Introduction

This guide covers flight simulation setups that go well beyond the desktop, intended for simmers willing to invest significant time, space, and money. Advanced options—like motion platforms, specialized chairs, and full-scale home cockpits—can deliver unmatched realism, but they’re not required for an immersive experience. Many simmers achieve fantastic results with desktop hardware, VR, and quality displays alone. But for those who want to push the bounds of the hobby, read on!

Flight Sim Chairs

Specialized gaming chairs, often seen in high-end racing setups, are also popular in home flight simulation. These chairs are specifically designed to enhance immersion by providing an environment that mirrors real-world cockpit seating. Different designs exist based on the type of setup you are trying to create, as shown in the following examples.

Most chair setups focus on modularity and are designed accommodate third-party peripherals, such as control yokes, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants. For example, a racing-style seat might be modified with additional mounting brackets to accommodate flight sticks and control panels, creating a hybrid setup that's perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of both flight and racing simulation.

Most flight sim chairs are sold individually, without bundled hardware, meaning it’s up to the buyer to determine exactly what peripherals and accessories they want to integrate. Therefore, careful planning is essential before making a purchase. Consider the type of flying you plan to do, the space you have available, and the specific yokes, joysticks, throttle units, and pedals you intend to use. Mapping out your desired setup in advance will help ensure that your chair, mounts, and controls all work together smoothly, avoiding costly modifications or compatibility issues later.

If you're interested in learning more, well-known providers of flight sim and racing chairs include:

Motion Platforms

Motion platforms are a popular way to take immersion to the next level, providing physical feedback that simulates the sensations of flight. These platforms move in response to simulator inputs, tilting, pitching, and sometimes even vibrating to replicate acceleration, turbulence, and other in-flight forces. For many serious simmers, the addition of a motion platform transforms the flight experience, making it feel far closer to being in a real cockpit.

Some motion platforms are built specifically to work with flight sim chairs, effectively turning a specialized seat into a dynamic cockpit. These setups often combine a sturdy chair with actuators or hydraulic systems that provide realistic movement, and can accommodate standard peripherals such as yokes, joysticks, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants. By starting with a modular chair, simmers can gradually upgrade to a full motion experience without having to completely rebuild their setup.

Other motion platforms are designed as standalone units, capable of integrating with a variety of cockpit configurations. These can include modular rigs that support full home cockpit frames, partial cockpit builds, or even racing-style seats adapted for flight simulation. Standalone platforms typically offer a wider range of motion and customization options, but they also require more planning in terms of space, power, and compatibility with your existing controls.

When considering a motion platform, it’s important to assess the type of flying you intend to do, the weight and dimensions of your seat and controls, and the level of immersion you’re seeking. Prices vary widely depending on range of motion, build quality, and included features, from more affordable DIY-style platforms to high-end professional units costing tens of thousands of dollars. Proper planning and research can ensure you choose a platform that meets your expectations without overextending your budget.

The following providers are well-known in the flight simulation community for motion solutions:

Home Cockpits

Those who wish to go beyond desktop mountable hardware or panel kits enter the world of home cockpit building, which is a hobby in and of itself! Home cockpit building is such a vast topic that it isn't practical to discuss everything as part of this guide. Instead, we'll just provide an overview and link to resources where you can learn more.

Typically, home cockpit building is based around creating a full-size simulator setup from scratch, sometimes using parts from real aircraft. Home cockpit building is about the journey and learning experience, with most builders slowly building their setup over a number of years.

Communities & DIY Projects

Home cockpit building has evolved into a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share their knowledge, designs, and experiences. Dedicated websites and forums serve as invaluable resources for both beginners and seasoned builders. These platforms offer a wealth of information, including detailed build logs, cost breakdowns, and design files.

The following links and resources give a sense of what's out there, and a simple Google search will readily link you to more information from people who have already done this!

For those seeking a more structured approach, website like Captain Bob Flight Simulation offers free plans and videos, and often sells kits and components. These resources cater to various skill levels and budgets, making home cockpit building more accessible than ever.

3D Printing

The rise of 3D printing has further revolutionized home cockpit construction. Enthusiasts can now design and print custom panels, knobs, and even entire cockpit shells, allowing for a high degree of personalization and cost savings. Platforms like AuthentiKit offer free 3D-printable flight controls, enabling builders to create authentic cockpit experiences on a budget. Additionally, online 3D model libraries like Yeggi host a vast collection of user-generated 3D models for cockpit components, providing a treasure trove of designs to choose from. Even if you don’t own a 3D printer, online printing services allow you to upload your designs and have them printed and shipped to you at a reasonable cost.

Turnkey Providers

Not all home cockpits are completely "do it yourself". Some providers offer complete solutions that replicate either complete cockpits or "half cockpits", which typically represent just the left seat and associated controls and avionics. While it is possible to purchase this equipment completely configured and ready to fly, expect to pay five or six figures for these setups!

For general aviation setups, the vendors below offer a range of options, including popular Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, and Beechcraft aircraft:

For airliner setups, the vendor list below offers a great starting point:

Because of the specialized nature of this equipment, companies who provide home cockpits setups are located all across the world. As always, do your own research when considering a purchase this significant. In many cases, using companies who are located closer to you will help reduce shipping and import costs.