Land of a Midnight Sim

One of simulations greatest strengths is flying parts of the world where you might never make it in person. Alaska calls to the hearts of many a pilot, so well take you there today. Nothing too strenuous: Just a jaunt from Anchorage (PANC) down south to Seward (PAWD) on the ocean and then over to Kenai (PAEN) on Cook Inlet. Yeah, ICAO Alaskan airports start with a P not a K. Hmm... if you put the I-meaning you-in PANC you get Panic. Coincidence?

jwanwest

Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article describes a multi-leg simulated IFR flight challenge across challenging Alaskan terrain (Anchorage to Seward to Kenai), emphasizing the educational value of flight simulators for exploring inaccessible areas.
The simulation incorporates advanced IFR procedures, including complex departures, a high-minimum RNAV (GPS) approach, and an attitude indicator failure requiring partial panel flight to practice emergency procedures.
It highlights the importance of thorough pre-flight preparation, detailed chart study, having appropriate equipment (like IFR GPS or a tablet backup), and adapting to adverse conditions, drawing on insights from experienced Alaskan pilots.

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One of simulation’s greatest strengths is flying parts of the world where you might never make it in person. Alaska calls to the hearts of many a pilot, so we’ll take you there today. Nothing too strenuous: Just a jaunt from Anchorage (PANC) down south to Seward (PAWD) on the ocean and then over to Kenai (PAEN) on Cook Inlet. Yeah, ICAO Alaskan airports start with a “P” not a “K.” Hmm… if you put the “I”—meaning you—in PANC you get “Panic.” Coincidence?

You might need to install some missing scenery if you excluded Alaska to save space. You’ll also want a plane with IFR GPS for this one. If you don’t have that on your sim, don’t back out now. Use your tablet for GPS location. You’ve probably told yourself you would do that in the event of navigator failure in your airplane. How much practice do you have at actually doing it? Right.