Want to be captain for 45 minutes?

I like how this private Paris simulator experience puts you in the Airbus A320 cockpit with a professional instructor guiding you step by step. You’ll do a quick briefing, start the engines, and then take control of a real-feeling airliner setup.

Two things I really like: you get a solid chunk of hands-on time (35 minutes of flight time), and you leave with a tangible finish in the form of a pilot diploma. One drawback to keep in mind is that timing and communication can make or break the experience, so I’d double-check your session details and be ready for last-minute schedule changes.

Key Points Before You Book

• Airbus A320 cockpit experience where you take the captain’s seat and control the flight
• Private session so it’s just your group, not a big mixed crowd
• English instruction (helpful if your French is still on airplane mode)
• 35 minutes flying + 10 minutes briefing for a tight, focused lesson
• Adjust flight conditions like weather and aircraft parameters, if your instructor runs it that way
• Includes a pilot diploma, with snacks notably not included

Airbus A320 in Paris: What This Simulator Really Is

This is not a “sit and watch” type of attraction. The core idea is simple: you’re treated like an active pilot for one compact session inside a convincing Airbus A320 flight simulator. You’ll learn what you’re looking at, then you’ll use the controls to fly the mission you choose.

The instructor portion is important here. Even if you’ve done sims before, the cockpit layout and procedures of an A320 vs a Boeing 737 can feel different fast. People who’ve tested both noted they adapted quicker after a short, structured compare-and-contrast. That’s exactly what makes a guided simulator session feel worthwhile instead of like a video game.

And yes, you’re in Paris. The simulator is based at 16 Rue Raymond Aron, 75013 Paris, so this works well as an add-on activity during a normal sightseeing day—if you plan your timing.

Inside the Session: Briefing, Engines, Takeoff, and Control

Your session runs about 45 minutes total, built around roughly 10 minutes of briefing and 35 minutes of flying. That split matters. It means you get enough ground instruction to feel oriented, but you don’t get stuck in a long classroom before anything happens.

The briefing: learn the cockpit fast

During the briefing, your instructor will walk you through the cockpit basics and the flow of what comes next—where key controls are, what you should pay attention to, and how the simulator “thinks.” One of the best outcomes of this style is confidence. You start pressing buttons with a reason, not just because they look cool.

If you’re flying alongside someone (solo or as a pair), the instructor can also accommodate you as the active pilot. In at least one shared experience, a partner acted as co-pilot during takeoffs and landings, which made the session feel more special than “single-player mode.”

Engine start and getting airborne

After the briefing, you’ll start the engines and then take off. The moment you move from theory into action is where this experience feels most like aviation.

Then you transition into the part you actually came for: being the captain. The simulator can support multiple takeoffs and landings in one session, and many instructors structure the time so you can practice key phases rather than only doing one brief departure.

You can often shape the flight

Some sessions include flying a few different laps or switching between airports, plus changing factors like weather and aircraft parameters. If you like control—literally—this is one of the best parts. Instead of following a fixed script, you’re usually steering the session with your instructor’s guidance.

Your Instructor Matters (and You’ll Notice It)

The instructor quality is a theme in the feedback. People described instructors as friendly, flexible with pacing, and good at teaching in a way that reduces the intimidation factor of a cockpit full of switches.

Names you might hear include Martin, Arnaud, Ryan, and Marc. You can’t count on which instructor you’ll get, but it’s a good sign that multiple staff members are showing up as capable instructors with a calm teaching style.

One practical takeaway: if you’ve already spent time in sims, mention it up front. That can help the instructor tailor how fast you move through basics and where they focus their coaching. Some sessions also include differences between aircraft types (737 vs 320), which helps if you’re already familiar with another platform.

Where You Meet in Paris (and How Not to Waste Time)

You’ll meet at 16 Rue Raymond Aron, 75013 Paris, and the activity ends back there. That last point is helpful: you’re not dealing with an open-ended “take a taxi later” situation.

The location is also described as near public transportation, which is what you want in Paris. You don’t want to spend your only free evening trapped in logistics.

Still, here’s the practical advice I’d follow: confirm the exact meeting instructions close to your visit, and don’t rely only on a phone GPS route if the area’s mapping has been inconsistent in the past. Using the address from your confirmation and allowing a few minutes buffer will keep this from turning into a stressful race.

Price and Value: Does $119.48 Actually Make Sense?

At $119.48 per person, this isn’t a “cheap activity,” but it also isn’t overpriced for what you get. You’re paying for three things most standard tours don’t bundle together:

1. Instructor time (a professional pilot teaching you live)
2. A real cockpit simulator setup (not a small screen demo)
3. Hands-on flying time within a short, structured session

The reason it feels good value is the format. You’re not buying a two-hour production where the “learning” is mostly waiting. You’re buying a focused block where you actually sit at the controls.

If you compare it to other “experience” activities in Paris, the best value angle is that this one gives you a skill-like outcome—plus a pilot diploma—instead of only a memory.

That said, since the experience length is compact, any schedule slippage can sting. If your day is packed tightly, plan buffer time so you don’t feel like you lost a chunk of your itinerary.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This is described as accessible from age 10 and up, which makes it a rare aviation activity that works for families who aren’t just looking for a museum.

It also fits:

• People who love aviation and want a hands-on taste of Airbus systems
• Simulator nerds who want to compare aircraft types (A320 vs 737)
• Couples or friends who want a shared “captain” moment in a private setting
• Anyone who wants an activity that isn’t another long walking tour

You might want to think twice if:

• You need absolutely perfect scheduling with zero flexibility
• You’re easily frustrated by tech issues or session adjustments (rare, but it’s been reported)
• You’re the type who assumes everything will run exactly as originally planned without any contact needed from your side

The experience can be excellent when it’s well-run and communication is smooth. So go in prepared, and it’s likely to feel like one of your more memorable Paris moments.

What to Watch For: Communication, Timing, and “Plan B”

Based on feedback you should treat this like a real appointment, not a drop-in show. Some people reported problems such as difficulty reaching staff by phone/email, sessions shifted after booking mistakes, or an initial simulator issue that required a restart or rescheduling.

You can’t control all of that. But you can reduce the risk:

• Double-check your date and time immediately after booking
• Keep your contact info current so they can confirm quickly
• Bring your voucher/payment proof if you booked through another party
• If you bought a voucher via a third party, keep the paperwork ready in case you need to reference it

Also note confirmation behavior: you’ll receive confirmation at booking unless you book within two days of travel, in which case confirmation comes within 48 hours subject to availability. That means it’s smart to book earlier if your schedule is tight.

The “lesson” from all this is simple: treat it like a pilot briefing. Show up ready, and the experience usually goes smoothly.

Getting the Most From Your 35 Minutes at the Controls

You only have 35 minutes flying, so don’t waste the moment being shy about learning. Here’s how to make the time count:

• Ask early what you should focus on as the captain
• If your instructor offers the ability to change conditions (weather, parameters, airports), choose settings that help you practice rather than just “explore”
• If you’re new, prioritize smooth control and basic procedures over dramatic maneuvers
• If you already know sims, ask for the A320-specific differences so you can build accurate habits fast

And if you want the session to feel special: consider going with a partner or a friend so the briefing and flying phases feel shared. Some sessions can include both people actively participating, which makes the cockpit time feel more like a story than a checklist.

Should You Book AviaSim’s Private Pilotage in Paris?

If you want a fun, high-focus aviation activity in Paris—and you like learning while doing—this is a strong pick. The combination of English instruction, private group format, and real cockpit time in an Airbus A320 makes it more meaningful than most “experience” bookings.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re traveling with teens or kids aged 10+ who enjoy hands-on moments. The pilot diploma also adds a nice “we actually did something” feeling that lasts longer than a photo album.

My only caution is practical: confirm details carefully, build a little buffer into your day, and be ready to communicate if schedules shift. Do that, and you’ll likely come away with a genuine sense of what it feels like to work the flight deck—without needing a private hangar in Paris.

FAQ

How long is the private flight simulator experience?

It lasts about 45 minutes total, with approximately 35 minutes of flight and 10 minutes of briefing.

What aircraft will I fly in the simulator?

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

Is this experience private?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What age is the experience suitable for?

It’s accessible to everyone from 10 years old.

What is included in the price, and what is not?

The booking includes a pilot diploma. Snacks are not included. Service animals are allowed.

Where is the meeting point in Paris?

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

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, the amount paid is not refunded.