Things I Learned From Flight Sims

"Basic Flying Rules: Try to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go near the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized by the appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there."


This video is a textbook case of flying into the edge of the envelope. He should have aborted his path at the 3:00 mark but he didn't and at that point his confidence overrode his ability and signed their death warrant. At the very least he should have known he was in serious trouble. He had a second chance to circle and climb over the lake 40 seconds later, but he didn't take it. Overconfidence again. Instead he pushes onward with a heavy aircraft in high alt and climbing terrain.

When he finally does decide to abort and circle 2 minutes later, it's too late. He's too low, too heavy and too slow. Sir Isaac Newton wins. The video was found by hikers 3 years later.

Never, ever think you or your passenger are immune to the laws of physics. It will kill you both every time.