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Old 20th September 2012 | 17:50
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Notso Fantastic
 
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: UK
Even after a dozen simulator sessions converting onto a new type, it's not like a simulator. It's still becoming 'familiar' and it is a very nervy anxious time. When I first flew a real 737 glass panel -400, after takeoff I sat back and let go at about 4000' in the climb. The plane started gently rolling not doing at all what I wanted- I'd neglected to actually engage the autopilot. Familiarity comes quickly in the real aeroplane, but I found simulators didn't fully prepare you although they get you 95% there. With 'zero flight time' conversions, there is no circuit bashing in real aeroplanes- the first time you fly a real one is on normal passenger services, with a special training pilot to help you get into it! That first landing does tend to be a nervy time!
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