Glider cockpit wanted for Simulator... anyone?

When I first got involved (simultaneously) with Condor and real gliders I thought that a realistic cockpit would be important, but then I learned that once you start to "fly" in Condor, the cockpit completely disappears. I quickly discovered that a joystick fastened to the right armrest of a chair was a heck of a lot more enjoyable than a stick positioned awkwardly between my legs. A joystick on the armrest is a lot nicer than a joystick on a desk in front of you and rudder pedals greatly boost the realism. I agree that realistic control feel has some value (but it is by no means essential to enjoying Condor). The rest of the cockpit has extremely marginal value.


I can't disagree, really the cockpit service limited purpose.. aside from airbrake lever, stick, and pedals. I've been flying condor for a about 4 years now, I started before earning my glider license. I've always had the stick on my desk, on my lap, etc, and my pedals sliding all over the floor. I've just kinda gotten tired of that, and would like a more realistic configuration. It would be fun to build something around a cockpit, I know my daughter would enjoy it. If I can't do that, then I do have a backup plan.

Tom
#599

On Friday, July 5, 2013 1:01:10 AM UTC-4, flgliderpilot wrote:

I've always had the stick on my desk, on my lap, etc, and my pedals sliding all over the floor. I've just kinda gotten tired of that, and would like a more realistic configuration.

Agreed. I started with a very comfortable chair. I replaced the padded armrests with 10" X 36" pieces of plywood. The joystick rests on the plywood.. Then I built a simple plywood wedge about 30" wide by 30" deep tilted up.. Put the rudder pedals on the wedge to stabilize and attain more realistic position. A little effort goes a long way.

That said, I think building a more realistic stick, rudder and spoiler has merit, especially if it is portable. But do you make it feel like a 2-33 or a ASK-21?