It's been some years since a small team of Moscow enthusiasts crazy for planes started building their first flight simulator. Over the years, the project evolved, features were added, and now even the real pilots say that TFT Aero is very close to the simulators found in Boeing training centers.
Currently they have two simulators in operation: an Airbus A320 & a Boeing 737NG (which I personally like more).
You'll fly in the Captain's seat with an experienced instructor in the co-pilot seat (usually a real Captain on vacation, or a real Flight Training Instructor) guiding you through the engine start, runway taxiing, takeoff, landing, and various events happening while in the air. The knobs, controls, view, feel (and even tilt and rattle) are very real. You can really feel 40 tons of metal and that huge power of the two jet engines behind you. Controlled by your fingers.
To make things more fun and add some joy, they can enable rain, "explode" one of the engines, or simulate any other type of failure and explain how to deal with it.
Running the flight is pretty easy, both for rookies and for experienced MS Flight Simulator users. I would recommend booking at least one hour of flight, as the "standard" 30 minutes slot is too short.
The simulators, located on the 3rd floor in the Riviera shopping mall, have to be booked in advance and are pretty crowded on weekends. But on workdays it's usually possible to book a flight the "next day".
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Moscow guide.
"True Cost Live" is a restaurant in Moscow that has an entrance fee, but everything you order is priced at cost. It's not just cheap: I love the food!
By
"Craftland Cultural Bar" in Moscow is a cool pub with red brick walls, extremely happy & helpful staff! I love the unusual beers & the 'Cocky Tony' burger.
By
"Vanya Nalyot" in Moscow means 'Vanya will pour you a drink' - indeed he will. This bar is completely unpretentious and I love its terrace for a draft beer
By
"Flacon", or 'design factory Flacon' in Moscow, used to be a Soviet crystal factory. Now it's a must-visit hotspot for hipster design & architecture
By
"Gastroferma" in Moscow is an untypically hip food market with plenty of restaurants. Here I can find every kind of international food I wish...
By
"Strelka" is one of the most trendy and lively places in Moscow. I love the lectures at the institute, but the rooftop terrace bar is also great...
By
"Friends Forever" in Moscow is the place you just have to go for your breakfast. I recommend their scrambles on a bread with avocado paste...
By
"Hermitage garden" in Moscow (don't mix it up with St. Pete!) is a tiny park in the centre I like for the atmosphere, romantic hints and the 32.05 cafe...
By
"Сhajnoe Puteshestvie" in Moscow is not a teashop in the ordinary sense of the word. It's a place for those who can't imagine life without tea...
By
"Introvert" is one of my favorite cafes in Moscow. It's actually more like three spots in one, each one serving a completely different purpose...
By
The "Space Museum" in Moscow is great for space enthusiasts! It's not very big, but it's cozy and inspiring, and most of its exhibits are real...
By
"City cafe 317" in Moscow, just across the White House, is one of my favorite spots around. I love the cocktails, simple style and satisfying food...
By
134 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Moscow Blog & App!
✓ 134 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Moscow City Blog & App!