GENERAL AVIATION FLIGHT SIMULATOR

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We ultimately settled on a simulation platform that could support both aircraft models. The primary physical flight control and instrumentation hardware (left) was fabricated to our specifications by Nuna Systems of Woodland Hills, California. I designed and built the computer system (right) to run the specialized software and drive the custom hardware. The instructor station and display are visible on the right. Despite our simulator lacking the elaborate full motion system (that simulates the acceleration and movement of flight) and the absence of surrounding multiple visual displays (for an immersive outside view), it does provide technically accurate interaction with onboard instruments, displays and controls and produces a full, realistic presentation of attitude, altitude and navigational information adequate for training and proficiency.

The simulator can be operated as either aircraft model with minimal intervention. The flight controls are permanently installed; the Cirrus SR-20 is flown with a "side stick" control (far left); The Cessna with a conventional wheel yoke (center). The switches and avionics are generally configured as a Cessna 172 with Garmin G1000 navigation displays, as well as peripheral switches and levers. The power levers are interchangeable as part of the removeable center pedestal units.

Meeting the simulation processing demand, as well as driving the numerous video displays, required a leading edge, high performance computer build. I selected an Intel I-7 9700K processer, along with 3 (three) Nvidia video cards.. The computer system is over boosted ("overclocked") to meet the performance demands, and is kept from overheating by pumping water throughout the components.

The base computer simulation is provided by Lockheed Martin PrePare3D (P3D), an industry standard program, on the Windows 10 operating system.  Numerous additional programs are required to support the multiple navigation units, controls, displays and aircraft models. Supporting programs include, but are not limited to, Reality XP (navigation), Mindstar (navigation), Eaglesoft (aircraft models), Orbix (visual enhancement), Arduino (control) and FSUIPC (control).

Configured as a Cessna 172, the center wheel yoke, as well as all of the peripheral switches and levers operate identical to the actual aircraft. The navigation displays emulating the Garmin G1000 system, as well as the autopilot and standby instruments, are fully functional.

Configured as the Cirrus SR-20, the sidestick to the left is utilized, and the wheel yoke is disregarded. The center quadrant is exchanged for a version with the appropriate center console power lever. The Avidyne flight screens are displayed within the Garmin G1000 navigation units. Additionally, a Garmin GTN-650 navigation unit is integrated into the center pedestal.