Sunday I had a great chance to view virtualization at its best. I attended an Airbus A340 simulator training at Lufthansa Flight Training via ProFlight. As my eyesight will always prohibit me from entering a real cockpit flying in a simulator is about the closest I will ever get to flying an airplane. And I have to say the simulator is like the real thing and I love it!

The session started out with a short briefing on basic aerodynamics, the controls of the Airbus A340 and an overview of basic flying procedures. The instructor was a retired jet pilot who is now working as a pilot trainer. He was very experienced and calm and professional and got us up to speed very quickly. So we could enter the A340 simulator after an hour of pre flight briefing.

A340 Cockpit copilot's side
A340 Cockpit full view
Chris at the Conrols

Appoach to SFO

It is really hard to tell the difference between the simulator and the real thing. Sitting in the cockpit you can feel the movement, hear the noise and let yourself be drawn into the world of flying. We started out flying in New York and took a look at Coney Island at night. After NY I choose San Francisco International Airport as the next spot for flight training. Taking an A340 at a totally illegal altitude above the Golden Gate is really stunning.

I had the chance to practice four approaches to SFO and got it right the first time (just look at the analysis and be humble!). The only real problem I had was not to hit any other aircraft while taxiing to the terminal. Obviously I feel much better with my head up above the clouds. And I will definitely be back again.