[Jeff Alton]

Just thought I would share a cool experience. Flew in a B737 700 simulator for about 4 hours today. It was a blast! I know commercial pilots may not think too much of the fact that I was thrilled, but it was fun.

We used it to learn more about cockpit management and energy management and fuel burn as it relates to approach design and RNP departure design. Learned a lot for a guy who only has a few hours of time from years gone by. Got a good education about what is going on at the other end of the radio...

I have flown in the flight deck a lot prior to 9/11 but it was nothing compared to being able to create scenarios to work with on the fly.

I had seen these things on TV and doubted the realism, they are very very good.

Hoping to jump into a B767 one in September and then A320, CRJ and A340 in the fall.

As an approach controller, I got a new respect for what goes on in the cockpit because of the clearances we issue....


Cheers