How Do You Steal a Plane?

[the_dimwit]

However, playing paintball doesn't teach you everything there is about department policy, real guns, imediate action drills, or a few other things that Bill Jordan would tell you are "hooey".

You're right, of course, although I have no idea who Bill Jordan is. Anything simulated does not convey real-life experiences--it only gives you a concept from which to work.

As far as the Flight Sim experience is concerned, there are ways to give the "pilot" a somewhat true-to-life experience. Virtual airlines are managed in much the same way as the real ones: Poorly, and with little to no common sense. (There are a few that are pretty good, though.) There are even add-on programs that record how good or bad a flight is, compute the effects on the airplane, and then deduct points. Another twist to that is the program that lets you manage the aircraft, complete with money for repairs. The good flights make you money, but if your "passengers" are not happy due to a bounced landing (or getting lost and taking too long to get to a destination), you will lose revenue.

The point I'm trying to make is this: Virtual flying is not the same as the real thing, but it's awfully close.

--Dim

 

[Dr Pokenhiemer]

This guy has--or HAD--a Westwind type, not Citation.

 

[FN FAL]

You're right, of course, although I have no idea who Bill Jordan is. Anything simulated does not convey real-life experiences--it only gives you a concept from which to work.
--Dim

Bill Jordan wrote "no second place winners" and was a highly regarded memeber of the US Border Patrol back in the day when men were men and women liked it.

As far as simulation goes, I have found that approaches on desk top sim helped with situational awarenes prior to going on a trip. I have also found that playing paint ball yields similar results. I'm sure that persons who looked at being great skydivers found that wind tunnel time helped out as well...and I'm not joking, there are wind tunnels for practicing skydiving.

However, that windtunnel will not teach you what to do, when you backing up against power lines and a row of houses, when a freak gust front hits the airport and you have to pull a rabbit out of your hat. (I'm still living that story down and I am living to tell the tail).