It’s flying! Imagine a wind tunnel that could be used for testing the aerodynamics of an F1 racing car, turn it upright, step into the airflow and you are skydiving. The easiest way to see what we are talking about is to watch one of the Airkix Flix. You’ll get the idea really fast.
The idea of flying indoors was first tried by the American Military in 1964. In 1982 A couple of vertical wind tunnels opened in Tennessee and Las Vegas and the first SkyVenture tunnel opened in Orlando, Florida in 1998. It has been operating there ever since with fantastic success and reliability. Airkix is the seventh tunnel to be manufactured by SkyVenture and the first in Europe.
How does it work?
Airkix works simply and safely. The tunnel circulates air into a 12 foot flight chamber. To enter the tunnel you simply stand in the open doorway and lean forward. You will feel your legs lifted from under you as you assume a horizontal flying position. Congratulations, you are now flying! The instructor will help you get into a neutral flying position before teaching you the basic moves. Movements including going up and down, forwards, backwards, sideways and turning are all simple and easy to master and you will soon be learning new tricks!
Airkix Kidz Club
Is open to anyone 16 or under who has already flown at Airkix to quickly improve their flying skills at a fraction of the cost.
Yoko Okazaki, three times World Champion freestyle skydiver and children’s gymnastics coach run the clubs and her s world-class coaching is free.
Kidz Club members learn about being a team player, body awareness, proper stretching, setting realistic goals and techniques to achieve them as well as some cool moves in the tunnel.
Requirements to fly at Airkix:
- Are 5 or above. (Younger flyers must be able to comfortably wear one of our helmets).
- Are not pregnant.
- Have not previously dislocated your shoulder – in which case talk to your doctor, and call us.
- Are not under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
- Are not wearing a hard cast.
- Have signed permission from a parent or guardian if under 18.
Opening Times
Monday – Friday 1100 to 2300
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 0700 – 2300
School Holidays 0900 to 2300
Getting there:
By Road
We are easily accessible by road, and Xscape has Pay & Display parking for over 1,000 cars.
1. Leave M1 at Junction 14 and take the A509 towards Central Milton Keynes.
2. At the first roundabout take the second exit, H6 Childs Way.
3. Stay on this road over 5 roundabouts (the Xscape building is now on your right).
4. At the 6th roundabout (South Secklow roundabout) turn right.
5. At the traffic lights turn right onto Avebury Boulevard, Airkix and Xscape is on your right.
Once you arrive you will need to enter the building by the front or either of the two side entrances and then follow signs for the Snozone and Airkix.
By rail
Trains depart every 15 minutes from Euston Station and every 30 minutes from Birmingham. For further information contact: National Rail Enquiries on: 08457 484950 or view timetables online.
By bus
Xscape is serviced by several local bus routes. For further bus information contact Milton Keynes Metro on: 01908 668366 or visit their web site.
Address
Airkix
602 Marlborough Gate,
Central Milton Keynes,
MK9 3XS
Website
www.airkix.com