Building a Cockpit without knowledge

[Ronson2k9]

If you have a model in mind then you can go till you run into a snag then ask someone here for some assistance. There is a great amount of information here on both brands of aircraft in the File Library area.

http://www.mycockpit.org/fileshare/index.php

As far as differences go between them they aren't all that different from each other. They both have very similar components (as all planes share) but beyond that they have similar cockpit layouts and instruments. As you can tell by doing a bit of research on them.

This is a great resource of info as well as pictures of the actual flight decks.
http://www.airliners.net/

The only way to know what the differences are in pricing for building one or the other is if someone built one then quit to build the other or if someone built both. As it's much like a custom car. There are hundreds of ways to customize your car but only you would know how much your way cost. You wouldn't price out both brands to see which is cheaper to build. It's a personal preference.

Another option if you can't decide for sure which you like more Boeing or Airbus then you could go 'Down the middle' and build a custom cockpit incorporating the bits you like from each. Then fly the one in the sim on that day that you want to fly. Many have built a custom creation not following exactly the blueprint of the aircraft. Many times there is a bit of guess work in building anyway. So you can be flying a A330 one day and the next in your B737 the next. It's what ever makes you happy that's important.

In the end the Simpit is an extension of the Flight Simulator into the 'Real' world that is somewhat missing in the keyboard/mouse controls that you would normally use to control the Flight Sim at your desk. So you can go as far into the actual flight deck or far away from it as you would like. It's all up to you.

I would pick the plane you like the most from the Flight Simulator then work form there. Just like buying a new car look online to find all you can about that plane.

- What the flight deck looks like? (airliners.net)
- What the avionics package includes. (Manufacturers Website/mycockpit.org - File Library - Aircraft Manuals)
- What airlines use that plane? (airliners.net)
- What models/liveries are available in FS (Flightsim.com)
- Check the forums here for other builders and read/ask about there experiences.

As it's been mentioned before start out with a plan then ad a little at a time as money/time is available. There are articles on how to build nearly everything the modern flight deck includes.

So in your plan make a note of what you need to start off with. Most times..

1 - Shell or platform of some kind (Seat, MIP)
2 - Flight controls (Yoke, Rudder)
3 - Two monitors (One for instruments and one for Visuals)

Then add on.

4 - Pedestal (Throttle Quadrant)
5 - Autopilot
6 - Analog Gauges
7 - Overhead (Systems controls)

Everyone starts somewhere so we all started with no knowledge at all and worked our way to a fairly knowledgeable bunch. So no need to by shy..

Seems like your starting down the right track already... I wish you success in your cockpit building adventure.

[BHawthorne]

Seriously, don't build based on which is cheaper. Look around and figure out which layout you like best. You're going to pour a ton of time into whatever you do, you better like what it is. Try out the various add-on aircraft. See which ones you have most fun flying. Then read up on other people's experiences interfacing those add-ons. While there are a lot of people doing Boeing and Airbus, that doesn't always mean they're the best fit for your build. Do what you would enjoy, not what you believe might be easier, because ultimately none of it is easy.

The shells are built for around the same price. Where the costs can go crazy are on the details like DZUS fasteners, interface boards and switch count. I suppose if you want to cut costs a bit shoot for cockpit layout that is mostly glass cockpit and few interface switches.

[Flyer09]

Ok Thank you much for all answers. But I think, I will wait with my project. Maybe build I little thinks like a Radio to select the Freq. from ATC. Also not difficult thinks. And everyday can I still build a "real" Cockpit.


Tanks again

regards