737-400 Simulator - British Airways Cranebank

[Trevor Hale]

As good as our home flightsims are, the pros have simulators that are far better. Several airlines now let anyone who is interested book time in their sims and get a taste of what flying a real jetliner is like. Recently Jonny Caldwell of Flightsim.com flew British Airways' Boeing 737-400 at Cranebank and tells the story of what it was like here.

[Boeing Skunk Works]

Sounds as if he had a good time.

I'd like to hear of someone with a sim such as one of ours here comparing it to one of the Pro models instead of a monitor and a joystick.

That would be an interesting comparison. I think many here are on the verge of pro-level sims except for the motion.

[Sean]

I had the good fortune of taking one of BA's 767's at Cranebank for a spin about 15 years ago. If one thing stuck in my mind more than any other aspect of the experience, it was the motion.

If I was surprised by the feeling of movement when taxiing (including 'bumping' over the taxiway lights), imagine my amazement during take-off! When you apply take-off thrust, you are actually pinned to your seat. And then rotation... brilliant.

I always thought it would be good to watch the take-off sequence from outside the sim, to see what was going on!

Sean

[steveeverson]

My Girlfriend has been very kind a short while back and bought me a trip on this very simulator.. I'll let you all know how I get on.
Steve

[Trevor Hale]

Steve,

I can't wait to hear how you made out..  Looking forward to your story.

Trev

[brissydave]

"I'd like to hear of someone with a sim such as one of ours here comparing it to one of the Pro models instead of a monitor and a joystick."

One of my closest friends has to sit in a 737 sim every day..drives him bonkers he says, can be very repetitive....And he has a home setup.

Ill ask him for input.