What do flight instructors get for Christmas? Toys, of course.

This year's gag gift was a Playmobile Jumbo Jet Airplane. (Thanks, Ree!) Kinda cool, actually. A nice, high-quality, German made toy. Even comes with a crew to add to the hours of enjoyment.

I admit - I questioned the value of this toy because of the first impression left by the packaging. Note the image below. Count the stripes on the sleeves. Every Captain and Co-pilot stroll to the aircraft hand-in-hand, don't they? Perhaps they only do this while crossing the ramp? Or when management isn't looking?

However, upon closer inspection of the accessories supplied with Jumbo Jet Airplane, I've changed my mind. Playmobile has provided a valuable learning tool for any aspiring professional pilot. Examples:

Kids can learn how to cater to the captain's every demand ... and don't forget cream with that coffee!

Playmobile calls them signal paddles, but with a little imagination our perky co-pilot is armed for whipping up some breakfast for captain and passengers.

Kids can learn all aspects of the aviation business. Here, our not-so-pimply-faced line boy cheerfully removes sick sacks while listening to rap music and pondering the complexities of putting his hat on correctly.

And, to carry the role playing to its limits, kids can pretend they worked for a major but now bankrupt airline or charter operator as they panhandle for spare change. Add an abusive co-pilot, and the entertainment never ends.

Your kids will love it. Get yours today.

(c) Tom Nagorski -- 12/26/2002