A long line of people waiting, from students, office staff to guests who have become grandparents, all eagerly enter the feel-good game. And then, the moment you step into the cockpit, put your hands up and need to control... that feeling is really shuddering as if you are about to become the captain.
This experience is not simply a few buttons for fun. You will be able to truly fly to take off, squeeze through the wind, and even land in simulated weather conditions. In particular, there are always pilots who provide dedicated guidance, so that you understand how much pressure and responsibility pilots have in real life.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, pilot and teacher of the ATR 72 aircraft of the FTC Flight Training Center, was the one who directly guided guests in the simulated cockpit at the Exhibition. Having just completed an experience for a group of young guests, Mr. Hai shared his feelings:
"After a few days at the Exhibition, I saw a lot of visitors coming to experience the simulated cockpit. Almost everyone is curious and eager to try it. Many young people are very excited when sitting in the driver's seat, like finding a new experience to nurture the motivation to pursue their dream of becoming pilots. For the older uncles and aunts, the emotions were different. They didn't think there would be so many buttons."
When asked about children, Mr. Hai said that this activity is only for people aged 18 and over because the seats and control arms are designed to suit adults. However, children can still go into the cockpit to take photos with their parents.
According to Mr. Hai, an experience usually lasts 57 minutes, but for visitors, those are very special moments. Most people have never been in contact with the cockpit, so when listening to take-off or landing instructions, everyone is a bit stiff and tense as if they are controlling it. Occasionally, there are young people who are very quick-witted and so skillful in controlling that they surprise me. It is that excitement and confidence that makes me believe that somewhere among them there will be people who will continue to pursue the pilots' path in the future".
What makes Mr. Hai most excited is the spread that this activity brings. Usually, when attending fairs or exhibitions, visitors only walk sideways, admiring models or products. But with the simulated cockpit, they are truly into role-playing, experiencing the feeling of becoming pilots once in their life. There are elderly men who step out of the cockpit and laugh very brightly and excitedly like a child. For me, that is the greatest success, bringing joy, surprise and pride to Vietnam Airlines".
Amidst the long wait, Phan Manh Hung, 21 years old from Hanoi, stood out with excitement. As soon as he stepped out of the simulation cockpit, Hung still kept a bright smile mixed with excitement.
"Since I stepped into this lobby, this was the first place I had to experience. I had to queue up very early and now it is true to my expectations and sometimes more than I expected. The brothers and sisters here are very supportive, even though I was initially very nervous out there."
Hung said that he had previously heard a preliminary introduction to Vietnam Airlines' activities at the Exhibition, which are cuisine, passenger rooms, business class lounges... but the simulated cockpit was what he looked forward to the most. I was really surprised because everything was beyond my imagination. The support staff was very enthusiastic from the time I lined up until I entered the cockpit, making me feel cared for and comfortable even though I was quite nervous at first, Hung added.
Some young people even make the pilots " startled and confused" because the control operation is very natural, as if they are used to the cockpit before. It was those unexpected moments that made this activity even more exciting.
Bringing the A320 simulated cockpit to the Exhibition, Vietnam Airlines not only brings an attractive entertainment game but also sends a message of the desire to fly high that is always within reach. This is also the largest static cockpit at the event, affirming the position of the national airline.
In addition to the test flight experience, visitors can also explore the passenger compartment, business class lounge or enjoy airline cuisine. All combine to create a colorful picture of Vietnam Airlines' services, making those who leave the showroom still have a special affection in their hearts.
And who knows, from the moment sitting in this simulated cockpit, a certain young person will nurture the dream of becoming a pilot so that one day in the near future, they will be the ones to bring us into the vast, vast sky.
