It simply had to be done.
An Airbus A320 full motion simulator with spare capacity….my recent detailed study of A320 systems….a group of interested friends….and a significant ‘0’ digit birthday.
No other choice really, but to book 2 hours in the simulator, turn up, and enjoy 🙂
Thanks to Capt Chris, we managed a couple of touch and gos at Gatwick (EGKK), with a few circuits, an ILS 26 approach into Innsbruck, a set of V1 cut ‘experiments’ including a single engine circuit to land and finally a single engine approach to a visual landing at EGKK with severe turbulence and gusty winds.
Thanks to Sean and Nic for providing transport to us all and Sheryl for the boundless enthusiasm!
First a few videos.
Nic rotates the A320 at takeoff:
Short view of the First Officer’s Navigation Display (ND) left and Primary Flight Display (PFD) right:
My first takeoff:
My first touch and go landing (‘very nice indeed’):
My first full stop landing (‘beautiful!’):
And now for some pictures. Click on a picture to embiggen!

Awaiting access to the simulator

One simulator in use (raised bridge)

Entering ‘the office’

Overhead panel shot as we line up on runway 26L at Gatwick (EGKK)

Nic prepares for takeoff from Gatwick 26L

Instructor Chris gives Nic a briefing prior to takeoff

Simulator control panel from the instructor station

Turning back for an ILS approach

Levelled off at 2000 feet

Heading downwind at 2000 feet prior to turning back for ILS approach

ILS approach to Gatwick 26L – nicely on the glideslope (2 reds, 2 whites on the PAPI)

Passing 100 feet radio altitude – 26L ahead – ground rushing towards us!

Setting up at the start of the session, dome lights on

Disconnecting ground power (we have started the APU) prior to starting the engines

Watching the FADECs control the starting of engine number 1

Quick scan of the overhead panel before we taxi

Taxying forwards – brake check, left hand on steering tiller, right on throttles

Lining up on 26L ready for takeoff

Heads down on the downwind leg, entering the parameters for the ILS approach into the FMGC – about to enter the MDA

Adjusting the information on the ND

Nicely lined up on the ILS localiser for 26L, maintaining 2000 feet until glideslope capture, throttles in managed speed mode

Descending on the ILS for 26L – glideslope and localiser captured, gear down, flaps full

about 150 feet above the runway, about to land

Nic watches as the instructor prepares the FMGC for departure from 26L at Gatwick

Control tower visible off to the RHS

Airborne, levelling off at 2000 feet

Sheryl watches from the instructor seat as the autopilot is set up for the downwind leg

Testing all the annunciator lights to check for anything inoperative

On a visual approach to Innsbruck runway 26

Finals for Innsbruck 26 L – nice glideslope (2 red, 2 white)