We had a call from a good friend of ours the other day who is a captain for a UK airline with a strange request: could we do a skype video call from the simulator to a class of school children? We like a challenge and its always good to be able to help a friend out so last Tuesday at 20,000 in the hold over DSA airport we made contact with the school. The pupils and teachers were asking questions like “how long have you been flying” and “how do I become a pilot”.
I thought I had it hard as I struggled to hold the phone and keep the Captain in view whilst descending the simulator then outbound from the hold for an ILS (all sitting ‘side saddle’ I might add!) but then the questions started to get harder, for example “how do radio waves travel through the air” Hopefully the pupils couldnt see the camera shaking as I tried not to laugh as the Captain racked his brains to remember radio theory!
Anyway all went well and after a smooth landing we all said our goodbyes and hung up. I have to say it is one of the most worthwhile flights we have done so far, maybe we have inspired one or two pupils to give it a go!