Some of it is pretty good, but OMG, a lot of it is pathetic. Don Lemon is kind of a moron (Black holes? Really?), and that "simulator" they're using - well, that whole bit is just lame. And it goes on, and on, and on....

That thing they are using isn't actually a simulator. It's what's usually called a "flight training device" (and in this case, maybe it's not even that, since they've admitted the thing isn't used for actual pilot training. The FAA has very specific standards for simulators and flight training devices, and these contraptions have to meet those standards for whatever a pilot is being trained to do. You can use a certified flight training device to train pilots on aircraft systems and some procedures. Other kinds of training must be done in simulators that go on motion and have visual displays that meet certain standards of accuracy. One kind of simulator, a Level D, must be used for a type rating or other final qualification. At most airlines a pilot's first flight in the actual airplane will be a revenue flight with passengers (under the supervision of a check airman).

The thing CNN is using is basically just a fancy toy, but I'm sure it's all they could get. Since CNN is in Atlanta I'd bet the first place they went was Delta, which has two 777 simulators. And I'm sure Delta said no way. For several reasons, airlines don't often let "civilians" use their simulators except in very limited circumstances. The airline I used to work at had some pretty strict rules: for example you couldn't put the simulator on motion except for approved training events, and a qualified instructor had to be operating the thing at all times. Simulators are not only extremely expensive, they have to be maintained almost as if they were real airplanes - and if they break down they are not available for training, which screws up a very tight and complex schedule. And I don't think Delta or any of the other airlines that have 777 simulators would want a CNN person in there, even with an instructor (who probably wouldn't be allowed to do it anyhow); plus there's the fact that the only open time is probably in the middle of the night and not during CNN's prime time.

And then there's the character operating the 777 "simulator" for CNN. He's not a qualified 777 pilot; he doesn't seem to know that much about the details of the 777; and he looks like something the cat dragged in. You'd think CNN could have at least talked him into ironing his shirt. I think they'd have been better off without any of that. In fact, they'd have been better off covering something besides Flight 370.

Thanks!