F / A-18 fighter jet flight simulator in Zurich

The most unusual part of this Zurich activity is simple: you take the controls of an F/A-18 fighter jet rather than sit in a cockpit and watch someone else fly. At Fly & Race Simulations, a briefing comes first, followed by a full 60-minute simulator session guided by an instructor.

I like the generous flight time and the fact that experienced aviation staff stay with you throughout the session. I also like the private format, which lets one or two people fly while friends or family watch, laugh, and share the experience. The main consideration is the 100-kilogram maximum weight, plus the need to confirm how your pilot and spectator group fits within the booking limit.

Key points at a glance

• Sixty minutes at the controls: The flight time is separate from the 15 to 20-minute briefing.
• Former professional pilot on hand: Dani leads the aviation briefing and guides the simulator session.
• A private group experience: One or two people can serve as pilots, with accompanying spectators included.
• Plenty of room for fun: The simulator can handle serious flying practice, playful missions, and the occasional crash.
• Drinks are included: Coffee, tea, and soda are provided during the visit.
• Central Zurich meeting point: Fly & Race Simulations is at Josefstrasse 53, near public transportation.

Taking the controls at Fly & Race Simulations

This is not a sightseeing tour with a quick cockpit photo. You are there to fly.

The experience takes place at Fly & Race Simulations GmbH, at Josefstrasse 53 in Zurich’s 8005 district. The activity begins and ends at this same address, which keeps the outing easy to plan. The location is near public transportation, though parking fees are not included if you drive.

The booking is private, so only your own group takes part. That matters more than it may first appear. You do not have to share the controls with strangers, wait for a large class to finish, or feel self-conscious when your aircraft makes an undignified visit to the ground.

The format works well for a small family, a pair of friends, or an aviation-minded couple. One or two people are listed as pilots, while two or three accompanying people can watch. The overall booking price is listed as $273.72 per group of up to four, so check the final party arrangement carefully if you plan to bring the maximum number of people. The pilot and spectator breakdown suggests some flexibility, but the group limit is the figure to keep in mind.

A 15 to 20-minute briefing before the flight

The welcome begins with drinks and an introduction to the activity. Then comes a briefing of about 15 to 20 minutes. This time does not reduce your 60 minutes in the simulator, which is an important value point.

Dani, identified as a former professional pilot, leads the aviation introduction. The briefing is not just a formality before pressing buttons. It gives you background information about aviation and helps you understand what you are about to operate.

That preparation is especially useful if you have never handled a flight simulator. A fighter jet cockpit can look busy, and the briefing gives you a chance to ask questions before the session starts. You can get your bearings without using up your paid flight time.

The tone can also be light. A family booking described a warm welcome, conversation about aviation and model aircraft, and an informative briefing before the flying began. That combination should suit people who are curious about aircraft but do not already know cockpit systems by heart.

You should still expect the session to be guided, not completely free-form. The instructor remains with you throughout, helping you operate the simulator safely. This is a good arrangement for first-time pilots, since the aim is to have fun without turning the first few minutes into a confusing scramble.

Sixty minutes of F/A-18 simulator time

After the briefing, the main event begins: 60 minutes in the F/A-18 simulator.

The supplied details do not promise a fixed route, a particular combat scenario, or a set list of maneuvers. That is useful to know. You are booking guided simulator time, not a scripted theme-park ride with every moment predetermined.

The instructor can help you make the most of the session. If you want to focus on learning how the aircraft responds, you can treat the hour as a practical introduction. If your group wants a more playful outing, you can enjoy the freedom to attempt ambitious missions and see what happens.

One account describes a crash with Mach, a flight toward the Solothurn forest, and an attempt to steal or extinguish the torch of the Statue of Liberty. Those details suggest the session allows room for humor and imaginative goals, rather than demanding a stiff, formal approach from start to finish.

That flexibility is one of the activity’s strongest features. You can take the controls seriously for a while, then laugh when your carefully planned flight ends badly. A fighter simulator gives you a safe place to make mistakes. The instructor can keep the session moving while you learn through trial and error.

The graphics have also been praised as impressive, with a realistic feeling reported by someone whose expectations were exceeded. You should keep your expectations sensible: this is a simulator, not a military training facility. Still, the combination of cockpit controls, visual scenes, and an instructor’s guidance can create a convincing sense of being in command.

Sharing the cockpit with family and friends

The group format makes this more than a solo activity.

One or two people can fly, while accompanying people watch. This means a parent can book it for a child, two friends can take turns, or one person can fly while the rest of the group follows the action. The format also gives spectators a role, since they can react to the decisions, crashes, and attempted stunts.

For a family outing, that shared experience is a real advantage. One parent may not want to handle the controls, but can still enjoy the briefing and watch the flight. A teenager who is fascinated by military aircraft can take the pilot seat while the rest of the family joins the fun.

The activity may be less satisfying for someone who wants a full hour of solo control with no interruptions. The details allow one to two pilots, so if two people fly, you will need to divide the hour between you. Ask about the practical arrangement when booking if sharing time is important.

The private setup also reduces pressure. You do not need to perform for a room full of strangers. You can ask basic questions, try a maneuver again, or laugh at a mistake without worrying about holding up a group.

What the instructor adds to the experience

The instructor is central to the value here.

Dani receives particular praise for making the briefing interesting and guiding the final simulation flight. The descriptions of the staff repeatedly focus on friendliness, competence, and good support. That matters because a simulator can be impressive equipment, but equipment alone does not explain how to use it.

A good guide helps you understand what to do next, especially when the cockpit seems crowded with controls. The instructor can also adjust the tone of the session. A serious aviation enthusiast may want background and technique, while a family may prefer an entertaining flight with plenty of jokes.

The information provided does not promise that Dani personally will lead every booking. If having a specific instructor matters to you, ask when you reserve. The named staff member is associated with the experience, but availability can vary.

You should also expect the instructor to stay with you during the flight. This is not a leave-you-alone arcade machine. Guidance is available throughout, which makes the activity more approachable for beginners and younger participants who meet the weight requirement.

The real value of the $273.72 group price

At $273.72 per group of up to four, the price makes the most sense when shared.

For one person, it is a costly hour of entertainment. For a small group, the calculation improves. You are paying for the private booking, the briefing, the instructor’s time, and 60 minutes of simulator use. Coffee, tea, and soda are also included, though drinks are a small part of the overall value.

A group of four can split the listed price, subject to the exact booking rules, making it easier to justify as a birthday treat or a special Zurich activity. Two people can also find value here if both are genuinely interested in flying. The price is harder to defend if only one person cares about aviation and the rest are simply waiting for the session to end.

The separate briefing is another point in its favor. You are not paying for a short turn at the controls after a quick safety announcement. The flight itself lasts about an hour, and the briefing comes in addition.

I would compare this with the type of experience you want. If you are looking for an inexpensive attraction to fill 30 minutes, this is not the right choice. If you want a private, guided activity with enough time to learn, make mistakes, and share a few laughs, the group price is more reasonable.

Practical details before you book

The maximum weight is 100 kilograms. This is the clearest participation restriction, so check it before paying, especially if the pilot will be close to that limit.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, which makes it easier to reach without a car. If you drive, remember that parking fees are not included.

The tour is offered in English. That makes it suitable for English-speaking visitors, though the available staff and exact language of your session should still be confirmed if language support is a major concern.

You receive a paper ticket. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would avoid planning this as a last-minute fixed part of a tightly packed Zurich schedule until the booking is confirmed.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. A cancellation made less than 24 hours ahead is not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. This is a fair policy, but it rewards careful planning.

Who will enjoy this Zurich activity most

This is a natural match for aviation fans, but you do not need prior flight experience.

It should work particularly well for:

• Families with a child or teenager fascinated by aircraft
• Couples looking for an unusual private activity
• Friends who enjoy competition, jokes, and trying something unfamiliar
• People who have used flight simulators and want a guided fighter jet version
• Birthday groups or small celebrations
• Visitors who want a weather-proof activity in Zurich

The experience may not suit someone who dislikes machinery, needs a quiet museum visit, or expects to fly a real aircraft. It is also not ideal if your party cannot meet the weight restriction or if nobody in the group wants to take the controls.

The playful side deserves emphasis. You can approach the hour as a serious introduction to fighter jet simulation, but you can also attempt absurd missions and accept that failure is part of the fun. The story involving the Statue of Liberty torch shows the sort of imaginative humor that can make the session memorable for children and adults alike.

Should you book the F/A-18 simulator?

Book it if you want a private, hands-on activity and your group is happy to share the flying time. The 60-minute session, separate briefing, instructor support, and included drinks give the experience more substance than a quick arcade turn.

I would especially recommend it for a small group with one enthusiastic pilot and several amused spectators. The private setting lets you learn at your own pace, and the chance to laugh at spectacular mistakes is part of the appeal.

Skip it if you want real aviation, a short and cheap attraction, or a fixed sightseeing itinerary. Also check the 100-kilogram limit, the English-language format, and your group size before booking. For the right audience, this is a lively Zurich outing with enough guidance to help beginners and enough freedom to keep experienced simulator fans entertained.

FAQ

Where does the F/A-18 simulator experience take place?

It starts and ends at Fly & Race Simulations GmbH, Josefstrasse 53, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This includes a briefing of about 15 to 20 minutes and 60 minutes of simulator flight time.

Does the briefing count as part of the flight time?

No. The 15 to 20-minute briefing does not count toward the 60-minute simulator session.

How many people can fly?

The included arrangement allows one or two people to participate as pilots.

Can other people watch?

Yes. The experience includes two to three accompanying people as spectators, subject to the booking’s stated group limit of up to four.

Is an instructor present during the flight?

Yes. An experienced instructor guides you throughout the simulator session.

What is included with the booking?

The booking includes the briefing, 60 minutes in the simulator, coffee and/or tea, and soda or pop.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 100 kilograms.

Is parking included?

No. Parking fees are not included. The location is near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.