On Tuesday December 7, 1999, I had the great pleasure of riding in a full motion simulator for the first time ever. The 4 hour ride, complements of some great folks at Comair Aviation, was extremely educational and entertaining. The Captain, Steve Rovno, along with his First Officer Justin, were involved in some intensive training during my ride along. Wind shears, engine outs, and inadvertent reverser deployments, were just a few of the situations these gentlemen had to deal with. It's absolutely incredible how this massive machine can trick your mind into thinking your actually flying in an airplane. Chris Benton, of Project B737, wrote some excellent articles on what its like to fly in one of these monsters. Check out WHAT ITS LIKE TO FLY ONE, HOW GOOD ARE THEY and HOW DO THEY WORK.
I know one thing. when I left this facility, I had an even greater amount of respect for airline pilots. The average person as no idea how much these people are required to know.

Here are some pictures from the ride..............

Outside the 35 Million Dollar Canadair Regional Jet Simulator. The training facility is located in Northern Kentucky just outside of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Comair pilots Steve and Justin.

CRJ - FTD inside the briefing room.

Inside the multi-mil sim. Jason's reading the pre-takeoff checklist while sitting on Runway 17 in Louisville International.

Just prior to takeoff at Louisville International.

Cruising along around 11,000 feet en route to Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International.

Just after roll out on Runway 18 Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International.

Pilots receiving guidance from the flight instructor.

The instructor's station which is positioned just aft of the First Officer.

Preparing for departure on Runway 18 Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International.