I
Learn How to “Fly” a Plane
John Stachnik
I just had the good fortune of traveling to Prague and the Czech Republic.
What a beautiful and historic city – and what a remarkable country.
While there I had the extra good fortune of being invited by Czech Airlines
to their headquarters, where they gave me the opportunity to “fly”
an Airbus 320 on their flight simulator.
Before I tell you what that was like, I wanted to let you know about
their facilities. Upon entering I was able to view full-scale airplanes
where flight crews and attendants were going through practice drills.
I also saw classrooms filled with staff studying and testing to improve
their profession.
And
then there were the flight simulators – each for different types
of aircraft. Some of the simulators cost more than the plane they were
modeled after. I was given the chance to get in the cockpit, “take
off” from Prague International Airport, cruise the countryside,
and bring it in for a successful landing.
The scene from the cockpit window was so realistic, and the motion of
the simulator so convincing, that I had to look back a couple of times
to see the reassuring door back to the offices and training area.
I am pleased to report that I passed with “flying” colors,
although I do believe my flight instructor touched the dual controls
more than once.
I came away from the experience with a new-found respect for what airlines
do to keep the skies safe and secure. Knowing that all pilots return
to the simulator every six months for refreshing their skills and to
gain further knowledge is quite impressive. And knowing that staff returns
frequently for re-training is a comfort indeed.
In this time of turmoil for the airline industry, you should not forget
all the things that airlines do for us. You can have a strong sense
of security that the airlines are doing everything in their power to
make your flight with them a safe, secure and memorable experience.
Oh, and by the way, you can enjoy Prague and the Czech countryside on
our Poland and Prague tour. Consider joining us.
Happy traveling!
– John Stachnik