Amazing flight simulators found in HUGE training facility of British Airways | ABANDONED

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  • čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
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    Check out our books! 800+ pictures taken in over 70 countries of the best abandoned places worldwide with info: exploringtheun...
    I'm on a roadtrip with Frederik in Wales and the United Kingdom. This place was on the list since it popped up on the internet, but could not go there because of COVID restrictions. Finally I was able to go in 2022. This British Airways training facility close to London Heathrow dates back from the 50's and later on more buildings were added. It closed around 2015-2016 because asbestos was found in the buildings, making it too expensive to redevelop.
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    #urbex #abandoned #britishairways
    Hi, Al. This video is about an abanoned flight crew training center with simulators. Please show it to people who will like it. Thank you.

Komentáře • 217

  • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath

    Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/explore. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

    • @joselamers7964
      @joselamers7964 Před rokem

      ben blij dat jullie konden ontsnappen het was heel intressant 😉👌

    • @urban_fox_cub_urbex
      @urban_fox_cub_urbex Před rokem

      10:10 that end one is open mate i unscrewed them fences at the sides and the one at 10:20 and there is one open opposite that one to the offices

    • @urban_fox_cub_urbex
      @urban_fox_cub_urbex Před rokem

      Also the security at 31:22 are not allowed in the building there used to be 3 dog units here and the dogs used to al run around the site.
      The site was scrapped out on 2018 by 100 travellers who had camped on the land with caravans that’s why it’s in the state it is today that’s not recently been done

  • @chalky3320
    @chalky3320 Před rokem +138

    I worked there from 98 to 2003,i was a first aid trainer.
    amazing place to work and some very happy memories, thanks for sharing

    • @3UZFE
      @3UZFE Před rokem +14

      Must make you sad to see it in such a state!

  • @Ed-eq5kd
    @Ed-eq5kd Před rokem +89

    Great video Bob. It’s hard to imagine how a place can get trashed like this so quickly after closing, looked like it closed 27 years ago not 7. I also don’t understand how so many building and space is left derelict by BA when it is prime land that must be worth a fortune to developers. No wonder BA have no money

    • @roasthunter
      @roasthunter Před rokem +4

      The old Virgin training facility in Crawley closed with covid, it's already been bulldozed and a new warehouse complex built, all prefab stuff, the new buildings went up very quickly.

    • @jamietaylor5570
      @jamietaylor5570 Před rokem +2

      My guess is it's not "prime" land. Not great for residential or offices due to aircraft noise, not that great for central London. So only really for airport-related stuff and LHR isn't likely to expand traffic any further unless/until there's another runway.

    • @Jude74
      @Jude74 Před rokem

      Asbestos

    • @devon896
      @devon896 Před 3 měsíci

      BA don't own it they rented it off someone else.

  • @limyrob1383
    @limyrob1383 Před rokem +45

    I did my basic training there in the 1970's. It was a very busy place then. Hard to imagine it ending like this. I can't see it staying like this, asbestos or not its a prime location.

  • @danwilson9530
    @danwilson9530 Před rokem +25

    This video is immediately one of my faves from you. I love Aviation and this would have been a dream for me to explore (perhaps 6 years prior before the vandalism). Even ends with the excitement of a security chase. I’m still amazed at how much deterioration can take place in as little as 7 years. Thanks Bob and crew for another great one!

  • @geckoproductions4128
    @geckoproductions4128 Před rokem +12

    Worked on Apollo Command Module, SkyLab, F4, Huey, Cobra, T-37 & T-38 sims back in the day. I worked for Link Aviation who sold simulators to all of the above and contracted for maintenance afterwards. Full motion, full visual sims were a hellofa lot of fun then, can't imagine how much fun now. Redifon in the UK was big competitor. American Airlines had big commercial sim training facility in Ft. Worth Texas. Sims are great for teaching people how to act in situations you don't want people to be in real-time. Fun looking at these old training facilities. Thanks

  • @brendakrieger7000
    @brendakrieger7000 Před rokem +15

    I love that you show the prep work and behind the scenes of what it takes to film these locations. Great work!

  • @BarnabasLawson
    @BarnabasLawson Před rokem +29

    I spent the day here in May 2014. Did some scenario’s on the cabin simulators. Most fun was the evacuation slides. Also the flight simulators too.
    I have lots of photos and videos of how it looked. Very hard to imagine when you see this video.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +8

      O, would love to see them😄Thanks a lot for your comment!

    • @mvd4436
      @mvd4436 Před rokem +1

      Host these pics and vids somewhere and leave a link here. I'd love to see it

    • @BarnabasLawson
      @BarnabasLawson Před rokem

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath have replied with a google photos link to them.

  • @pure_awareness
    @pure_awareness Před rokem +12

    Now I've seen this place on many YT videos and the difference so clear that Bob makes the best content

    • @Petertronic
      @Petertronic Před rokem

      The Bearded Explorer did a pretty good job :)

  • @juandenz2008
    @juandenz2008 Před rokem +14

    Nice video. Interesting to see this old training facility. Copper thieves, vandals and taggers are so annoying though. As I watch more of these videos its sad to see how places get destroyed so quickly.

  • @eddohan
    @eddohan Před rokem +7

    19:45 the door probably was working, but the hoist-button-case was jammed between the door and simulator 😉

  • @geordieurbex2200
    @geordieurbex2200 Před rokem +7

    Friends of mine were caught there a few weeks ago, lots more security with dogs now

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +3

      Just a few years too late when you see the damage done😔

    • @geordieurbex2200
      @geordieurbex2200 Před rokem +1

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath yeh that's why I never went

    • @OllyFPV
      @OllyFPV Před rokem

      did they face any prosecution? many thank in advance :)

    • @geordieurbex2200
      @geordieurbex2200 Před rokem

      @@OllyFPV na they were taken to police station for a few hours, questioned nd let go

    • @geordieurbex2200
      @geordieurbex2200 Před rokem

      @@gflaig9131 you go there with bolt cutters, your going equipped to break in, youl get done by police if caught

  • @sweetlakers
    @sweetlakers Před rokem +7

    31:13 He might sound friendly and why would he not be. Not knowing what to expect and probably end up being attacked. For what? A building with materials whom the original owner could not care less about either. He probably would have made you a tea as well and one cant blaim him for that. About time British Airways takes its responsibillity and clean that mess up, instead of paying a security guard for protecting a pile of junk lol :D Loved the vid though; thanks for yet another amazing find which you where willing to share with us!

  • @cogboy302
    @cogboy302 Před rokem +1

    The High Mile Club?
    That's a very different thing to the 'Mile High Club.'

  • @777jones
    @777jones Před rokem +7

    I toured the Northwest Airlines simulator facility. It was massive, as large as the company’s headquarters. It had multiple 747, DC-9 and other simulators attached to massive mainframe computers from the 1970s.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +6

      Oo I have to wait until that one closes then 😇

    • @777jones
      @777jones Před rokem +1

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath I toured it after it closed in about 2016 :D. Delta has a big one in Atlanta now.

  • @55tranquility
    @55tranquility Před 7 dny

    I used to work with someone who worked at this place. Apparently they found asbestos in it so that was that, they couldn't use it - it was already outdated and they had other sites, so the cost of removing the asbestos wasn't worth it so they left it. She also said some parts used to flood. It has been sold to a developer, so it won't be long before the whole place is demolished.
    I always wondered why companies leave buildings full of stuff. A friend of mine who runs a haulage company and moves massive things for people told me why. It's quite simple, the accountants just look at the value of everything and cost it at a second hand value. They then work out all the costs of moving it out, storing it or selling it - the costs of moving the stuff generally is always more than selling or storing it, so they just leave it because it's cheaper. The thing is, not that many companies want to buy second hand and dated stuff- nobody wants old computers or office furniture and equipment. The main reason being, when they buy it new - things like computers and office furniture comes with warranties and things like that, not with second hand stuff - if it breaks of goes wrong they are stuck with it. Also companies have to have insurance that covers health and safety and stuff, insurers won't give insurance to a company that brought all its office chairs from a derelict building, - it's all stuff like that, business red tape.

  • @3UZFE
    @3UZFE Před rokem +27

    It's incredible how much stuff is wasted by big companies, just leave everything behind and start again. So rare to see stuff reused or retrofitted, too many regulations often to blame like the cost of this complexes asbestos situation. Just goes to show what a joke the 'sustainable' movement is.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +5

      Yes, you see this especially in richer countries. Literally everything is left behind and companies don’t bother.
      And most buildings these days are just for a few decades of use.

    • @brad9529
      @brad9529 Před rokem +3

      At the very least they could sell a contract to strip the place for it's valuable goods, I'd take a couple of office chairs. Before it was destroyed there would have been a lot of value, those push button door locks alone cost a fortune.

    • @mvd4436
      @mvd4436 Před rokem

      @@brad9529 Yeah. How does it get so wrecked ? Are ppl going in there daily ?

    • @mvd4436
      @mvd4436 Před rokem

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath They don't bother with anything. But they also won't allow a salvage company to take what is of value. And they also have terrible security. Why is it so destroyed

  • @boblloyd75
    @boblloyd75 Před rokem +4

    Nice explore. You shared more details about the site than other explores, and you avoided the police.

  • @shots_with_patina7552
    @shots_with_patina7552 Před rokem +4

    Another great adventure! Great work..👏🏻

  • @swrzesinski
    @swrzesinski Před rokem +1

    31:24 two IBM model M's just chilling in there.

  • @JohnDoe-wg9oh
    @JohnDoe-wg9oh Před rokem +35

    It's so sad to see the autopilot being stuck inside an abandoned simulator.

  • @Metalstacker
    @Metalstacker Před rokem +1

    Wat een unieke locatie weer Bob! Wat een avontuur weer om op het dak te slapen, maar jullie hadden het goed voor elkaar met bier/drank en toastje met kaas :) Tof om te zien, er is van alles wat te zien en de simulators zijn wel heel tof. Spannend einde zo nog met de bewaking haha.

  • @hangtimeFPV
    @hangtimeFPV Před rokem +3

    Some "bird strike" of another kind there on the windows of the simulators. Sad to see a place like this in such a condition after not too many years... 😥

  • @brad9529
    @brad9529 Před rokem +3

    Why not sell all of the equipment and furnishings before they let it rot?

  • @tomstickland
    @tomstickland Před rokem +1

    I had a look round here last year. It was a fun afternoon. Security didn't venture from their gate house all day.

  • @os3990
    @os3990 Před rokem +1

    It's so strange to leave such a large building empty - in this location!

  • @CaptainKA320
    @CaptainKA320 Před rokem +4

    A few years ago all of the avionics were in place in that 737 sim, clearly, it's been stripped by thieves. It is a shame that BA has alowed this to happen.

    • @CAL1MBO
      @CAL1MBO Před rokem

      I don't blame them. Those instruments are extremely expensive and sought after. Usually only idiots leave them lying around.

  • @uralicdneprov1806
    @uralicdneprov1806 Před rokem +9

    Regarding your escape, I wonder if you carry all your belongings all the time? Or did you have to pick up your sleeping and cooking gear on the run first? Or did you have to return to collect your stuff later? You seemed to be considerably packed on your way in.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +18

      We still had to grab that! On the run we got split up also. Inside a building we usually take our stuff with us and make sure the camp stuff is located close to our exit in case ww have to run.

  • @geralddunkelman9349
    @geralddunkelman9349 Před 5 měsíci

    I worked for CAE (Montreal based aircraft simulator manufacturer) and spent 6 weeks at the Cranebank facility during May - July 1980 installing a 737-200 simulator for BA. Lots of fun except that it rained every bloody day I was there. Sad to see it abandoned and in such a terrible state.

  • @Outcome_Agent
    @Outcome_Agent Před rokem +1

    I saw the writing on the wall saying "hm Mika chair". That's a $250 Herman Miller stackable chair. Very comfortable

  • @Nordkapp65
    @Nordkapp65 Před rokem +2

    Awesome video, camp cooking at the airport. Nocosia was an awesome video, recommended to many. Ed xcellent stuff

  • @phil_law
    @phil_law Před rokem +3

    Absolutely fascinating stuff! Loving your content guys

  • @migsvensurfing6310
    @migsvensurfing6310 Před rokem +3

    At 13 minutes its clear that even the simulator is simulated. 😁
    Thanks for the video.

  • @Buddhamaster44
    @Buddhamaster44 Před rokem +1

    Hey Bob , Junske, Erik hier weer, wat weer een mooie video ! , leuk om dit even te zien... Bizar dat die guard gewoon zegt "kom maar..". zal wel vaker gebeurd zijn ! ha ha...heb je de shoot Egypte al ge-edit ? of heb ik em gemist? ... Groet oet Grunn Erik

  • @TheMadmat76
    @TheMadmat76 Před rokem +3

    Zajebista miejscówka!

  • @timovie
    @timovie Před rokem +1

    Very nice video and an extremely exciting location!

  • @pubgradio4515
    @pubgradio4515 Před rokem +4

    I already like it because it is you, Bob.

  • @markbrown8003
    @markbrown8003 Před 8 měsíci

    Great Video. Thanks Lads!

  • @jonathanemptage1593
    @jonathanemptage1593 Před rokem

    My late Uncle was a BA pilot and gave me and by brother a full tour behind the scenes at Heathrow including this place before it closed. My cousin is a pilot for BA and a pilot trainer and we (me my brother and my Mum and Dad) actually had a go in the simulators which was really cool.

  • @martvannieuwburg2642
    @martvannieuwburg2642 Před rokem +1

    Cool Bob, another great adventure!!!😁😁

  • @mohammedarham56
    @mohammedarham56 Před rokem +1

    2:18 i am from Bangalore

  • @danielkarmy4893
    @danielkarmy4893 Před rokem +2

    By the way, those chilled coffees from Lidl are just exquisite! Olives with chilli, camembert, ravioli, washed down with a latte macchiato or a cool Kronenbourg, watching the planes coming in to land as the sun sets (or not, if it's cloudy) - heaven on earth. 👌

  • @peng9179
    @peng9179 Před rokem +1

    Those VHS need saving

  • @simontye179
    @simontye179 Před 8 měsíci

    My uncle used to work there! :o I had a session on one of the 'smaller' sims. The 747's were booked and in use or being serviced 24/7. Thanks @bob+

  • @johnchris8181
    @johnchris8181 Před rokem

    Britt's keep hoping around with all their bases, since ages. 0:50

  • @lindamesa5122
    @lindamesa5122 Před rokem +1

    Great vlog Bob! It's kinda funny, they discourage the mile high club but , there are 2 ok oxygen masks in t he e toilet!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Pretty easy to understand why they built a new simulator school!!! Nobody wants to use stickers for training in this new digital world! 💙💜❣️💕💙

  • @Swans_And_Ducks
    @Swans_And_Ducks Před rokem +1

    Didn’t anybody notice the glowing light from the rooftop? Well done security!

    • @3UZFE
      @3UZFE Před rokem +4

      Light would have been too small to see, given surrounding areas light pollution

  • @joebrown1382
    @joebrown1382 Před rokem +1

    Very interesting thanks.

  • @soll86
    @soll86 Před rokem +1

    how did you manage to order pizza at 22:41 :)) ?

  • @patrickringler8032
    @patrickringler8032 Před 8 měsíci

    Lol, they can give those Allen-Bradley switches to me, I have use for them.

  • @waynebfr8953
    @waynebfr8953 Před rokem

    The greenery grows so quick when not being used again

    • @dansherlock3229
      @dansherlock3229 Před rokem +1

      The lead that’s supposed to be on the roof has been taken off by thieves so that’s why inside is as bad as it is now with it being all green. I was there in April last year when I went for an explore.

  • @richardp1522
    @richardp1522 Před rokem +2

    EUP hi from Alberta Canada. You are absolutely the best of all the copy cat urban explorers and this episode proves it, again . A very minor run in with security this time just to spice things up. Cant wait until next time. Thanks

  • @CWHarlin
    @CWHarlin Před rokem +3

    I was so mad when they sat in first-class. Those seats are not meant for Urban Hobos!

  • @radjafan
    @radjafan Před rokem +1

    23:13 You mean a flea market?

  • @headforthehills3353
    @headforthehills3353 Před rokem

    My brother lives right by the airport in Hayes. Only 5 minute tube ride

  • @satos1
    @satos1 Před rokem

    25:58 Someone had a poor day in the sim.

  • @mattmattelig
    @mattmattelig Před rokem

    very cool explore!!

  • @Aprilsraven629
    @Aprilsraven629 Před rokem +2

    Why aren't you wearing respirators, protective clothing and footwear...the mould spores are highly dangerous, your inhaling them and caring them with even when you leave...interesting video but not worth your health

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +1

      When we have to dress like viewers want us to, we wouldn’t be able to move. After trips to Fukushima and many other dangerous places this is peanuts. But yes.. healthy is another story. At least we had some cool adventures😃

  • @davenz000
    @davenz000 Před rokem

    Sad they didn't sell them off for use in TV/ Movies etc.

  • @sonny5973
    @sonny5973 Před rokem

    Very sad

  • @rockymountainhigh7593

    Great video.

  • @crash6674
    @crash6674 Před rokem

    7 years........ jeez

  • @janicemilne7436
    @janicemilne7436 Před rokem

    Your videos are awesome.

  • @michaeltaylor8835
    @michaeltaylor8835 Před rokem

    Wonder how many people passed thru here

  • @NoHandle167
    @NoHandle167 Před rokem

    7:46 (can my wife join me in club) is this is a question about the 1 mile high club 😂😂😂😂😂

  • @Petertronic
    @Petertronic Před rokem

    Great explore, but confused where the pizza came from

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +1

      Frederik went out to get it haha

    • @Petertronic
      @Petertronic Před rokem +2

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath Nice job! I see that the British Airways website still has an old pdf dated 2010 with a map and directions to the old training centre. Very helpful for urbexers!

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem

      @@Petertronic OOO Damn, that would've been handy hahahaha well found !

  • @english_muffinss
    @english_muffinss Před rokem

    4:49... trash cans just chillin

  • @Ganiscol
    @Ganiscol Před rokem +5

    It wouldnt be you guys without camping -under- above the nose of security, feasting on warm food and beverages! 😋
    I feel a bit sorry for the security guy, though. 😉

  • @SeRgInHoIbZ
    @SeRgInHoIbZ Před rokem

    Bob,you’re great!

  • @larrydriemel6242
    @larrydriemel6242 Před rokem

    where did the guy and the pizza come from?🤔

  • @jamesbeach5445
    @jamesbeach5445 Před rokem +1

    i wonder if any BA staff will ever watch this and they got trained here

    • @cdl0
      @cdl0 Před rokem +1

      I saw two people in the comments so far. . . . .

  • @212MPH
    @212MPH Před rokem

    Cranebank. Happy memories.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem

      You have been there when it was in use?😄

    • @212MPH
      @212MPH Před rokem

      @@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath yes, many times, my wife was BA world wide fleet and did her SEP training there. I used to get some time in the simulators. Sad to see, and a great report.

  • @johnlindley7403
    @johnlindley7403 Před rokem

    Looking forward to it.

  • @Fran_SG
    @Fran_SG Před rokem +1

    Veeery cool!!!

  • @favorite_urbex_
    @favorite_urbex_ Před rokem

    Amazing 🔥

  • @71.racing
    @71.racing Před rokem

    have similarly seats in my campervan from BA :)

  • @jackmiller8851
    @jackmiller8851 Před rokem +2

    leave a comment if you like the video :) thanks again Bob this was a fun one.

  • @TattooedTraveler
    @TattooedTraveler Před rokem

    Fox's are hilarious lol, and I see you have the classic spicy Korean noodles. I have an emergency stash of those.

  • @maurojuniomanausam
    @maurojuniomanausam Před rokem +1

    Ótimo vídeo 👏👏👏👏 top demais mesmo 😃 já deixado meu like 👍🏻😃 parabéns, gostei de mais 👍🏻😃🙏✌️

  • @TheBmpenn3
    @TheBmpenn3 Před rokem

    ive seen parts baggies but thats a first for part jars

  • @stevedrane2364
    @stevedrane2364 Před rokem

    Brilliant. .

  • @maileidm
    @maileidm Před rokem

    Where was the guard hiding?, I have replay the video and I'm still unable to see him. Any ideas?

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem +1

      He was behind the bushes somewhere apparently.(That’s what the others say) I don’t know either where he was shouting from. I saw him when he came after us🤣

    • @maileidm
      @maileidm Před rokem

      Thanks

  • @marc5460
    @marc5460 Před rokem

    tnx for the video

  • @nakkypyromafkees
    @nakkypyromafkees Před rokem

    Nice video

  • @relaxingchilloutmusic7771

    Urburn explorer, more like trespasser lol

  • @AnnasBurningCuriosity

    I appreciate the content

  • @DaveD2488
    @DaveD2488 Před 5 měsíci

    Did any guys get left behind caught by the guards?

  • @Lone-Wolf87
    @Lone-Wolf87 Před rokem

    At the end of the video your adrenaline must of have pumping high very high.

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem

      Oo, it was not too bad! I have been in much worse moments. This was the easiest getaway ever. :)

  • @baquelappe
    @baquelappe Před rokem

    Nooit geweten dat je Nederlands bent😎

  • @duncansouthern2255
    @duncansouthern2255 Před rokem

    Great vid as always guys. Gotta love getting chased by secca everyonce in a while! 😉

  • @xde9611
    @xde9611 Před rokem +1

    Polskie piwo Żywiec super , pozdro

  • @dimirin1238
    @dimirin1238 Před rokem

    зачем нужна охрана на таком обьекте??? там охранять нечего, все разбито

  • @ghstcode
    @ghstcode Před rokem

    Was this place not the hospital in one of the walking dead episodes?

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem

      Since it was recorded in the US I guess not. If you like TWD you should check out the Fukushima series. It has real Walking Dead vibes😌

  • @Robert-ff9wf
    @Robert-ff9wf Před rokem +1

    Real pilot flight simulators from companies like Boeing are super expensive and cost much more than the actual airliner does! Don't you remember why the new Boeing 737 was a disaster? Because they were willing to do anything to get out of having to build simulators because they would increase the price significantly. Those plane's or trainers you guys were walking in looked like 1st generation 737s from the 60s.

  • @pandaterminator007
    @pandaterminator007 Před rokem

    Why don't countries break down places like this after like 5 years if abandoned

    • @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath
      @ExploringtheUnbeatenPath  Před rokem

      Depends on the country. In The Netherlands where I live by example almost nothing gets abandoned.

  • @scottcarns5156
    @scottcarns5156 Před rokem +1

    Coolbeens

  • @vintagecapgunsatyourmomshouse

    I never understood vandals. I broke some few windows, but that was all.

  • @johumm455
    @johumm455 Před rokem

    geeuw... in de ochtend (naam op vliegtuig)

  • @jjf315
    @jjf315 Před rokem

    Where is the location of the video?

  • @hplarli510
    @hplarli510 Před rokem

    Get me some old freakin bunkers 🤪