The Virtual Jet Centre is an award-winning business based in the South-West of England. We are proud to have won awards for Innovation, Culture, Corporate Social Responsibility, Unique Learning Experiences but to name a few…
Here at the Virtual Jet Centre, we are always excited to read your reviews! We would like to extend our thanks to such a supportive community who have enabled us to become an award winning company in the South West.
Right from the telephone call to arrange the time and date, I knew this was going to be great.
Very professional, very friendly and very accommodating.
As most people, I work full-time so weekends were my only option. I was pleasantly surprised when the lady on the phone asked if I would like a Sunday slot! SUNDAY! Yes, they really are open 7 days a week.
– Ross P (Bristol)
We knew this would be a truly unique and fun experience for the children, whilst also incorporating some educational elements too. It was really well organised, so massive thanks to the team for providing such a wonderful morning.
– Ceri Hoggins (Year 4 teacher)
It is great that the children have been given the opportunity to see how maths can be applied in the working world and in a job that looks really fun.
Captain Andy Wilkins, the founder of the Centre, was great at explaining to the children about the importance of maths and how it can lead to cool jobs such as being a pilot jetting around the world.
– Clare Hopper (Parent)
A trip to Lanzarote was my first flight after going on the simulator. For the outward flight, I chose not to sit in the windows seat, although I had planned to. I let my wife Jill have the window seat as she likes it but, instead, I took my normal middle seat and talked quietly though the roll and take off out of Exeter. Rather than concentrate on me I sat and watched in awe out of the windows at the lovely sight of Devon. For the first time since 1985, I actually enjoyed the view and sensation.
After a good holiday, I actually looked forward to the flight back. I was almost itching to board the ‘plane back! I was ahead of Jill on the air bridge and immediately made my way to the window seat to settle in. Whilst I know Jill was happy for me to take the seat, I know she was also miffed as she enjoys the window seat when we go away.
I thought my way through the procedures prior to take off and, as we picked up speed, I tried to imagine the point where V1 was called. I got them wrong on both the outward and return flights.
As we took off I was glued to the window but, also my camcorder screen to record the moment. I concentrated on the window but found myself sat a little upright in the seat. When I settled back into the seat, I fell backwards a bit more than I expected as the seat back was no longer vertical. This threw me for a moment and I nearly panicked. I realised what had happened and settled into the seat back, comfortable again. I watched the ground fall away all the way up to the point where we went through the clouds.
You can probably tell that I enjoyed both flights from beginning to end. That session on the simulator made a big difference so, thank you for your help in the process.
– Tony O’Brien (Fear of Flying Client)
At the beginning of the month I visited the Virtual Jet Centre terrified of flying (even though I fly twice a year and have done since the age of three). I’m now 19 years old and just the mere thought of getting on a plane would set me into a frenzy filled with sheer panic.
For the duration of flights, I would cuddle into my Dad while crying and shaking. I’d cause myself to feel very light headed due to hyperventilating – sometimes for as long as 3 hours. People around me would try and encourage me to keep my mind off the flight but I could not speak to anyone, concentrate on anything (such as games) or even have general chit chat.
I was very distressed arriving at the Virtual Jet Centre for my Fear of Flying course because I knew I would be faced with my fear head on, especially with the simulator!
At the beginning of the course Andy took me through to sit in what looked like the inside of a plane and asked me how I felt…with this I burst into tears and told him that I really wanted to just get out of that room! However, by the end of the course, the transformation was amazing. It really is incredible what 3 hours can do to transform your fears.
On the 27th of Feb, I went on holiday skiing (as we do every year) and I noticed that in the lead up to the holiday (after my course) I was not nervous or emotional (this is something that usually happens the week leading up to our departure). This in itself was a massive leap in the right direction.
After boarding the plane, I was feeling a little nervous, however nothing like I usually would. By using some of the techniques that Andy had taught me, I managed to keep the tears at bay and actually interact with others, have a laugh on the plane AND even look out of the window. My parents could not believe the transformation as they watched me having a laugh and a joke with the person sat next to me.
The flight back is always worse for me and to my amazement I still managed to stay calm and positive about the journey home. I noticed that on the way back I was even less nervous than I was on the way out. When we experienced turbulence I just closed my eyes, smiled and said ‘yes the pilots have been woken up!’
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Andy and his team for helping me through my fear. Now I can look forward to my holiday abroad with my friends in August.
I would recommend this course to anyone who is fearful of flying because I was very apprehensive indeed. Even the first time I visited the Virtual Jet Centre to enquire, I saw an ‘Arrivals and Departures’ sign – I panicked and could feel myself starting to well up so I asked if I could wait outside.
I can now say, that although I still felt a little nervous on the flight, my fear is no longer bad enough to ruin my chances of seeing the world and I know that with time, I will be able to completely lose that element of fear!
– Rachel Putt (Fear of Flying Client)
What can I say… I am not afraid to say that I am afraid of flying, a fear which has become worse over the years and stops me from looking forward to my holidays. After a wonderful afternoon with Andy and his warm, friendly and knowledgeable team, I feel a confidence that I have never had before.
Armed with the knowledge of how and what makes a plane tick and actually getting to take over the controls,I feel far better equipped to laugh in the face of my anxiety.
Thank you to all at the Virtual Jet Centre for this afternoon.
– Emily Charlotte Kaye (Fear of Flying Client)
Just a line to let you know that I flew home yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quite apprehensive beforehand, but once on board I was fine and as I said in my text I did it without drink or drugs.
I can’t thank you enough, it’s a life changer and as a celebration we’re going to Turkey later this month (business class) and we shall be raising our glasses to you.
Thank you again and it’s very reassuring to have your phone number in case.
– Henrietta (Fear of Flying Client)
The team here are so welcoming & put me at ease. Andy talked through my worries and fears & then let me experience the fantastic simulator they have. I learnt everything they do on everyday flights, all the noises, bumps and even turbulence which is my biggest fear.
I got to take off, fly and land the plane which really helped me understand what goes on. They also have a real cabin area with all the announcements & sounds you would hear and its all explained.
Because I began to understand it all, I felt more in control.
This is a unique course as its one-to-one basis rather than lots of people sat in a classroom. After 3 hours, I felt so much better about flying and I’m not dreading my flight next week anymore.
– Miss Nina B (Fear of Flying Client)
I completed a Fear of Flying course a couple of weeks ago as I was fed up with being scared of flying as it was ruining my enjoyment of holidays. I work with people helping them to get over phobias but couldn’t cure myself.
I have just returned from my holiday and feel it was money well spent. I was a little bit anxious at the airport that this would work but once on the plane, I felt a lot calmer. I experienced some turbulence which would normally freak me out but I was fine.
On the way home I was really relaxed. I am even contemplating being able to go further afield now.
Highly recommended.
– Nikki Martin-nee Faulkner (Fear of Flying Client)
We recently engaged with Andy Wilkins at the Virtual jet Centre to host a 2 day corporate event to show case our new Wifi Offerings and Support services to all our customers.
As we hired the whole venue, we where able to give customers a full simulator experience as well as conduct business with our visitors. Andy and his team didn’t let us down, ensuring all our visitors and customers where made welcome and looked after at all times.
I can highly recommend the use of the Virtual Jet Centre as a corporate venue – great fun, easy access, plenty of parking and superb support from all the pilots and staff.
We look forward to doing this event again next year with the Virtual Jet Centre Team.
Thank you
– Kevin Reynolds (MD – Clubwifi Ltd)