Tours & Experiences
Enhance your FlightSimExpo Weekend!
Almost everything at FlightSimExpo is "walk up and try". The activities on this page are optional for those who wish to further enhance the experience.
There are 60+ free exhibits at the show, plus educational seminars, available to all ticketed attendees with no separate sign-up required.
Aviation Tours
MSP Airside Tour
No Pilot's License Necessary!
In partnership with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), join us for a narrated airside tour of MSP Airport. A coach bus will visit a variety of airside locations and offer participants the chance to ask questions about the airport and its operations. The price listed covers round-trip transportation from the Saint Paul RiverCentre (the tour itself is provided by the MAC for free).
Participants will remain on the bus for the duration of the tour. For security reasons, it is not possible to disembark on the airport tarmac.
The tour is available to all attendees, including non-US citizens. A limited number of wheelchair attendees can also be accommodated.
Tour Options:
- ● Thursday, June 11: 12:30-3pm and 3-5:30pm
- ● Friday, June 12: 8-10:30am and 9:30am-12pm
Note: These facilities are security-sensitive areas that are subject to operational availability. For reasons beyond our control, these tours may be cancelled at any time, including on the day of.
Get 25% off Flightbeam's MSP Airport Scenery for MSFS!
This exclusive discount is available to all attendees—no tour participation required. Get your copy directly through the tour registration page.
Delta Air Lines TechOps Tour
No A&P Certificate Necessary!
Delta Air Lines invites attendees to see their Minneapolis Technical Operations (TechOps) Maintenance Facilities! This tour includes visits to the C-side hangars, maintenance shops and logistics facilities, and—if possible—the chance to get into an aircraft cockpit for photos! The price listed covers round-trip transportation from the Saint Paul RiverCentre (the tour itself is provided by Delta Air Lines at no charge).
This tour involves 2.5 hours of walking throughout the facilities. Only book if you're comfortable with extended walking and standing.
The tour is available to US citizens and a limited number of non-US citizens. Note it is not available to wheelchair attendees.
Tour Options:
- ● Thursday, June 11: 2-5:30pm
- ● Friday, June 12: 8:30am-12pm
Note: These facilities are security-sensitive areas that are subject to operational availability. For reasons beyond our control, these tours may be cancelled at any time, including on the day of.
Flight Sim Classes
General Aviation in MSFS
Presented by ForderLearnToFly
Howard Forder, the personality behind the ForderLearnToFly Twitch channel, invites attendees to learn more about general aviation flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. These interactive, small-group sessions offer practical skills for real-world pilots and flight simmers alike.
Class options:
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●Getting Started with MSFS 2024 ⁞ Thursday, June 11 ⁞ 1-2:30pmThursday, June 11 ⁞ 1-2:30pm
Everything you need to know about settings, menus, and the best way to make the transition from other simulators.
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●IFR Insights for Sim Pilots ⁞ Thursday, June 11 ⁞ 3:30-5pmThursday, June 11 ⁞ 3:30-5pm
Learn more about flying instrument approaches and making the most out of instrument flying in MSFS 2024.
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●Setting up SayIntentions.AI ⁞ Friday, June 12 ⁞ 8:30-10amFriday, June 12 ⁞ 8:30-10am
Configure SayIntentions.AI with MSFS 2024 so you're never flying alone again!
Participants will be provided with a gaming laptop for use during the workshop.
Real-World Airliner Procedures
Learn From a Real-World Captain
Ever wondered how airline pilots actually fly the aircraft—or wished you could ask one all your technical questions? Here's your chance!
In this session, a real-world 737 captain walks you through pre-flight preparation, approach setup, and a landing, explaining real techniques used on the line. Using WINCTRL hardware and the PMDG Boeing 737, you’ll see exactly how professionals configure and operate the aircraft—and learn how to bring real-world airline methodology into your own simulator flying.
Social Events
FlightSimExpo 5K Fun Run
Start the Day off on the Right Foot
Start off FlightSimExpo with a 5K run with your fellow attendees! Meet outside the main entrance to the Saint Paul RiverCentre (on Kellogg Blvd.) at 7:45am. Run with the group, or at your own pace. Everyone who completes the full course will receive an FSElite hat!
FlightSimExpo Banquet
An Exclusive Add-on for FSA Captains
FSA Captains are invited to purchase tickets for the FlightSimExpo Banquet, happening from 7-9pm on Friday, June 12 at a nearby restaurant. The Banquet is an exclusive dinner where you can meet other FSA Captains, talk about all things flight simulation, and participate in fun activities like Aviation Trivia.
Not yet an FSA Captain? Become one today!
Purchase Banquet Tickets
Attendee Dinner
Join Fellow Attendees for Dinner & Drinks
Enjoy dinner with your fellow attendees at Zamboni's on 7th Restaurant and Bar, a 0.3 mile (6 minute) walk from the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Meet at registration and walk with the group, or meet directly to the restaurant.
Dinner includes:
- ● Choice of Soup or Salad
- ● Choice of Sandwich
- ● Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink of choice
Additional food and beverage items can be ordered from the restaurant menu at your own expense.
Walking Brewery Tour
Learn More about St. Paul's Historic Breweries
Beginning immediately after FlightSimExpo concludes, this guided walking tour explores downtown Saint Paul’s history and brewing heritage. The experience departs from and returns to the Saint Paul RiverCentre, and includes stops at two breweries with a beer of your choice provided at each stop. Participants will return by approximately 5:30pm.
This tour is entirely on foot. Only book if you're comfortable with extended walking and standing.
Trip to Mall of America®
Great for ‘Adult Kids’, Actual Kids, and Families
Join a group of FlightSimExpo attendees at Mall of America®, a leading retail, entertainment, and attractions destination, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world since 1992.
The price includes round-trip transportation from the Saint Paul RiverCentre to Mall of America® and tickets to FlyOver America, a flight simulation ride that brings guests on a breathtaking, aerial tour of some of the greatest landmarks and regions throughout the United States in virtual flight technology. The attraction is a fully immersive experience including wind, mist, and even scents.
All riders must be at least 40″ (102 cm) tall. Guests under 48″ (122 cm) tall or under eight years of age must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
The return bus will depart Mall of America® at 6pm. Participants are welcome to stay longer and enjoy the mall at their own pace; however, anyone not taking the bus is responsible for arranging their own return transportation.
Mississippi River Canoe Trip
Offered by Wilderness Inquiry
Join Wilderness Inquiry for a Mississippi River canoe trip immediately after FlightSimExpo! Learn about local river history and culture, look for wildlife such as eagles, herons, and otters, and connect with America’s greatest river. Wilderness Inquiry’s Mississippi River canoe trips are designed to make the river accessible for everyone, regardless of experience level. With expert outdoor leaders and safety gear, everyone can experience both the wild scenery and downtown views in the middle of the Twin Cities.
Round-trip transportation is provided from the Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the activity includes about 2 hours of actual paddling time. Bringing snacks to eat on the bus ride is encouraged. Each participant will be provided with a personal floatation device, canoe paddle, and a seat in very stable 10-person canoes.
