: roughly 35 minutes of flight and 10 minutes of briefing. That ratio is unusual compared to some activities that spend most of the time explaining the simulator and then give you only a few minutes to touch controls.

This is good value for people who want action. It also means there’s little margin for delays.

If you’re booking this while juggling a Paris itinerary, I’d plan for a buffer. Arrive a bit early at 16 Rue Raymond Aron so your group is ready to start on time. Think of this as a short training window, not a museum visit.

Price and value: is $119.48 per person worth it?

At $119.48 per person for about 45 minutes, you’re paying for something specific: private instruction in an airliner cockpit simulator with a dedicated pro instructor. You’re not paying for a general admission vibe, or for a shared show.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You get private time. Your group is the only group in the session.
• You get a real role, not just observation. You take the controls after the brief.
• You get coaching in English. That reduces friction and helps you learn the basics while doing them.
• You get a Pilot Diploma. This is a tangible “I did it” item.

The main tradeoff is the short duration. If you’re hoping for a long, in-depth training session, this probably won’t scratch that itch. But if you want a memorable, hands-on introduction to flying in an Airbus-style cockpit, it’s priced like an active experience where you’re meant to use your hands and make decisions quickly.

Where it happens in Paris, and how to plan your timing

The meeting point is 16 Rue Raymond Aron, 75013 Paris. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a drop-off somewhere else. That simplifies your day.

The posted opening hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, running through late 2026. That’s helpful because it leaves you multiple booking windows during the week.

Also, the location is near public transportation, so you should be able to get there without a complicated taxi plan. That’s a real advantage in Paris, where time can disappear fast if you’re relying on just one ride option.

My practical tip: plan your day around arrival time

Because the session timing is tight, treat the meeting time as the start of the real experience. If you’re coming from somewhere like central Paris, give yourself extra walking time. You’ll enjoy the briefing more if you’re not rushing in with your mind already sprinting to the next stop.

The instructor role, friendly guidance that helps you adapt fast

A good simulator instructor does two things: explains without drowning you in jargon, and adapts to your experience level. This activity includes a professional pilot instructor who stays with you through briefing and flight.

In plain terms, you should expect the instructor to help you:

• understand what different cockpit elements do
• move from “I see buttons” to “I can operate the controls”
• stay calm and keep flying even when the cockpit looks complex

A key detail from the broader experience pattern is how quickly people are able to adapt. Some participants describe already having time in other simulators, but still benefiting from comparing how different aircraft feel in the cockpit. In other words, the instructor is prepared to help you adjust to the Airbus A320-style workflow, not just teach generic flying.

What you can ask for (without derailing the session)

Because this is a private session, you’ll have more room to customize. The experience description says you can make the flight you want. In practice, the sim environment may allow changes like weather and other parameters, so you can ask for variety while staying within the time window.

If you want a smoother session, pick one or two goals. For example:

• a specific flight scenario you’d like to try
• a simpler practice focus like takeoff and basic handling

This keeps you from trying to do too much at once and missing the fun parts.

Simulator realism: it feels like aircraft work, not a video game

A simulator isn’t automatically realistic just because it looks like a cockpit. What makes it work is how it behaves and how the instructor uses it.

The experience is designed to be procedural. You start the engines, learn the cockpit layout, then fly with guidance. That gives it a “crew training” feeling even though you’re doing it for fun.

And there are hints that the system supports realistic scenario changes. In similar sessions, participants describe switching between different airports and weather conditions, and seeing how changes affect flight behavior. Some also mention adjusting things like weight and position.

Even if your session does not cover every scenario, you should expect the flight environment to respond in believable ways. That’s what turns “pressing buttons” into “learning the relationship between control inputs and aircraft response.”

What’s included, and what you should bring

Included:

• Pilot Diploma

Not included:

• Snacks

That’s straightforward. Bring water if you like, and plan to eat before or after your session. You’ll be seated for the briefing and active during the flight, so having something in your stomach before you arrive helps.

If you’re traveling from another part of Paris, also bring a small buffer for getting there on time. This isn’t an activity where you want to arrive stressed, then try to learn the cockpit while your brain is still in commute mode.

Who will enjoy this most

This works especially well for:

• families with kids age 10+ who want a hands-on activity
• adults who like structured instruction and short, goal-based experiences
• anyone curious about airliners and how cockpit procedures actually chain together
• groups who prefer private activities over shared tours

If you’re the kind of person who hates being put on a schedule, the tight timing might feel limiting. But if you like “short lesson, big payoff,” you’ll likely love it.

Things to watch out for: tight scheduling and matching the address

The experience is private and time-boxed, so logistics matter more than usual. The most important thing you can do is arrive ready and on time at 16 Rue Raymond Aron.

A couple of practical considerations to keep in mind:

• If your trip is packed, avoid booking this as a “maybe we’ll make it” stop.
• Make sure your navigation leads you to the correct entrance and not the wrong building.
• If there’s any confusion about timing, act fast by contacting the provider as early as possible.

Also note that simulator availability can be affected by technical issues. If something goes wrong, you may be asked to reschedule. I’d treat this like a real appointment, not a flexible game.

Finally, since the activity is in English, double-check that you’re comfortable following instruction in English. Most people can participate, but language comfort still affects how much you learn and enjoy in a short briefing.

Should you book the Private Pilotage simulator in Paris?

Book it if you want a hands-on, private Airbus A320 cockpit experience with an instructor, a short briefing, and a real “captain” moment. The format is built for quick learning and action, and the Pilot Diploma makes it feel like more than entertainment.

Skip it if you need a long training session, or if your schedule is so tight that a few minutes delay would ruin your day. Because the flight time is about 35 minutes, you’ll feel the impact if you start late.

If you’re visiting Paris and want one activity that’s genuinely different from the usual landmarks, this is a smart pick. Plan to arrive early, wear comfortable clothes for sitting, and keep one main goal for what you want to practice. Then you’ll get the best kind of value: a short window where you actually fly.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Private Pilotage of a Flight Simulator in Paris?

It is approximately 45 minutes total, with about 35 minutes of flight time and around 10 minutes of briefing.

How much does it cost?

The price listed is $119.48 per person.

Is the simulator flight private?

Yes. It is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

Which aircraft simulator do you use?

You sit in the cockpit of an Airbus A320 flight simulator.

Is the experience available in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

The experience includes a Pilot Diploma.

Are snacks included?

No. Snacks are not included.

Where do I meet for the session?

You start at 16 Rue Raymond Aron, 75013 Paris, France, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What are the opening hours?

The listed opening hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.