Flight Deck Hardware

Options Simple inexpensive office desk chairs were used in the initial versions of this simulator.  Some flight simulator enthusiasts use automobile seats that allow for forward and aft adjustment on a rail. Others use retired real aircraft seats or purchase simulator seats that are replicas of the seats used in the real aircraft. J-Rails The […]

The overhead consists of two large panels: the main overhead and an aft overhead. The main overhead contains panels for various aircraft systems:  flight controls, navigation, fuel, electrical, window & probe hear, anti-icing, hydraulics, air conditioning & heating, pneumatics, pressurization, lighting, APU, and engine start switches. The aft overhead contains panels for various aircraft systems: 

The pedestal is a large box that is located between the captain’s and first officer’s seats. It allows for modular installation of communication radios, navigation radios, and audio controls. It also contains various miscellaneous controls for the weather radar, transponder, cargo fire, and rudder trim. Attached to the forward edge of the panel is the

The throttle quadrant of a B737 incorporates many important controls:  engine thrust levers, reverse thrust, speed brakes, flaps, stabilizer trim, engine start levers, and the parking brake. The tactile feel and appearance of these controls are an important component in making the flight simulator realistic. There is a huge variation in price for throttle quadrants

The control yokes, rudder pedals, and steering tiller are also essential elements for the flight simulator. If a flight simulator was constructed in stages, it is possible to delay installation of the flight controls for the first officer’s side. Unlinked vs. Linked vs. Motorized Flight Controls When building a home flight simulator, there is a

The main instrument panel is the heart of the flight deck. It incorporate the Mode Control Panel, dual EFIS panels, dual Annunciator Panels, six displays (PFDs, NDs, engine displays), standby flight instruments, landing gear lever, and dual CDUs. There are also multiple various LED annunciator lights, indicators, gauges, switches, and other controls. Single Seat Training

Base Platform The platform for this simulator was constructed using a framework of 2×4 boards and 23/32” thick plywood sheeting. Deck screws were used for assembly. Twelve swiveling caster wheels were mounted on the underlying framework to provide for mobility without compromising stability. The dimensions of the base platform were designed to match the size

Here are some of the most common questions that I am asking regarding building a home B-737 flight simulator: Why a B-737NG and not an Airbus or other aircraft? One of the first decisions that must be made when building a home flight simulator is what aircraft make and model. This is a critical decision.

A full-scale realistic B-737 flight simulator requires the following flight deck hardware components. This article is a brief overview and summary. If desired, please see the separate and more detailed articles for each of these main components. Base Platform This is required for mounting the flight deck shell to, as well as the flight deck