It's that time of the year, my friends. I try to keep the dream alive, but that dream is rapidly becoming a distant memory. Do you think that we will ever see the UK Flightsim Show again? Will JustFlight resurrect the classic format that we all enjoyed so much between 2013 and 2019, or will another group take the flight simulation bull by the horns, and drag it out of retirement? If it returns, will we get to rekindle the memories in Hangar 1 at RAF Cosford, or will a new location be found? I suggested Aerospace Bristol (close to the old Filton site), with booths and displays in the shadow of one of the BA Concordes. Frankly, I cannot think of a more impressive location (assuming that it has the required space), but I have no idea how feasible (or financially viable) it would be.

I appreciate that this is probably a waste of my time and typing skills. I have not heard anything from JustFlight regarding the UK Flightsim Show since 2024, so my head tells me that it is dead in the water. However, my heart still dreams of a day when we can all meet again under one hangar roof, and chat about our favourite subject.........flight simulation.

I fear you're right Christopher. Looks like Brexit has done for it with import regulations being too onerous for Aerosoft et al to be bothered. You can be sure if there was a demand from them then someone would be up for hosting it.

Without the ability to sell hardware it's just not viable for them. I don't blame JustFlight for that.

Such a pity when this country has one of the highest number of enthusiasts per head of population in the world. At least we have memories of past events. 

4 hours ago, Ray Proudfoot said:

......At least we have memories of past events 

That is not enough for me. Covid ruined something very special six years ago, and I want it back.

12 minutes ago, Christopher Low said:

That is not enough for me. Covid ruined something very special six years ago, and I want it back.

We’ve recovered from COVID but sadly unless trade restrictions are lifted I don’t see another show anytime soon. Without sales those companies can’t make a profit and that’s the whole point for them.

@Christopher Low, we hold a monthly meeting of simmers in Heald Green Village Hall. Right beneath the flight path into 23R. Excellent view of the Emirates A380.

You’re very welcome to come down. Meetings are from 11:00 - 16:30. Sandwiches, tea and coffee provided. £10 each.

Next meeting on 21 March. https://nwfsg.co.uk/meeting-%26-events-1

One other thing. Chris of Fulcrum @tutmeister, usually visits with all his kit. Yoke, TQ etc. He comes from Chorley. I appreciate you’re further away but we do have members from Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Chance to have a play with the Fulcrum hardware and maybe put an order in. 😉

How frustrating that Lelystad will be hosting a spring Flight sim show next weekend. That’s twice a year now. And nothing in England despite the huge number of simmers in this country.

The unintended consequences of a referendum ten years ago. How sad that so many of us of a certain age will probably never experience one again in this country. 😢

Yes, it is a great shame. The UK Flightsim Show at RAF Cosford was one of the highlights of the year for me, and the last one that I attended (October 2019) was the best one of all. I keep hoping for a miracle, but tumbleweed blowing in the wind is probably all that I will get 

I’m giving the flight sim weekend in the Netherlands a visit tomorrow, I’ll see how it compares.

On 3/15/2026 at 9:42 AM, Ray Proudfoot said:

How frustrating that Lelystad will be hosting a spring Flight sim show next weekend. That’s twice a year now. And nothing in England despite the huge number of simmers in this country.

The unintended consequences of a referendum ten years ago. How sad that so many of us of a certain age will probably never experience one again in this country. 😢

Unintended but quite foreseeable.  Given the age profile of people I saw at the show, it would be interesting to learn how many of them voted leave... 

9 hours ago, kevinfirth said:

Unintended but quite foreseeable.  Given the age profile of people I saw at the show, it would be interesting to learn how many of them voted leave... 

Who knows. Given we’re veering into politics it’s probably best I don’t add to this discussion.

2 hours ago, Ray Proudfoot said:

Who knows. Given we’re veering into politics it’s probably best I don’t add to this discussion.

Ok, but I wasn't going into the politics of it, no point, and I absolutely don't want to litigate the actual referendum again(!), just curious as to whether it was a semi self inflicted outcome...

9 minutes ago, kevinfirth said:

just curious as to whether it was a semi self inflicted outcome...

When I voted I never considered the possibility of U.K. Flight Sim Shows ending. After all, there were shows two years after the referendum. It was the negotiations with the EU that resulted in a show being uneconomical for Aerosoft, Just Flight etc.

Yes, it is very disappointing that this could be the reason why there has been no UK Flightsim Show since 2019. Unforseen consequences (I think that is the name of a level in the original Half Life game) of Brexit have destroyed all hope of a revival. It is a frustrating and deeply saddening conclusion.

On 3/20/2026 at 7:36 PM, jon b said:

I’m giving the flight sim weekend in the Netherlands a visit tomorrow, I’ll see how it compares.

How was it Jon? Worth the effort?