my questions about cockpits

[AndyT]

Because all the various parts you can buy are already sized for 'real' planes.

[grumman_gooser]

hmmm.... where should i cut it off at to avoid gas tanks and main supports, if any? by real size, do you mean that everything that you need for a cockpit is full scale size? i might do that cause then i dont have to worry about wood, splinters, and fabricating.

[AndyT]

Yes, Full Scale Size.
The gas tanks are in the wings.

I would suggesy you go to your local flight school and take the intro flight for $30-$50. Ask tons of questions. What you learn will help you out a huge amount in building your sim.

[grumman_gooser]

so when i build one, if were to go and build it with wood, it would have to be the same size as a real cockpit? if so, then ill just go and decap a cessna

[grumman_gooser]

well... i guess i will be using the full size. anyone have any dementions of a real cockpit? it needs to be small enough to fit into a garage. after i get what im looking for, i will first do an inspection of it to make sure its not rusted all over. and then i will find a good hiding place for my comp. then repaint it to a white with silver, blue and gold stripes. and then get started on building it. im gonna make it a 2 seater with locking doors and acuators to simulate g forces. might even get some 2007 cessna seats if i can find some or some mastercraft seats.

[AndyT]

Nothing HAS to be the same or full size. Its just easier that way.
But you can make your sim fit onto a small desk like I have. If I had a garage you can bet you would find a full size cockpit on a motion platform in there. I'll build an extension for the car if I have to....

BEFORE you start building, decide on how much room in the garage you can use and then draw some plans. This is a very critical step and should not be skipped. Most home built projects would cost less, build faster and look better if everyone drew up some good plans before they started building. And that's not only cockpit builders. That's ANY kind of homebuilt project.