United Airlines 737 MAX 9 Simulator Experience in Denver
A journalist flew United Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 9 flight simulator at the carrier's Denver training center, departing from Las Vegas and landing safely
I flew United Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 9 flight simulator at the carrier's flight training center in Denver. The experience came after the dedication of the new pilot training facility, where I was invited to try the simulator and paired with Captain Larsen.
The simulator is used around the clock for training and re-certification of United pilots. I spent about 45 minutes flying during the session. We departed from Las Vegas (LAS) because Captain Larsen said it offered the most realistic city detail in the simulator.
I had the option to fly anywhere in the world and considered attempting to land in Paro, Bhutan (PBH). Instead, I chose San Francisco (SFO) as my destination because it is an airport I land in frequently and I wanted to try landing myself with the Bay Bridge on the right and the San Francisco Peninsula on the left.
I managed to safely land the aircraft in San Francisco, though I admitted the landing was a little bumpy but not horrible. I wished I could have practiced my flare and feather landing several more times.
After San Francisco, we shifted to Los Angeles (LAX), the airport I have taken off from more than any other over the years, and departed from there. The simulator allowed us to instantly simulate any type of weather condition, including intense storms and turbulence, where pilots sometimes see nothing but white.
Captain Larsen then took us to Madeira, Portugal (FNC), an airport United flies to using the 737 MAX 9 and known as one of the most difficult to land in. United pilots had practiced several times landing at this airport before service began, with assistance from TAP Air Portugal pilots. We ended up doing only a flyover instead of attempting to land, as I likely would have crashed even in the simulator.
Finally, we ended the session by landing in Denver (DEN). I was asked not to take video by United's PR handlers, but I hope the pictures convey how much fun the experience was. I thanked Captain Larsen for his professionalism and patience, reflecting that while my career took a different path, I can now say I have landed a 737 at SFO.
