The Flight Simulator Centre Newcastle, founded by former fighter jet pilot and aviation specialist Neil McCarthy, has unveiled its most ambitious and iconic simulator to date: a fully immersive Concorde flight simulator, marking a major milestone for aviation experiences in the North East.
Located near Newcastle International Airport, the Flight Simulator Centre has undergone major expansion over the past six years. After replacing its original fleet with top-of-the-range, fully functional, pilot-certified training simulators, the centre has grown into one of the UK’s most comprehensive and authentic aviation experience venues.
“Up until recently we had a Boeing 737 and a single fighter jet,” said Neil. “Now we’ve expanded significantly. Alongside the 737, we operate an Airbus A320, multiple fighter jets including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and the F-35 Lightning II — and these can be linked together for shared or competitive flight experiences.”
The F/A-18 Hornet, famously featured in Top Gun: Maverick, has proven especially popular, while the nimble F-16 and cutting-edge F-35 offer authentic modern combat aviation experiences. Soon, the centre will also welcome another historic aviation icon: a Avro Lancaster simulator.
The centrepiece of the expansion is the Concorde simulator, which has taken nearly three years to design and build. Created using original Concorde blueprints, the simulator has been engineered to be millimetre-perfect to the real aircraft.
“When you step inside, you’re walking into Concorde,” Neil explained. “From the two pilot seats and the full flight engineer’s panel to the jump seat famously used by the Queen Mother, everything is exactly where it should be.”
The simulator features nearly 300-degree wraparound visuals, global scenery databases, and fully functioning Concorde systems including the droop snoot nose and visor. Guests can take the aircraft through supersonic flight at Mach 2, climb to 60,000 feet, and see the curvature of the Earth.
“For those who really want the full experience, yes — you can fly London to New York in just over three hours,” Neil added.
The Flight Simulator Centre Newcastle also offers unique linked two-person experiences, allowing participants to fly side-by-side or head-to-head in a
Battle of Britain Experience in a dramatic dogfight scenario featuring a Supermarine Spitfire versus a Messerschmitt Bf 109 or the Top Gun Experience – a modern combat simulation featuring an F/A-18 Hornet versus an F-16 Viper.
These fully interactive experiences allow participants to share the cockpit action in real time, making them ideal for friends, families, and aviation enthusiasts.
Beyond individual experiences, the Flight Simulator Centre Newcastle offers:
Corporate events and team-building experiences, private group bookings, birthday celebrations and even 1-2-1 Fear of Flying sessions.The dedicated Fear of Flying programme provides structured, personalised sessions designed to help individuals overcome anxiety in a controlled and supportive simulator environment.
“Our goal isn’t just entertainment,” said Neil. “It’s education, confidence-building and inspiration.”
Neil’s aviation journey began with the Air Cadets before moving into sponsored flight training. Originally on track to become a commercial airline pilot, his career took a different turn after flying a fighter jet — leading to roles as a test pilot, air show display director and demonstration pilot across Europe for more than two decades.
Following major changes in the UK air display industry around a decade ago, Neil channelled his experience into creating something entirely new for the North East — a professional, accessible, world-class flight simulation centre that could inspire future pilots, engineers and aviation professionals.
What began with a single Spitfire simulator has evolved into a globally recognised facility attracting visitors from across the UK and internationally, including Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Chicago, Gibraltar, Jersey and Guernsey.
With its Concorde simulator now operational and the Lancaster Bomber arriving soon, the Flight Simulator Centre Newcastle continues to bring aviation’s most iconic aircraft to life.
For bookings, corporate enquiries and full experience details, visit:
Ends
Photo: Neil in the Concorde simulator (The Bigger Picture Agency)
Video available on request
PR and media keitH@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951