General Notes
Many of these components can be swapped out for others that provide the same functionality, but these are the ones that we tend to recommend. There are three categories, each getting more comprehensive than the previous.
In general, the most expensive component for each solution is the computer. The least complex option assumes you can use an existing computer for flight simulation.
We don’t include desks in this list because everyone tends to have their own aesthetic.
Your First Simulator
- Purpose
- Provide the easiest entrance into flight simulation.
- Features
- Ability to identify relationships between various flight characteristics, memorize some procedures, interact with online ATC services like PilotEdge, and more. This is how most people first begin to dabble with flight simulation.
- Components
- Computer
- Your Existing Computer
- Monitor
- Your Existing Monitor
- Flight Sim
- MSFS2020 or X-Plane
- Headset
- Flight Controls
- Computer
Your Advanced Simulator
- Purpose
- Bring a little more realism into your home flight simulator.
- Features
- Same as previous, but the goal is to be able to run through most checklists on training aircraft like the Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee with physical buttons and switches and bring in some of the technology inside your airplane into your sim.
- Components
- Computer
- Either yours, or we can suggest this iBUYPOWER with an Intel i7 and Nvidia 3060
- Monitor
- TCL 43-Inch 4K 60Hz
Typical gaming monitor features like response time are not nearly as important for flight simulation. We suggest having an honest 4k TV that can run at 60hz (most flight simulators won’t be running more than 60fps anyway).
- TCL 43-Inch 4K 60Hz
- Flight Sim
- MSFS2020 or X-Plane
- Headset
- Flight Controls
- Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls and Switch Panel
- Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant, Switch Panel, and Autopilot
- Add Something from RealSimGear – For example I fly with a GNS430
- Computer
Your Professional Flight Simulator
- Purpose
- To be able to log real flight training time and maintain IFR currency when certified.
- Features
- Fully FAA approved home simulation training equipment.
- Components
- In this section, only companies who provide the complete flight simulation package are included because those are the ones which have attained FAA certification. In general, we’re going to be looking at BATD (Basic Aviation Training Devices).
- Redbird Flight TD
- FlyThisSim Touch Trainer SD