How to Build Your First Home Flight Simulator

Here are some essential equipment recommendations for real-word pilots and enthusiasts.

Sean Siff

Monday, May 11, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A home sim allows access to ‘study-level’ cockpits, like this Beechcraft Duke (MSFS). [Credit: Sean Siff/MSFS2024]

Key Takeaways:

Building a home flight simulator for real-world flying goals requires a powerful dedicated gaming PC and a large, high-refresh-rate monitor (e.g., 4K 55-inch) for optimal immersion.
The choice of flight simulator software typically comes down to Microsoft Flight Simulator (known for graphics and aircraft variety) or X-Plane (praised for flight models and easier hardware setup), with selection depending on personal flying goals.
Key hardware recommendations include a sturdy flight yoke (e.g., Honeycomb Alpha) or stick (e.g., TurtleBeach VelocityOne), the highly versatile Honeycomb Bravo throttle quadrant, rudder pedals, a gaming headset, and the invaluable Octavi IFR-1 controller for efficient, mouse-free cockpit interaction.
After setup, dedicate time to familiarize yourself with controls, utilize real-world checklists for practice, and leverage resources like FlightSimCoach.com for technical support and in-sim flight lessons to enhance your training.

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Are you interested in building your first home flight simulator? Before beginning, I assume you have a sturdy desk or table dedicated to flight simulation so that you don’t have to disassemble the components after each flight. I also assume you are approaching the use of your home setup as a tool to assist you in the pursuit of your real-world flying goals.

You can always build a flight sim for exploration and fun, but my equipment recommendations are focused on products that, when assembled, will allow you to complement your real-world
flying. In addition, my product recommendations focus on equipment that I have actually used in my home flight simulator.