CAPTAIN JAMES TAYLOR
DIRECTOR & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
An Airbus A320 Captain with 18 years’ flying experience, James has been a simulator trainer and CRM instructor since 2017. He specialises in leadership, Communication, and performance under pressure.
Immersive Flight Experience
Whether you’re planning a team-building day or social, Gate 20’s corporate flight experience offers a one-of-a-kind way to bring people together.
Step into the cockpit of our full-scale Airbus A320 flight simulator, take the controls, and create a fully immersive event your team won’t forget in a hurry.
Take the controls. Fly as a team.
Bring your group (up to 10) and experience our high-definition hyper-realistic visuals under the guidance of a real commercial pilot. You'll each get to take the captain's seat and navigate the skies — solo, in pairs, or as a team.
We can tailor your session to your goals, whether you're looking to boost team collaboration and leadership through structured challenges or keep things relaxed and just experience the thrill of flying in a controlled environment.
Why Fly?
This experience is ideal for:
• Team building sessions
• Social get-togethers
• Staff rewards or incentives
• Entertaining clients
Your team will gain:
• Improved communication and teamwork
• Leadership skills and adaptability
• Problem-solving under pressure
• A truly memorable, out-of-the-ordinary shared experience
Lounge Area
Between flights, your team can relax in our replica business jet lounge, complete with reclining sofas, sky-view windows, and space to enjoy optional drinks and light snacks.
After your session, we're just minutes from Brighton's best restaurants, bars, and seafront spots — ideal if you want to continue the day.
TEAM EXPERIENCES
Immersive simulator sessions designed for every team goal
The Cloud Nine
A purely experiential, fun package for groups who just want an immersive, memorable activity. Teams take turns in the A320, each participant doing a full sector (take-off → cruise → approach → landing).
This package includes:
- A full briefing, instructor support, and post-flight debrief or “highlights” discussion.
Ideal for:
Team socials, rewardevents or client hospitality.
The Great Flight Off
Includes everything in the “Entertainment” package, but with added structured team challenges and mission-based objectives (e.g. handling in-flight emergencies, responding to system failures).
This package includes:
- A post-flight facilitated debrief on team communication, decision-making, and lessons learned. Optional scoreboard, or scenario-based scoring.
Ideal for:
Team building or socials.
Cleared For Command
This is a blended session: part workshop, part simulation. After an initial facilitator-led workshop, participants put concepts into practice in the simulator. The simulation is used as a “case study” environment (e.g. decision-making under pressure, crisis response, resilience).
This package includes:
- A post-session debrief tying
back to the workshop
learnings and application to
your business context.
Ideal for:
Team building orleadership development.
Event Coordination
When you get in touch we'll work with you to create the right package for your group's needs.
The Cloud Nine and Great Flight Off packages are a minimum of 3 hours, Cleared for Command is a minimum of 4 hours, with final timings for all sessions dependent on the number of participants.
A quote will be shared with you once final participant numbers and package type are
confirmed.
meet the team
CAPTAIN IRIS DE KAN
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
With over eight years as an A320 Captain, Iris also has turboprop experience and is known for her ITV and media appearances. She brings energy and real-world insight into leadership and collaboration.
CAPTAIN DANIEL SANCHEZ
INSTRUCTOR
A 17-year airline pilot and Captain, Danny has flown both the A320 and turboprops. He’s passionate about human factors and team dynamics, bringing cockpit-level teamwork lessons to the corporate world.
MICHELLE HERBIE, SFO
INSTRUCTOR
An A320 Senior First Officer with business jet experience, Michelle combines operational expertise with a focus on communication and adaptability. She has also appeared in aviation media features.
Where to Find Us
LOCATION
8 Vine Street, Brighton, BN1 4AG. We are right in the heart of everything Brighton has to offer, with many shops, cafés, and restaurants a few minutes’ walk from Gate 20. So why not make a day of it?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We are 8 minutes' walk from Brighton mainline station, with direct trains to London Victoria (58min), London Bridge (61min), and Gatwick Airport (30min). Numerous local bus routes stop near Gate 20.
LET'S TALK!
We’d love to help you plan your next team event. We can work with you to create the right package for your group’s needs, including local dining and hospitality recommendations and packages. For a no-obligation chat or to come and look at our simulator in person, please drop us an email sales@gate20.co.uk or call 01273 025505
