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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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
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.
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.
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... 😥
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.
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.
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.
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! 💙💜❣️💕💙
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
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. 👌
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.
@@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!
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
@@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.
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
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😃
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🤣
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. 😉
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ben blij dat jullie konden ontsnappen het was heel intressant 😉👌
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
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
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
Must make you sad to see it in such a state!
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.
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
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.
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.
Asbestos
BA don't own it they rented it off someone else.
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
I love that you show the prep work and behind the scenes of what it takes to film these locations. Great work!
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.
O, would love to see them😄Thanks a lot for your comment!
Host these pics and vids somewhere and leave a link here. I'd love to see it
@@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath have replied with a google photos link to them.
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!
Now I've seen this place on many YT videos and the difference so clear that Bob makes the best content
The Bearded Explorer did a pretty good job :)
19:45 the door probably was working, but the hoist-button-case was jammed between the door and simulator 😉
Lol and a chain 😅
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.
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.
Friends of mine were caught there a few weeks ago, lots more security with dogs now
Just a few years too late when you see the damage done😔
@@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath yeh that's why I never went
did they face any prosecution? many thank in advance :)
@@OllyFPV na they were taken to police station for a few hours, questioned nd let go
@@gflaig9131 you go there with bolt cutters, your going equipped to break in, youl get done by police if caught
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!
Another great adventure! Great work..👏🏻
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.
Oo I have to wait until that one closes then 😇
@@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath I toured it after it closed in about 2016 :D. Delta has a big one in Atlanta now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@brad9529 Yeah. How does it get so wrecked ? Are ppl going in there daily ?
@@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
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.
Ooo must have been amazing!🤩
@@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath It really was.
It's so strange to leave such a large building empty - in this location!
Yeah. Wonder for how much longer it will be there…
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.
I had a look round here last year. It was a fun afternoon. Security didn't venture from their gate house all day.
It’s a fun place to scoop around🤩
The High Mile Club?
That's a very different thing to the 'Mile High Club.'
Nice explore. You shared more details about the site than other explores, and you avoided the police.
Great Video. Thanks Lads!
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... 😥
31:24 two IBM model M's just chilling in there.
I saw the writing on the wall saying "hm Mika chair". That's a $250 Herman Miller stackable chair. Very comfortable
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.
I don't blame them. Those instruments are extremely expensive and sought after. Usually only idiots leave them lying around.
Very nice video and an extremely exciting location!
Cool Bob, another great adventure!!!😁😁
Dank je wel Mart😇
Why not sell all of the equipment and furnishings before they let it rot?
Awesome video, camp cooking at the airport. Nocosia was an awesome video, recommended to many. Ed xcellent stuff
Thanks a million mate 👍😇
Zajebista miejscówka!
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.
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.
It's so sad to see the autopilot being stuck inside an abandoned simulator.
Lol
Absolutely fascinating stuff! Loving your content guys
At 13 minutes its clear that even the simulator is simulated. 😁
Thanks for the video.
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! 💙💜❣️💕💙
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+
Oo cool, wonder if he has any stories. Really loved this place.
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
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. 👌
Wow! I think the economy class was Club?
Does anyone know if this place is still there / accessible
I already like it because it is you, Bob.
Same I hit like and watch 😉
Thanks a million🥳🤩😎
how did you manage to order pizza at 22:41 :)) ?
Didn’t anybody notice the glowing light from the rooftop? Well done security!
Light would have been too small to see, given surrounding areas light pollution
Britt's keep hoping around with all their bases, since ages. 0:50
Very interesting thanks.
very cool explore!!
A very unique location😇 Thanks as always👊
The greenery grows so quick when not being used again
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.
Lol, they can give those Allen-Bradley switches to me, I have use for them.
My brother lives right by the airport in Hayes. Only 5 minute tube ride
Those VHS need saving
Great video.
Your videos are awesome.
2:18 i am from Bangalore
Sad they didn't sell them off for use in TV/ Movies etc.
Wonder how many people passed thru here
where did the guy and the pizza come from?🤔
25:58 Someone had a poor day in the sim.
Great explore, but confused where the pizza came from
Frederik went out to get it haha
@@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!
@@Petertronic OOO Damn, that would've been handy hahahaha well found !
7:46 (can my wife join me in club) is this is a question about the 1 mile high club 😂😂😂😂😂
23:13 You mean a flea market?
Yeah, was too late to adjust it.. it should be good in the subtitles🫣
Bob,you’re great!
Thanks for checking out 😇🤩
I was so mad when they sat in first-class. Those seats are not meant for Urban Hobos!
Amazing 🔥
7 years........ jeez
tnx for the video
Thanks for checking out Marc✌️
The graffiti at 9:12 😄
Nooit geweten dat je Nederlands bent😎
ive seen parts baggies but thats a first for part jars
Yes, true that... first time for me too
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
Cranebank. Happy memories.
You have been there when it was in use?😄
@@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.
Ótimo vídeo 👏👏👏👏 top demais mesmo 😃 já deixado meu like 👍🏻😃 parabéns, gostei de mais 👍🏻😃🙏✌️
Looking forward to it.
Hope you liked it!
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
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😃
I appreciate the content
Nice video
Where was the guard hiding?, I have replay the video and I'm still unable to see him. Any ideas?
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🤣
Thanks
have similarly seats in my campervan from BA :)
Ooo nice!😎
Veeery cool!!!
Thanks, appreciated 🙏
leave a comment if you like the video :) thanks again Bob this was a fun one.
Fox's are hilarious lol, and I see you have the classic spicy Korean noodles. I have an emergency stash of those.
Where is the location of the video?
If you check the video you easily find out😇
i wonder if any BA staff will ever watch this and they got trained here
I saw two people in the comments so far. . . . .
I spent many hours in the 757 and 747-400 sims there
@nigelbirrell oh wow nice i never got to fly on a 747
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. 😉
I never understood vandals. I broke some few windows, but that was all.
зачем нужна охрана на таком обьекте??? там охранять нечего, все разбито
Very sad
Brilliant. .
Did any guys get left behind caught by the guards?
No, we got away🫡😂
@@ExploringtheUnbeatenPath Okay good.
Polskie piwo Żywiec super , pozdro
Great vid as always guys. Gotta love getting chased by secca everyonce in a while! 😉
geeuw... in de ochtend (naam op vliegtuig)
Haha goed gezien! Niet eens opgemerkt😂
Why don't countries break down places like this after like 5 years if abandoned
Depends on the country. In The Netherlands where I live by example almost nothing gets abandoned.
Security risk here?
Check the end of the movie😂
Was this place not the hospital in one of the walking dead episodes?
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😌
All this decay in just 7 years?
Those moldy offices must have been closed earlier…
4:49... trash cans just chillin