It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Simulator!

Thank you for joining us today on a tour of our mission's simulator! I believe I have mentioned the simulator on the blog already, but I don't think I've ever posted any pictures. So, here we go!

From this view (if you can ignore the computer screen, the wall next to Jeyson, the fact that he isn't wearing a headset or seat belt, and if you only look REALLY quickly :), you might think that Jeyson was getting ready to take off on a runway....

But when you take a step back, it is easy to get the true story. This simulator is where Jeyson has spent quite a bit of time training in for his Instrument Flight Rating over the past few months.

Steve, the instructor, sits at his computer and controls scenarios that Jeyson has to fly on the computer screen in the simulator.

As you can see, the computer is only allowing him to see the instrument panel of the plane, rather than see what he would see out the window. This is exactly the point....for him to train flying relying only on instruments to be prepared for situations where he might fly in bad weather. Usually, Jeyson will practice a skill/new lesson first in the simulator and then in the actual plane using the hood (that you have seen before) to block him from seeing out the window. While flying in the simulator might seem easier, Jeyson says it is just as difficult, or even more difficult since the computer records your every movement. The hours in the simulator are easier in one way though....on our flight fund! They only cost $5/hour rather than $110/hour like the real planes.

Too bad it is not possible to do all of his training and our mission' work virtually! However, virtual flying wouldn't do much to help bring REAL support....

and the REAL Gospel......

to REAL people.....

.....living in REAL isolated places!

Keep up the great work, Jeyson! You're making REAL progress!