The Simple Sim project is a personal challenge to design a versatile, compact, and functional flight simulator from inexpensive, readily available materials. 

This is a work in process. The sim as of October 11, 2004 is pictured below.  (If you're wondering about the color selection, The brown is left over house trim paint. The blue is simply the uncovered cushion foam.)

Simple

The use of "simple" is to imply that it should be simple to get the materials, and simple to build (though not necessarily quick). 

Modular

The design concept is one of modularity. This makes the Simple Sim easier to move around and store, as well as, making the design itself easier (simpler!) to adapt to other aircraft models. The design of this particular Simple Sim incarnation is based on the Bell 206B helicopter and will interface to FS2004.

The first module is a 20" by 48" base that incorporates anti-torque pedals, floor mounted cyclic and a collective. The collective will have a working throttle, switches and start button. The controls will be interfaced through electronics designed by Leo Lacava of Beta Innovations.

The second module is the seat. It's made to slide fore and aft on the base and allow a little latitude in pilot leg length. I'm considering adding a bass shaker to the bottom of the seat, but have not committed to that as yet.

The third module is a pedestal that houses the radio stack. It sets on the floor just to the left of, and fastens to, the base. (Remember, helicopter, PIC in right seat.)

Module four houses the main instrument panel and warning annunciator lights. It sets on top of the module three pedestal.

Inexpensive

There are enough really fantastic home cockpits these days that I could spend a lot of money and still be relatively inexpensive. But, the goal is to control costs in an absolute rather than relative sense. This means using inexpensive materials where possible, and a lot of making rather than buying. There will be a lot of wood in Simple Sim, and the flight controls will be built from scratch.

For more detail, please use the links on the upper left of the page.

It's possible that I'm not as smart as I think I am. (Occasionally, I have moments when I know this to be true. Fortunately the feeling passes quickly.) Although I have tried to make this information as accurate as I can, it is not only possible, but also quite likely, that errors lurk within. I cannot and do not warrant these pages to be error free and correct. Further I accept no liability for the use of this information (or misinformation). If, after reading this, you are still interested, please be aware that the contents of this site are protected by copyright (copyright © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 by John M. Powell). Nonetheless, you may copy this material subject to these three conditions: (1) the copyright notice is copied and presented along with the material, (2) the copy is used for non-commercial purposes, and (3) the source of the material is properly credited. And of course, you may link to this page.