Levels of Flight Simulators

Improved Article: Understanding Flight Simulator Levels for Your Purchase or Custom Order

Selecting the right flight simulator setup can be overwhelming given the vast range of options, features, and costs. This guide breaks down the different levels of flight simulator configurations, from entry-level home setups to fully custom professional cockpits, to help you make an informed purchase or custom order.

Flight Simulator Levels Explained

Level 1: Entry-Level Controls and Avionics with Metal Stands

  • Setup: Basic flight controls (e.g., Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo), 1–3 monitors, metal stands for avionics (such as a G1000 suite or steam gauges).
  • Features: Delivers about 70% of high-end simulator functionality at a fraction of the cost. Controls are typically plastic but flexible and affordable. The system is modular, allowing you to use your existing desk and quickly switch between work and flight modes.
  • Estimated Cost: ~$7,000 (includes avionics suite, controls, PC, monitors, and miscellaneous). Costs decrease significantly if you already own a capable PC, monitors, or controls.
  • Best For: Beginners and enthusiasts seeking a cost-effective, flexible entry point into flight simulation.

Level 2: Basic Controls with Integrated Plastic Panel

  • Setup: Similar to Level 1 but replaces metal stands with a compact, high-quality plastic panel that integrates avionics and controls.
  • Features: Offers a more realistic cockpit feel and improved aesthetics. Panels are lighter and more affordable than full aluminum versions, and can be moved easily. Some setups may require monitor adjustments or an adjustable-height desk.
  • Estimated Cost: ~$8,000 (adds ~$1,000 for the panel and mounts).
  • Best For: Users wanting a more immersive, organized setup without a significant jump in cost.

Level 3: Premium Controls with Advanced Panel and Switches

  • Setup: Upgrades to high-end controls (e.g., Virtual Fly Yoko yoke, premium throttle and rudder), a larger or aluminum panel, and additional switches.
  • Features: Significantly increases realism and control fidelity. Panels can be FAA-certifiable, making this setup suitable for professional training. Comparable to professional simulators costing much more.
  • Estimated Cost: ~$15,000 (higher-end controls, more powerful PC, additional switches).
  • Best For: Advanced enthusiasts, student pilots, and professionals needing high-fidelity procedural training.

Level 4: Custom Cockpit Panel with Off-the-Shelf Avionics and Switches

  • Setup: Everything from Level 3, but with a custom-designed panel to replicate a specific aircraft’s cockpit. Uses standard avionics and switches.
  • Features: Tailors the simulator to match your real-world aircraft, enhancing procedural training and realism.
  • Estimated Cost: $15,000–$20,000, depending on complexity.
  • Best For: Pilots and flight schools wanting a simulator closely matched to their actual aircraft.

Level 5: Custom Panel and Switches

  • Setup: Custom cockpit panel with both off-the-shelf avionics and custom switches.
  • Features: Replicates the aircraft’s panel and unique switch layouts for maximum authenticity.
  • Estimated Cost: $20,000–$30,000.
  • Best For: Advanced users and organizations requiring exact cockpit replication for specialized training.

Level 6: Fully Custom Panel, Avionics, and Switches

  • Setup: Custom everything-panel, avionics, and switches-to match any aircraft, including those with unavailable avionics.
  • Features: Allows for the design and manufacturing of unique avionics solutions, pushing realism to the highest level.
  • Estimated Cost: $40,000–$80,000 and up, depending on requirements and available avionics software and hardware components
  • Best For: Organizations or individuals needing a one-of-a-kind simulator for specific aircraft or research.

Level 7: Full Custom Enclosed Cockpit with High-End Controls and Visuals

  • Setup: Fully enclosed cockpit, custom everything, high-end controls, and a visual system using multiple monitors or a projector. Requires a dedicated room.
  • Features: Ultimate immersion and realism, suitable for professional or institutional use.
  • Estimated Cost: Starts at $80,000.
  • Best For: Flight schools, airlines, and training centers needing the highest fidelity and immersion.

Choosing the Right Level

When selecting your simulator level, consider your goals, budget, and training needs:

  • For most home users and flight students: Levels 1–3 offer substantial capability and value, covering 70–90% of training needs at a fraction of the cost of full custom solutions.
  • For professional or type-specific training: Levels 3–4 provide high fidelity and can be FAA-certifiable, suitable for procedural and recurrent training7.
  • For organizations or advanced users: Levels 5–7 deliver unmatched realism and customization, but require significant investment and space.

Even for professional pilots, a Level 3 or Level 4 simulator will fulfill 80–90% of training requirements, making them a faster and more cost-effective option than building a fully custom Level 5–7 simulator.

Additional Considerations

  • Upgrade Path: Many users start with a basic setup and upgrade components over time, spreading out costs and adapting to evolving needs.
  • Certification: If your goal is to log training hours or meet regulatory requirements, ensure your simulator can be certified as a Basic or Advanced Aviation Training Device (BATD/AATD) or higher, depending on your needs.
  • Space Requirements: Higher-level simulators may require dedicated space or structural modifications.

By understanding these levels and what each offers, you can confidently choose or design a flight simulator that matches your training goals, space, and budget.