Full Motion vs Fixed Base Flight Simulators
The single biggest choice you’ll make when booking a flight simulator experience — explained with real venues from FlightSimFinder’s directory.
Before you pick an aircraft or a location, the first real decision is simulator type: full-motion or fixed-base. They deliver genuinely different experiences — and knowing the difference will help you book the right one for what you actually want.
Dastyflysim in Bagnatica, Italy, runs a genuine full-motion platform alongside static rigs at the same venue — letting visitors directly compare both types in one visit.
Fixed-base simulators are more accessible and generally cheaper; full-motion platforms physically move with your inputs and deliver a more immersive, realistic sensation — usually at a higher price.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Fixed-base | Full-motion |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | None — static cockpit | Physical motion platform |
| Realism | Good for visuals and controls | Highest available — motion cues included |
| Typical price | £–££ | £££–££££ |
| Best for | Beginners, casual visitors | Enthusiasts, serious realism |
Real Venues Compared
Aerosimco, Bogotá
A dedicated fixed-base 737 cockpit — full visual and control realism without a motion platform.
View listing →
Dastyflysim, Bagnatica
A professional-grade motion platform, plus static cockpits at the same venue for direct comparison.
View listing →New to simulators? Our pricing guide breaks down exactly how simulator type affects the final price.
Where VR Fits In
VR headset-based experiences are a third option worth knowing about, distinct from both fixed-base and full-motion cockpits. They typically trade a physical cockpit replica for an immersive visual environment, often at a lower price point.
A VR experience like Academy Phuket is a good way to sample flying without the cost of a full cockpit replica — useful if you’re still deciding whether the hobby is for you.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose fixed-base if…
You’re trying a simulator for the first time, on a budget, or mainly want to experience the controls and visuals without the extra cost of motion.
Choose full-motion if…
You want the closest thing to real flight sensation, you’re an experienced enthusiast, or the physical motion is the whole point for you.
Choose VR if…
You want an approachable, lower-cost way to experience flying visually, without necessarily needing a full physical cockpit replica.
Key Takeaways
- Fixed-base is more accessible and generally cheaper; full-motion is more immersive and typically pricier.
- Some venues, like Dastyflysim, offer both types side by side.
- Neither type is objectively “better” — it depends on what you’re looking for.
Who Should Book Which
Families with children
Fixed-base or VR is generally the gentler starting point, since there’s no physical motion involved. Age and height policies vary by venue, so confirm before booking.
Corporate & team events
Fixed-base rigs are often easier to run back-to-back for a group. Full-motion venues may have longer turnaround times between sessions — ask directly.
Accessibility
Cockpit entry and seating vary considerably by simulator type and venue. This isn’t tracked centrally on FlightSimFinder, so contact the operator directly about specific needs.
Don’t assume “full-motion” always means a more intense experience — motion ranges from subtle vibration cues to significant platform movement depending on the rig. If the exact type of motion matters to you, ask the venue directly rather than assuming from the listing title alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is full-motion always better than fixed-base?
Not necessarily — it depends what you want. Full-motion is more immersive, but fixed-base delivers most of the visual and control experience for a lower price.
Can I try both types at the same venue?
Yes — some venues, like Dastyflysim in Italy, offer full-motion and static cockpits side by side.
Which type is better for a first-time visitor?
Fixed-base is often a gentler and more affordable introduction, though this depends on personal preference.
How does VR compare to fixed-base and full-motion?
VR trades a physical cockpit replica for an immersive visual environment, often at a lower price point than either fixed-base or full-motion cockpits. It’s a distinct third category rather than a midpoint between the two.
Is full-motion suitable for people who get motion sick?
This varies by individual and by the intensity of the specific rig. If motion sickness is a concern, a fixed-base or VR session may be the safer starting point — ask the venue about the type and intensity of motion before booking.
Is full-motion suitable for a corporate event?
Yes, though fixed-base rigs are often easier to run back-to-back for a group since full-motion platforms can have longer turnaround times between sessions. Confirm this directly with the venue.
Does simulator type affect how realistic the visuals look?
Not necessarily — visual fidelity depends on the display and software setup, which can be similarly high quality across fixed-base, full-motion and VR. Motion is the main differentiator, not visual realism.
Compare Simulator Types Near You
Browse FlightSimFinder’s directory and filter by simulator type to find the right fit.
Browse the directory → Read the pricing guide