In the simulator, things are quite relaxed. Because I am secure in the knowledge that a crash won't be fatal, flying is in some respects just another video game. But with an astronaut next to me, I really want to fly well and put the Shuttle down on the runway.

To do that, I'm concentrating on a stylized Shuttle mark in the center of a head's-up display. It's showing my destination based on current speed and flight path. Nearby is a small circle denoting where I am supposed to be heading. Getting on track isn't too difficult: I just need to line up the stylized Shuttle with a third symbol, a diamond, and I'll end up flying toward the intended target point.

For most of the descent, the Shuttle is coming down at 20 degrees. With no engine power, it's essentially a giant glider, and the steep angle of approach -- much more than the 3 degrees used by commercial airliners -- is needed to keep up the speed.

At about 3,000-feet elevation, I need to pull back on the joystick and put the Shuttle into a much more modest 1.5-degree approach. From there I need to target the touchdown zone on the runway to put the Shuttle on the ground. Once down, it's on to those pedals to steer the craft and slow it down. (.)

I successfully land three times in a row -- and I'm pretty pleased with myself, but Bobko says I had it easy.