A Zurich fighter-jet fantasy, with real cockpit control.
In Zurich at Fly & Race Simulations, you step into an F/A-18 flight simulator, get a warm welcome with drinks, and receive a safety-first briefing before you ever touch the controls. The whole experience is built around a pilot-style session, led by an instructor who stays with you throughout.
I especially love the mix of structure and fun: clear guidance, then a hands-on 60 minutes in the simulator. The one drawback to think about is timing—your total visit is about 1 hour 20 minutes, but only 60 minutes are actual flight time, since the 15–20 minute briefing does not count.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Where You’ll Go in Zurich: Fly & Race Simulations on Josefstrasse
- The 1 Hour 20 Minute Flow: Welcome, Briefing, Flight Time
- What Flying an F/A-18 Simulator Feels Like in Real Time
- Safety Briefing That Actually Prepares You
- The Instructor and Team Dynamic: Helpful, Friendly, and Pilot-Serious
- Price and Value: $273.72 for a Group (Up to 4)
- Who This Zurich Jet Simulator Is Best For
- Practical Tips Before You Book (Based on What Matters Here)
- Should You Book the F/A-18 Simulator in Zurich?
- FAQ
- How long is the F/A-18 flight simulator experience in Zurich?
- Is the flight time really 60 minutes?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What language is the experience offered in?
- What is included in the price?
- Can I cancel for free?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- F/A-18 simulator with real, guided cockpit control so you are not just watching screens
- 15–20 minute instructor briefing that happens before the flight time starts
- 60 minutes at the controls inside a realistic simulation setup
- Former professional pilot-style coaching, including instructor Dani
- Small private group experience with up to 4 people per booking
- Practical comfort and access, including a max weight of 100 kg and being near public transport
Where You’ll Go in Zurich: Fly & Race Simulations on Josefstrasse
Your experience starts and ends at Fly & Race Simulations GmbH at Josefstrasse 53, 8005 Zürich. It’s set up as a private activity, meaning only your group participates, not a mixed crowd.
This is also one of those Zurich plans that works well even if you like public transport. The venue is near public transportation, and the check-in is straightforward: you arrive, you meet the team, and you get ready for the briefing and simulator time.
The booking uses a paper ticket, so keep an eye on the confirmation details you receive within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability). If you’re bringing a service animal, that’s allowed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Zurich.
The 1 Hour 20 Minute Flow: Welcome, Briefing, Flight Time
Plan on roughly 1 hour 20 minutes total. The rhythm is simple: welcome first, then briefing, then the flight itself, and you’re done back at the same meeting point.
Right at the start, you’ll get coffee and/or tea plus soda/pop. After that, the instructor covers safety and how to run the simulation so you can pilot it with confidence. The key detail: the briefing (about 15–20 minutes) is not included in the 60 minutes of simulator flight time.
During the flight, an experienced instructor guides you at all times. That matters because it turns the session from a one-time thrill into a learn-as-you-go experience. You’re still doing the flying, but you’re not stuck figuring everything out while the simulation is moving fast.
Also note the max weight: 100 kg. If someone in your group is close to that limit, it’s worth double-checking before you book.
What Flying an F/A-18 Simulator Feels Like in Real Time
This is not a museum display and it’s not a passive ride. You fly an F/A-18 simulator yourself, which is the big selling point for people who want more than watching graphics do their thing.
The realism is strong, with the kind of visuals that make you pay attention to what you’re doing. One family-centered session described the feeling as very real and exciting, with high-energy moments and lots of laughter during the run.
In the hands-on part, you can expect the session to include challenging or chaotic simulation moments. One account mentioned an intense maneuver and a crash scenario in a forest area called Solothurner Wald, including a Mach-style vertical moment. Another playful element involved trying to grab or disrupt the torch of the Statue of Liberty during the run—so yes, it can go from serious flying to pure role-play chaos.
That’s actually a good sign for value. A flight simulator can be impressive but still feel scripted. Here, it sounds like the instructor keeps things engaging, so the time at the controls feels like an experience, not just a demo.
Safety Briefing That Actually Prepares You
The briefing is not just paperwork. It’s built to help you pilot safely, with the instructor guiding you on what matters before your flight clock starts.
I like that the team separates learning from flight time. You get the briefing, you get oriented, and then you jump into the 60 minutes of actual piloting. That means you’re less likely to waste your flight time stuck on basics.
And you can see the pilot-led approach in how the staff is described. One instructor named Dani is mentioned as a former professional pilot who gives a very informative aviation introduction. People also describe the briefing as interesting, with background and context—not just button instructions.
One practical consideration: since the briefing does not count as flight time, don’t assume your 60-minute promise starts right when you arrive. If you’re juggling a tight schedule in Zurich, give yourself buffer time before and after.
The Instructor and Team Dynamic: Helpful, Friendly, and Pilot-Serious
This experience seems to live or die by the instructor, and that’s exactly where it shines. In multiple accounts, the staff comes across as competent and genuinely friendly, with instructors who explain clearly and stick with you during the session.
Dani comes up by name, and the tone is consistent: professional flying background, solid communication, and a sense of humor. Other staff members are mentioned too, including Alex and Asel, with one story highlighting strong support when plans changed and a same-day slot was made possible after a booking error.
That level of flexibility matters. If you’re traveling with a schedule that can wobble—late trains, missed connections, or simple date mix-ups—you want a team that responds quickly rather than shrugging and saying sorry.
Also, since this is a private group booking, the session can feel more personal. Even with up to 4 people, you’re not lost in a crowd.
Price and Value: $273.72 for a Group (Up to 4)
The price is listed as $273.72 per group, for up to 4 people. That’s a big advantage if you’re traveling with friends or family, because you’re not paying a separate simulator fee for each person.
Think about value in terms of what you actually get:
- 60 minutes of simulator flight time for the group
- a briefing (15–20 minutes) that prepares you to pilot safely
- coffee/tea and soda/pop
- instructor guidance the whole time
- a private setup rather than a shared session
When you split the group price, the cost per person can drop quickly—especially if you’ve got 3 or 4 people who want to participate (or spectate). And even if only one person flies in a given moment, the group still gets the full structured experience and the instructor attention.
Two small cost considerations:
- Parking fees are not included.
- Your timing is about 1 hour 20 minutes total, so plan like you’re spending a real chunk of your day, not just squeezing in a quick activity.
Who This Zurich Jet Simulator Is Best For
This is a fun choice for people who want hands-on aviation without the risks or logistics of the real thing. It also seems especially great for families with older kids, since one session description focuses on a son who was thrilled from start to finish.
Here’s where it fits best:
- Aviation fans who want the cockpit feeling, not just a lecture
- First-time thrill seekers who need clear instruction and constant guidance
- Families and groups up to 4 who want one shared activity in Zurich
- Rainy-day planners, since it’s indoor and time-boxed
It’s also a good fit for English speakers, since the experience is offered in English.
If your main goal is to experience real-world G-forces in a real fighter jet, this won’t replace that. But if your goal is to feel like you’re actually piloting an F/A-18 in a realistic simulator setup, this is a highly targeted experience.
Practical Tips Before You Book (Based on What Matters Here)
A few details make your visit smoother:
- Keep in mind the briefing doesn’t count toward the 60 minutes of flight time, so arrive with enough time.
- Confirm you understand the max weight limit of 100 kg for participation.
- Expect the instructor to guide you throughout, so don’t worry about being an expert.
- If you’re coordinating schedules, remember the slot confirmation happens within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Bring your paper ticket info for check-in.
Because it’s a private activity, you can also treat it like a mini event. Show up a little early, get settled, and let the team do the guiding work.
Should You Book the F/A-18 Simulator in Zurich?
Book it if you want a real cockpit-style experience with a safety briefing, constant instructor support, and a full 60 minutes at the controls. The fact that people mention Dani (former professional pilot) and highlight realistic graphics and a fun, guided atmosphere makes this feel like a well-run aviation experience rather than a gimmick.
Skip it (or at least rethink it) if you’re short on time and can’t handle the 1 hour 20 minute total block. Also consider whether the 100 kg max weight might affect your group.
For most people, though, this is exactly the kind of Zurich activity that feels different from the usual “sit and look” options—hands-on, structured, and genuinely entertaining.
FAQ
How long is the F/A-18 flight simulator experience in Zurich?
The full activity is about 1 hour 20 minutes. The simulator flight time is 60 minutes, and the briefing takes about 15–20 minutes (the briefing does not count toward the flight time).
Is the flight time really 60 minutes?
Yes. The session includes 60 minutes of simulator flight time, while the briefing happens separately before the flight begins.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Fly & Race Simulations GmbH, Josefstrasse 53, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.
What language is the experience offered in?
The experience is offered in English.
What is included in the price?
Included are the simulator flight (60 minutes), a briefing (about 15–20 minutes), coffee and/or tea, and soda/pop. The group size is 1–2 persons as pilot and 2–3 accompanying persons/spectators (up to 4 people in a group).
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.
