New England Air Museum: F/A-18 Hornet Flight Simulator in Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Flight Simulator Connecticut — F/A-18 Hornet at New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks

The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States — home to dozens of fully restored aircraft spanning more than a century of flight history. Alongside its remarkable collection, the museum operates an F/A-18 Hornet flight simulator that puts visitors in the cockpit of one of the most celebrated combat aircraft ever built, available to anyone aged 12 and above with no prior experience required.

The museum is located adjacent to Bradley International Airport, Connecticut’s primary commercial airport, making the juxtaposition of real commercial aviation and simulated military flight a uniquely fitting experience. Open year-round, every day from 9:00am to 4:00pm, the New England Air Museum is one of New England’s most visited aviation destinations — and the F/A-18 simulator is consistently highlighted as one of its most memorable attractions.

The F/A-18 Hornet Simulator

The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather, twin-engine, supersonic multirole jet designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft — hence the F/A designation. Introduced in 1983 and still active today in its updated Super Hornet variant, the Hornet is one of the defining combat aircraft of the modern era, made famous to a new generation by the Top Gun franchise.

The simulator at NEAM features a working throttle, replica rudder pedals, and a full flight stick, delivering a genuine physical engagement with the controls rather than a screen-based experience. Launch from an aircraft carrier or training base and experience the thrill of free flight, put the weapons systems to the test against air and ground targets, or focus on honing your landing skills — including the demanding challenge of a carrier landing. A flight instructor is present throughout each session to guide and assist.

Training Modules

For participants wanting to go beyond free flight, a range of structured training modules are available by request. These cover basic ground controls and systems, the full cold start procedure, standard takeoff and landing, carrier takeoff and carrier landing, basic and advanced weapons systems, and close combat manoeuvres. Some modules require two simulator sessions to fully complete. For aviation enthusiasts wanting a deeper understanding of how real fighter pilots operate the aircraft, these structured programmes offer a level of depth that goes well beyond a standard leisure experience.

Simulator Availability

The F/A-18 simulator is available on the following schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Availability is subject to change and restrictions may apply — contact the museum before your visit to confirm. Simulator sessions are booked at the front desk on arrival and are included as part of the general museum admission. Minimum age is 12 years. Participants must be able to independently get in and out of the cockpit seat and follow the directions of the flight instructor.

The Museum

The New England Air Museum’s collection spans over 80 aircraft across three hangars, covering military aviation from World War One through to the present day, commercial aviation history, and the story of Connecticut’s deep connection to the aerospace industry through companies including Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, and Hamilton Standard. The museum is open every day from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is required to access the simulator.

Plan Your Visit

The New England Air Museum is located at 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 — directly adjacent to Bradley International Airport, approximately 12 miles north of Hartford. The museum is easily accessible from I-91 (Exit 40) and I-91 (Exit 41). Ample free parking is available on site. Contact the museum at 860-623-3305 or via the website at neam.org for simulator availability and admission pricing before your visit.