Flight simulators have come a long way from just being fun games. In recent years, they’ve skyrocketed in popularity, attracting not only aspiring pilots who need realistic practice but also aviation enthusiasts (or “avgeeks”) who dream of flying without ever leaving the ground. Whether you’re training for the cockpit or just indulging your love for planes, these simulators offer an incredibly immersive experience.
Equipment and setup
If you’ve ever looked into setting up your own flight simulator, you’ll know there’s a mind-boggling amount of gear available. It can feel a bit like standing in the middle of an electronics store trying to pick out the perfect pair of headphones — but much more expensive and with more buttons!
Of course, your choice of equipment largely depends on what kind of experience you want, but there are some definite trends in what people are buying. In a survey by Navigraph, a whopping 98% of flight sim users opted for either a joystick or a yoke (basically your steering wheel for flying), 86% threw in a separate throttle control, and 56% went the whole hog with rudder pedals. Generally speaking, if you’re trying to channel your inner Boeing 747 captain, you’ll want a yoke, while Airbus fans go for a joystick to match the fly-by-wire controls of their dream aircraft.
So, whether you’re using Microsoft Flight Simulator (you know, the one that’s made headlines with its jaw-dropping realism), or X-Plane, or another popular option, the gear you pick really shapes the whole experience.
Software: realistic flying experiences
If you’re ready to move past the basic setup and truly elevate your flight simulator experience, the GTR Simulator – GTM Motion Flight Simulator Cockpit is a fantastic option. This rig doesn’t just add to your home flight setup, it revolutionizes it. With its racing-style pilot seat that tilts and shifts, you’ll feel the movements of the plane as if you’re really up in the clouds. It takes immersion to a new level by simulating the physical sensations of flight, enhancing your sense of realism as you soar through virtual skies.
Photo: GTM
One of the highlights of this setup is its ability to support up to three monitors, wrapping you in a near-360-degree view of your virtual world. Whether you’re flying through turbulent weather or making a smooth landing, the multi-monitor setup helps you feel like you’re in the actual cockpit. Plus, it comes pre-drilled to easily accommodate popular Logitech equipment, so upgrading your controls will be seamless.
However, this next-level experience doesn’t come cheap. At around $3,599.99, the GTR Simulator is an investment — and that price doesn’t include the necessary controls and monitors. But if you’re looking for a serious, immersive flight experience at home, this could be exactly what you need.
To enjoy an incredibly realistic cockpit feel, you might want to consider the following options:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 – Stunning visuals and realistic environments to match your high-end cockpit setup.
- X-Plane 12 – Known for its ultra-realistic flight physics, ideal for pairing with motion-based cockpits.
- Prepar3D – A professional-grade simulator used by actual pilots for training.
- FlightGear – Free, open-source simulator with detailed physics for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
- Aerofly FS 2 – Offers smooth performance and realistic flying environments, perfect for those who want an easy-to-use simulator without sacrificing realism.
Hardware: a wide range of controls
When it comes to flight simulator controls, Logitech really has something for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve logged countless virtual flight hours. For beginners looking to get that authentic Boeing experience, the Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System is an excellent choice. It includes a yoke and throttle quadrant, both of which can be customized to control key flight functions like flaps, pitch, and throttle. At around $169, it’s a great entry-level option that doesn’t break the bank but still offers impressive control and precision.
Photo: Logitech
As you get more serious about your setup, Logitech makes it easy to expand with additional accessories. You can add rudder pedals to handle yaw control, or even panels for radios, switches, and autopilot functions. This modular approach allows you to start small and gradually upgrade your cockpit as you go, building it into a comprehensive, realistic flight sim experience piece by piece.
If money is no object…
Now, if your goal is to pull out all the stops and money isn’t an issue, the STEMpilot Pilot Pro 3 might just be the ultimate flight simulator dream come true. This all-in-one setup is seriously impressive. It comes fully loaded with three screens for a panoramic view, a yoke, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals, and even a recliner-style pilot seat — pretty much everything you need to feel like you’re sitting in a real cockpit. And to make it even more tempting, it includes built-in tutorials that cover everything from the basics of flight to mastering different instruments.
Photo: STEMpilot
However, this dream machine will cost you a cool $12,495, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. But for those who want the ultimate flight sim experience without worrying about piecing together separate gear, it’s an amazing option.
Ready to set up the ultimate flight simulator at home? Get started on racking up those (virtual) hours!