Where to start and how to get to the point…

To spend some time in a full motion simulator is a dream of every private pilot or an aviation enthusiast. To enjoy the almost “real” feeling of flying a passenger plane, get pushed into the seat when increasing the power for take off, or experience the “vibrations” when passing through the turbulence.

Well, I’ve been a couple of times to a simulator and I mostly enjoyed it very much. Practicing IFR, enjoying the flight, just enhancing my knowledge.

Well, now I had the chance to experience the “other side” of flying in the simulator during my Type Rating earlier this year.

Weeks of theory, learning all the plane systems, studying, exams… I think there is no other profession in the universe like aviation; where you have to keep studying and passing exams over and over again.

After we passed the theoretical part, it was finally so far: it was so far; we were allowed to go to the simulator.

We had in total 14 4-hour sessions ahead of us. Should be fun, they said…

Well, it kind was fun at the very beginning. Let’s say at the start. Let’s say the very first session, lol. Then everything started to get more complicated…

When the cockpit was prepared and set for the session, we just looked at each other with my colleague and asked: “ready”? Knowing, once we advance the power levers, the 4 hour rollercoaster will start.

Engine failure on take off roll, at take off, multiple failure during the flight, loss of systems, screens, pilot incapacitation, traffic resolution in the worse weather conditions, engine fire and far more was offered on the “daily menu”…

Obviously, it did make sense. You learn the “push” all the buttons, learn what happens and why and how to react in. the case of a real emergency. Planes are pretty safe, and the most important thing is to fly them until the “very last end”. Aviate, navigate, communicate.

Now I understand what the pilots go through when they speak about the “dancing box”. It’s not to have fun, it’s refresh all the emergency and abnormal procedures that are likely not going to happen during the normal operations, but we need to be prepared for.

Hard work, lot’s of studying and practicing brought us to the final sim check and we passed it!

Next step was touch and goes. It was a big experience, to be sitted at the controls of a passenger plane.

It was so far, this was the very first time. Achieving the dreams.

Honestly, even after we landed and returned home I couldn’t believe it that I achieved it. This was the icing on the cake.

Everything gets even more real when you wear the uniform and take the right seat. This is when the things get real.

Hard work pays off, I’m happy and very proud to have achieved this. It was not easy, but things will happen at the right time and for the right reason. It’s not that the learning has finished, this is where it’s just started!

Safe flights and hope to see you on board!