On February 16, 2003, we had the pleasure of entertaining two real world pilots in our simulator and watch them as they put the sim to the test. Both gentlemen, Capt. Les Hock and First Officer Joe Gordon, are pilots employed by Comair and fly the 70 seat Canadair Regional Jet. Comair, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

It was quite interesting, educating, and at times, down right amusing watching these fellows fly the simulator. While watching the two operate and fly, we soon came to understand and appreciate the phrase cockpit resource management. For example. On takeoff, all Les said was "set thrust" and Joe knew immediately what he was referring to as he zeroed in on the EICAS and fine tuned the thrust setting. It was really neat to watch these guys fly and react just as if they were in a real airplane. They also demonstrated some of the more difficult and demanding approaches to individual airports. The river approach to Reagan International for example. A very precise approach which requires pilots to execute an extremely tight turn to final.

Ok, more about the amusing part. After operating like a well oiled tandem, it became apparent the two had shifted gears and were now demonstrating maneuvers they would certainly be prohibited from doing in real airplanes. Maneuvers such as barrel rolls and figure 8's for example. It was entertaining to say the least.

We had a great time and were flattered to find both fellows referring to our simulator as very complex and realistic. I have posted several pictures below I snapped while Les and Joe were on a night time instrument approach into Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.