Home Flight Simulator Setup

Come check out my recently completed home flight simulator build! In this video I walk you through the new setup, and explain how I use this simulator as a functional training aid to keep my flying skills sharp when I can't get out to actually fly.
The components I use for this setup include:
-49” Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor
-Ergotron HX Monitor Arm
-HP Omen 30L Desktop
-Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Yoke
-Honeycomb Aeronautical Bravo Throttle Quadrant
-Thrustmaster TPR Pendular Rudder Pedals
-Real Sim Gear G1000 Suite
-Stay Level Avionics SLAVX Panel
-Eureka 60” L Shaped Gaming Desk
-Corsair Keyboard & Mouse
-Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 and XPlane11

[@StayLevelAvionix]

Mike - Awesome video! Really love the channel. Visuals, audio, intro, VLOG Quality and edit all came out really really great. Keep it up - Stay Level my friend!

[@CO_Pilot]

Thank you for watching and thanks for the kind words! This SLAVX panel really completes the setup; it truly feels like your in the cockpit sitting in front of this thing! 100% would recommend!

[@larsthorwald3338]

My sim includes a flight attendant's uniform for my wife, who walks into the room at regular intervals to offer me coffee and little bags of stale pretzels.

[@greasemonkeygarage1901]

😂

[@yurikashorov3210]

You made it bro

[@jongaskins5617]

does she also come by to bang your elbow with a cart every so often too? 😂

[@Bunskee]

@@yurikashorov3210 fr I need that

[@StayLevelAvionix]

This is pure gold.

[@abrahamnationllc]

A ballpark figure of the cost would have been helpful to those of us that might want to get into this but have never done anything like it.

[@willgaukler8979]

...monitor sizes do not need to be huge either ... get two ... new ones and brackets ... never make payments on something you don't like ... throttle and landing gear lights... choices are endless ...

[@danielspears5984]

Assuming you have a $2000 Computer, $1000 monitor the other stuff totaled would be about $4500-5000

[@toasty4634]

@@danielspears5984 those are crazy high specs for PCs and monitors, you can get into it for 1000 for a really decent budget PC, and 400 for two monitors, as for the other goodies probably 600 for an ok HOTAS, pedal, andkeyboard

[@danielspears5984]

@@toasty4634 i priced the pc and monitor that he has bc i have the same ones.

[@saulsainz1806]

@@danielspears5984 I would say its probably around 7-8k total.

[@seanpinnell4806]

Just started siming, this is where eventually I want to be at. Perfect video, now I have a much better understanding of where i need to go. Thanks so much, great video !

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching!

[@axeluri]

That is cool as hell, everything that you purchase to build this flying sim is just to right in every sense.

[@kenbit667]

Awesome presentation indeed! I've been looking forward to setting up something like this, with a simplicity of home operation and applicability in flight training. Thanks for the info. I've already subscribed into your channel.

[@BosleyBeats]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m planning a sim build and this really really helps

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Absolutely phenomenal!!.

[@austinyarbrough184]

Very nice video brother, clean smooth straight to the point great explanations 👍🏼

[@ECireLee]

I'm feeling this setup. Subbed!

[@FamilyManMoving]

Perfect video at the perfect time; I was just online shopping for such at setup. The detail on products and your views on them helped a great deal. Thanks. Subbed.

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching!

[@ferkdizzle]

This video has been helpful for me in planning my Colorado flgiht sim!

[@johnramirez3548]

Great Video...Awesome setup, love it!

[@eightsprites]

Nice setup. Makes me want to setup my flightsim cockpit again. Been stored in boxes after a move. Your setup is a much better version, but you also using it for training. I was just simflyer :-)

[@LBRfamily716]

Love the set up sick 👍🏼

[@dmo5962]

Really cool setup!

[@Cali83]

Great video , love the setup 👍🏼

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the comment 🙏🏼

[@DeadLegMedia]

I dont know how I havent seen your channel before, not a ppl, but avid flight sim guy and fellow Co, FTCO more specifically. Killer setup

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching!

[@Iamthatpeace]

Very cool setup and great video!

[@robertsecor5738]

Excellent video. I had similar issue with the LED strips not sticking and tried different ways to keep it attached and one worked and has been working over 4 mo straight by using 3M Scotch Permanent Double-Sided tape "No Mess" compared to Glue.

[@wlewis8336]

Thanks.. very nice setup 😃

[@jjflywithme9834]

Pretty cool set up!

[@Plydrms]

great review! I was a big MS FSX user for the longest time and loved it. I transitioned to XP 11 and was impressed with the realism from a real world pilot perspective. I don't like how Microsoft requires you to have an account with them. Also, a fast internet connection is needed for the best scenery experience. The eye candy is nice, but IMO XP 11 is better for proficiency as a pilot.

[@Stuart_little_96]

My man, ty for this. God bless.

[@whisperedarcc6543]

Awesome video, thank you. Right now I am SOOOOO envious of your setup, not only for you having access to your own aircraft but also for your incredible sim setup. I'm now thinking of building my own sim along similar lines and am trying to decide whether i should sell my left, or right, kidney and whether i actually need two lungs to live comfortably enough so maybe I could sell one of them too, to pay for the rig. I will definitely have to think long and hard on these important questions. But GREAT personal sim you have there. I love Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 and find it so gorgeous and life like when immersed within its textured photogramatical world. My only BIG beef with it is its use of Bling maps for its re-creation of the world (and yes I know Bling is a microsoft product so duh of course they going to use it). My house was built a few years ago and we moved in end of 2019 and unfortunately the new estate did not appear on bing maps until only a few months ago (mid 2022) and so there wasn't any aerial photogramatory of the house and so no house for me to fly over in sim *cry*. In writing this comment I have actually just discovered that now my street does actually appear and there is an aerial photos so hoppefully finally I might be able to see the house by air in the simworld. Ill go right now and try it.

[@techlife9853]

Great vid .... thanks for sharing

[@danielisbell5187]

Hey! Cool sim setup! I noticed in a one of the shots of this video, you were approaching GXY. Its my homebase. I keep my TR182 there.

[@patrickouziel]

Great video! Super comprehensive and as a tech nerd, appreciate all the detail you went in to! I just ordered a dual touchscreen and Knobster setup from John at Stay Level Avionix and am so excited to get it!

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching! That sounds awesome, I’m sure you’re gonna love it. It’s a far more immersive experience when you can turn those knobs!

[@martinwhite1715]

Great video and a really nice system. Be great to have software for the Real Sim Gear for single engine piston and multiengine piston planes. The Honeycomb Throttle lets you fly those types of planes and having software that swaps out engine and performance values would make systems like yours useful for twin training. I hesitate building a new sytem now because it seems like you get locked into a Cessna 172 or similar plane. Loved flying them when getting my PPL but now having something like a Baron 58 would be great. New planes all seem to have basically the same Garmin 1000 flight deck now days, so swaping out engine and performace data for different aircraft would be pretty cool!

[@AlexDenton0451]

I'm out in Evergreen myself, I cant just drop a few thousand feet to Denver every day lol so a Sim will definitely help me in staying proficient.

[@legacygk2811]

Awesome video!

[@kentmorrell3913]

Great vid!

[@marsbars7584]

Coming to you LIVE, lol that made my day 😂 😂 😂

[@zahidshabbir554]

Very informative video good work u did..stay blessed

[@1EyedRooster]

From one mustache to another…… well done sir well done.

[@dronevisiontechnologies2710]

Lol

[@gkniffen]

Dream setup 🔥🔥🔥💪🤣

[@crackerbarrel6965]

VR is the way to go for immersion though.

[@Matt-vo1ge]

Awesome 👌

[@njbpaul]

very nice looks realistic .I have similar set up without the G1000.

[@mcshiggitypilot5901]

Wow! Very cool..I really like your set up! Also, that aircraft wall Decal looks great! Where could I get one? "keep the Blueside up!"

[@wetland3010]

XP11 and XP12 can easily have beautiful VFR scenery by installing Orbx True Earth scenery. While not as globally extensive as MSFS, it is just as stunning and you can get all of the West Coast USA and all of England plus some Atlantic islands.

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll be sure to try that out!

[@jaredwellman1523]

Great video and awesome setup! At 9:30 you mention creating flight plans in ForeFlight and pushing them into the simulator. How are you doing that?

[@airman64]

I see how you have all components listed below,Thanks great help

[@PocketbellThe]

For those wondering what not cheap means on that monitor arm, 350 - 550 USD, it's nearly the cost of that monitor at this point in time. But unfortunately with a Monitor that nice and mounting to the wall, it's exactly what you want. For cheaper maybe design the build entirely around where you can station that screen with a zero movement mount, just a long bar for like 80 dollars.

[@TheSateef]

i have a gaming chair with the hotas built into the arm rests and a quest2. nothing compared to your setup but it totally feels like the real thing.

[@TIXZY-TIX]

I love my winwing setup for DCS and microsoft flight sim but its amazing

[@philnelson2364]

You didn't mention the fact that x-plane is a true sim, faa approved to train atp, commercial and ifr rated pilots. Major companies including boeing, nasa and others use it to simulate real aircraft designs. Microsoft, though pretty, does not simulate all flying accurately. Check out several flight instructor channels on youtube regarding microsoft failures. Want accurate scenery, the msfs is fine. Accurate flying, x-plane is realistic and x-plane 12 will support dual controls.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Thanks for video. Nice system. This is my opinion after 20 years simming and rw ppl, igi. The 49 is probably better with XP 12 than 3 monitors due to perf issues with Puddles 12, altho i think 3 mons are better due to ability to look down each wing. A 49 is just 2 monitors really. I also use the TPR rudders. Great. I due recommend the V3rnio Cessna 182 throttles. I have owned them for over 2 years now. Good as new. You own 182 so would be great addition. Expensive but worth it. My Alpha yoke started to get sticky with poor res in pitch and I hangered it. My Bravo broke some wires and I was able to fix. PITA. Anyways Honeycomb products, after all the hype, and a few years, are coming home to roost. Still good for consumer grade. Tho. I just wanted to mention the Air Manager/Knobster desktop solution. The realsim gear solutions are great, and 1 step better, but unfortunately more expensive and you are stuck with g1000. How do you like twisting thru the alphabet? Ha kidding. G1000 definitely needs a keypad solution like cirrus perspective. Anyways. In MFS I fly the Longitude with G5000. Built in navigraph charts. Pretty amazing, with AT, advanced coupled vnav, nosewheel steering, thrust reversers, speedbrakes, Just like the tubes, I fly all sids, stars, rnav 1 and rnp certified. Vatsim mainly. The whole flight deck fits on 2 asus touchscreens. Pfd, mfd, 3 gtc, lights, afcs, ice, pedestal, everything needed. No mice in my cockpit! AM solution allows me to fly g1000, g3000, or g5000, different aircraft, very flexible. I am not affiliated. After 20 yrs with XP I had to move to MFS due to 3 monitor perf issues in 12. I miss my aerobask phenom. Anyways. Totally smooth in MFS in ultra with MFS photorealism. I think LR will catch up in a year or 2. Good luck. Keep making videos. They are pretty good. Subbed.

[@Guest-cr5xo]

Awesome setup! Quick question regarding 9:30. Can you point me to a video on how to load a flight plan from Garmin Pilot to MSFS 2020... Do you have to use the realSIM Gear G1000 for this to work? Thanks!

[@SCORP1ONF1RE]

Thank you!

[@danp1975]

Great video! If you haven’t already be sure to check out the Vatsim Boston ARTCC wings program. I think you’ll enjoy it.

[@CO_Pilot]

I will be sure to check that out, thanks!

[@ChadBroski.]

Thank you for this video! I'm seriously considering purchasing the stuff you listed except for the G1000 suite. What are your thoughts on the Aviatek G1000's?

[@FlightSim2703]

Cool settings Mike, why don't you build a fuselage in to it, it gives a realistic feelings 🥰👍👍👍

[@patrickcullan319]

Nice shoes!

[@griddylord3559]

Cool

[@2Greenlid]

New subscriber, great content! What are the costs of the different components , in case I want to piece together over time, Thanks!

[@SpiraSpiraSpira]

I used to do stuff like this, or do extra instrument approaches when I could have selected a visual when I was working near my 6 month or recurrent check. Now I just stroll into flightsafety every 6 months, sometimes with the last time i did an instrument approach was last time I was in flightsafety six months ago. Lmao

[@ron1969]

Awesome video! I'm going to put mine together this month. Where'd you get that desk from? I train out of KAPA.

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words! I ordered this desk on Amazon, works perfectly for this particular setup: EUREKA ERGONOMIC L Shaped Desk, www.amazon.com/dp/B09YM9SQ61?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@ron1969]

@@CO_Pilot Thanks! Had just emailed you!

[@AviatorGM]

Cool video. Nice setup! I'm a private pilot student. I use Msfs for to practice. Looking forward, Im setting up my home Sim like yours for learning IFR. I have the same Honeycombs and TPR rudder pedals. I'm debating the screens vs using something like a knobster, air manager software and touch screen. I like to fly a few different aircraft that have a G3000 and 5000... And stuff like the old Stearmans that have 3-6 steam gauges if you're lucky. Anyway, versatility is key for me. MSFS is beautiful. But man, buggy and frustrating. Autopilot and Approaches are often a train wreck. I'm looking into X-plane. I downloaded a free trial. Tried it for it's 15 minute flight. Couldn't figure out how to toggle inside/ outside views. Flight model seems great. I'm not so sure about setting up bindings for peripherals yet. I have a trial version. Looks like binding options were pretty basic in Xplane. What's your experience with setting up honeycomb bindings... Xplane vs MSFS? There's just certain things like overhead lighting that are hard to bind to the Bravo switch within Msfs. Wondering if X-plane is better.

[@kenthigginbotham2754]

100%AGREE!!

[@infinityvideoprod]

Great video. Not sure if I missed it, but total investment would be interesting to know. Thanks

[@mithrandirthegrey7644]

Great setup and magnificent 'stache, lol. I can't praise MSFS enough for their VFR realism. I was able to kamikaze into my own house and the details of the house were seriously ON POINT. I could see the avocado tree on my front yard, my wife's car was parked outside.... It's truly amazing.

[@MrCoryp8]

Give information on where you got your particular equipment

[@dsbennett]

I watched a video on how to build a 360 degree seamless display with projectors and a home-made screen a few years ago. I can't find it now. Great for people who can't tolerate VR.

[@ZeroGaming-ds7mb]

How do you find flight model/dynamics between MSF2020 vs. XP11/XP12 is there really a big difference ? Awesome setup btw.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

The flight model is a bit better in XP. Austin always tweaking the flight model, good or bad. In MFS it depends on aircraft. I am real world pilot and I find it hard to tell the difference. My focus in simming is on procedures anyways, not really the seat of pants stuff. 20 years with LR. Using MFS now for 6 months after xp12 performance bomb. I use 5 monitors and Air Manager. The mirror like puddles all in a row on short final in XP are lame. A few other issues. Cloud walls? Maggots in clouds? Really LR! The aircraft in xp are mature, robust, and numerous. I am flying G5000 Longitude in MFS. Pretty amazing. I think LR is years away from G5000 with advanced VNAV and AT. One can amp up scenery in xp with orbx, but i get big perf hit. I doubt if Vulcan will ever compete with nvidia and dlss 3 in perf. Maybe Mac desktop and metal. Anyways there are tons of good things about about xp. I would just plan on buying both. The software is nothing compared to the hardware cockpit expense. I would use sims as training tool for rw flying. Good luck.

[@StringerCourier]

What a great setup. Has anyone suggested to MSFS people that they create a mode that removes the instrument panel so that one sees only scenery out the front of the plane?

[@daveross935]

Simply scroll forward with he mouse wheel.

[@GibsonCRG]

I did a lot of research and I came very close to your setup. One thing though - your iPad is in a much better position than I can get mine to. Would you mind sharing the specifics of the RAM mount and arms you used?

[@CO_Pilot]

Thanks for watching! I just have the standard 3.73” double socket arm with iPad4 mini mount.

[@michaelkohen6730]

Hey Mike. I love your set up. I am new to flying, and working to get my PPL. I am a dentist by trade and picked this flying thing late in life.....and totally see the value in a high quality sim to get me some accelerated learning. Problem is ::: I truly know nothing about this sim thing a what I need. I have a curved monitor and have the computer. but want to get a high quality build for a cessna 172. Could I ask an absolutely ridiculous request: Can you spoon feed me on what you think I need to get this up and running? Samsung Curved shaped monitor + monitor arm. 'L' shaped desk-Eureka 60". Honeycomb Aero alpha Yoke. Thrustmaster TPR Pendular Rudder Pedals. Is there a Real Sim Gear for a Cessna 172? What's a good cessna Throttle option with pull out Mixture and throttle control? Can you recommend which Slavx would work for me? Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 and XPlane11?? For pure learning and realism, which do you recommend. Thanks for taking the time.....I know its a lot. Man I need help. Mike Kohen.

[@sjaakgroeneveld9041]

Tnx, very informative. Do you have a cost indication available for this total setup?

[@Diego-zy1zr]

Mike - Will you include a list of all the equipment in the video. I use a SIM at my EAA but this is pretty awesome!

[@CO_Pilot]

There is a list of all comments in the description. Thanks for watching!

[@williamwilkins8648]

3374yankee, I owned that plane at one time! Did you get it from Mike Marzano? 62 Cessna 182 with the vortex limiting wingtips - when it flashed by on the video I skidded it to a halt. That was a nice plane and it’s good to see it looking better than ever. I upgraded the panel after I bought it. Had a lot of good memories.

[@CO_Pilot]

@@williamwilkins8648 No kidding! Small world, eh? I’d love to chat with you sometime; shoot me an email with your contact info- [e-mail]. Thanks for watching and thanks for reaching out!

[@atharsami]

Your channel logo design is amazing. Is there any way that you can share some info about the designer?

[@captainzimmerman]

Thank you for the info! I'm not ready for this setup yet, but I know where to turn to when I am. May I suggest putting affiliate links in with each item you listed? It helps us viewers to find the exact product and makes you some coin in the process. :)

[@isaacjackson8537]

Hi Mike! Im researching and in the back and forth battle of graphics and performance between MSFS and X Plane, Ive heard MSFS has better graphics and XP has more realistic flight performance. Is that true in your opinion and if so, what are the toggles to tweek the plane performance in MSFS?? Id rather spend the $$ on real graphics and tweek the planes to perform more realistic. Im about to take my initial flight soon and begin my PPl training and build a Sim at my home. Super excited! Thanks! Isaac

[@godfreyhope2007]

I agree a ball park would be nice 💰

[@TM-hl9kz]

That's basically my setup except: -Ryzen 9 5950X -55in. Samsung Odyssey Ark -RTX3090 -64GB RAM -Varjo Aero -Honeycomb Alpha/Bravo sometimes swapped for the HOTAS Warthog or TCA sidestick -Next Level Racing Flight Simulator w/ buttkicker (cockpit) -Focal Clear open-back headphones -Monolith THX-AAA Dac/Amp -And no standalone instrument displays, because those just don't add that much to either fidelity or immersion.

[@philnelson2364]

Those who want to build their own equipment, check out simvim. Using an arduino mega, you can add 7-segment displays, leds, encoders, rheostats, servos, steppers, push buttons, switches to build your own. I use a 3D printer to build the frames for the instruments and controls. Simvim is free and freecad to design for 3d is free and Kicad is free to design your own PC boards.

[@sweatplayz5331]

Yo, I'm trying to build my own flight sim at home but I need a cheaper alternative for the G1000. Do you think iPads with the Simionic app would work fine?

[@CO_Pilot]

@Staylevelavionix actually does a great comparison video; be sure to check it out!

[@Bank_left]

I totally get it

[@odilongalvaoscaramuzza746]

What you think about the two yokes that you have, Logitech and honeycomb?

[@edissonpineda4209]

Thanks for information about setup, but I´d like to know if you can tell me please, if you can log those sim hours and if you had to register your setup with FAA for proefficiency register of flight hours. Thanks for your help and info.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

♥AWESOME♥

[@cramersclassics]

Well done! Just subscribed. My son and I are pilots looking to do the same but with Garmin G3X. Any suggestions?

[@CO_Pilot]

I’m not aware of any G3X setups available at the moment unfortunately. For full glass your only option is the G1000 that I’m aware of. Or for touchscreen the GTN750/650 is available. I’m sure someone is working on a G3X we may see in the next few years, just not right now. None that I have come across anyway. Sorry that’s not much help… Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for watching!

[@cramersclassics]

@@CO_Pilot Ok, hopefully with the G3X series becoming certified we'll see some sim products soon. Cheers!

[@LetsFly-vx7wh]

Hi Mike...How did you get the monitor height right? what kind of stand? Thx

[@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon]

Mike I'm planning on starting my private pilots license when I move to Germany for the DoD in the comping months. What do you recommend for just a PPL setup? I'd like to learn and practice the basics while I go through school

[@fnandinhulopes4552]

Hello Mike hope you are doing well! I’m build my set up now because I am starting flight school, I’d like to know if you could give me some tips or help me with my set up. Great video, did help me a lot. Thank you Fernando Lopes

[@Boeing_73753]

Is this a good desktop for a sim , is the HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop

[@teukumaulana9890]

PERFECT BRO !!! hOW mUCH MONEY TO GET IT TO AAL COMPONENTS?????THANKS

[@ericsd55]

Nice set up. Now do one for a quint. :)

[@nickcampbell5740]

What is the realistic cost for such a set up? Thanks

[@gdunner4855]

Did you buy everything in one place or a bunch of different vendors?

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Thanks for the info. I’m looking to get a pilot license , and am interested in a sim that is compatible to 182 . Also one that is capable of instrument flight etc. I’ve so many questions and I’m not tec inclined

[@wayne9638]

wow

[@IanHorsford]

Can you please give us a link where to purchase these hardware? Thank you

[@chevalierduciel2635]

What was the tv brand again and which series please ?

[@latorc]

I have almost the same setup. But instead of stay level panel, I had a steel panel custom made $250

[@louissirois2926]

Wow impressive. What is the overall cost of your system? Thanks Louis

[@CO_Pilot]

I have been piecing together this setup over the last 4-5 years or so, upgrading a little at a time. Because of this, there were a lot of variables when it came to cost of individual components. I paid too much for a few items during Covid, found a few good deals on reconditioned items, and traded up for a few other components. For this reason, I chose not to do a total cost breakdown, and it really was not the aim of this particular video. Thank you for watching!

[@ericsd55]

@@CO_Pilot "I choose not to do a total cost breakdown" Good advice for the cost of ownership of an airplane too!

[@Tommydoestuff]

I really wish I could get one of these, but I’m on Xbox and nothing is compatible with Xbox, so I only have a yoke and rudder pedals

[@cptcrits]

Condolences, I see you also have the Corsair Virtuoso headset. Mine lasted less than two years when the cups started deteriorating rapidly (daily use). Managed to get new ones under warranty. Waited 3 months for delivery and the cups arrived broken... The plastic and material is very poor quality. My wife ended up fixing them by taking ear cups from a cheap Chinese headset, and those cups ended up lasting longer... Otherwise, it is a great headset, just a shame the materials is such poor quality. My next buy will be a Steel series with replaceable batteries.

[@peterdick638]

Hi Mike Can you give me a guide price for all the kit you have. I am planning to start flying lessons early next year in order to obtain PPL. I live in Scotland.

[@hemzaseghir9475]

Hello could you plesae tell where you get Slavic panel???