It’s not often you have a chance to be a pilot for a day, so when we were offered the opportunity to visit Thai Airway’s flight simulator in Bangkok, David and I accepted eagerly.

The simulators are located in the head office of Thai Airways and resemble large cubes, perched on hydraulic “legs” with a drawbridge, which is raised once the door to the mock cockpit is closed. We are briefed before entering by unfailing polite Thai Air staff that seem to possess never-ending smiles. Each simulator fits up to ten people. A cheerful young man from civil aviation takes on the role of Captain whilst I am assisted into the copilot’s seat. We both have a ‘side” stick (formerly known as a joy stick). We quickly agree that the young man will be in charge, and I will merely observe!

And boy is there a lot to observe – switches to the left of us, to the right of us, in front and overhead. Just everywhere, computerised messages, dials and voice warnings. Behind us another Thai Airways staff member is punching hazards into a computer touch screen. The first hazard he selects is ‘engine on fire” and so the front control panel leaps into frenzied message protocol telling us we are down to one engine. The “fire” cannot be put out and so it is with one engine we must “land”. Sitting in the control seat is a truly amazing experience. Outside is a simulated airport with runways and other planes, buildings, green fields, roads and many potential hazards. We are coming in to land way too fast and narrowly miss a Singapore Airlines jumbo as we rush toward the runway, our hearts in our mouths, even though this is a pretend flight.

My companions are fellow members of the Australian Travel Writers Association (ASTW), all seasoned travellers, but they, too, are alarmed by our “speed”. We know we are moving far too quickly and this is confirmed from the control panel by a male voice in stressing, in urgent tones, ‘Terrain! Terrain! Our captain lands anyway and we swerve onto the runway and overshoot, bumping over fields, narrowly missing a hotel, and coming to rest just past a main road. My colleague’s screen tells us we have experience five major collision points, so to all intents and purposes, we have probably crash-landed with total loss of life.

As I gratefully vacate the co-pilot’s seat, another member of our group moves undeterred into the chair so we can relive the whole experience!
The flight simulator experience is highly recommended for those who love flying and those who don’t. Those who love it will find it an extremely exhilarating ride. Those who don’t enjoy flying will probably be reassured by the extensive systems and safety checks in place to ensure smooth landings.

What’s your experience of being in the cockpit? Have you ever flown a plane – even a pretend one? Tell us all about it.

The kindness of others

It only takes one kind act to change someone’s day, whether it’s opening a door, or holding the elevator for someone who is running late.

While I was travelling in London last week, I achieved one of the goals in my life - to attend a Manchester United football (soccer!!!) game. While I could go on and on about the atmosphere of the game, I was most taken aback by the friendliness and kindness of the staff who were posted inside to direct people to their seats. These die-hard supporters of Manchester United turn up to every game (it was –5°c and raining) for barely enough pay to cover a meal and transport back home. But they obviously enjoy the job.

I attended the game by bus but had no idea how I would get back to my hotel for the night.  To my surprise one of the ground-staff I had been talking to for almost an hour before the match, walked me to the tram stop on the way back. It turns out that he worked for Oxfam, the charity organisation, and is passionate about his life and helping others. I can tell you it really made my night to know that even on the other side of the world, while travelling alone in a city I don’t know, I can meet people who will help out of the kindness of their heart.  Soccer fans get a bad wrap, they are often portrayed as thugs who actually enjoy inflicting violence.  The atmosphere of the game was electric and, as much as I enjoyed all of it, it will be this act of kindness which stays with me long after the final whistle.

It is the little things in life that make my day, and this act of kindness made my trip! Don’t be shy, do something nice for someone today, expecting nothing in return.