DreamFlight Charities’ AVCamp program looks to draw attention to Kentucky’s many general aviation airports while developing a passion for flight. Our mobile camp experiences bring the exciting world of aviation to even the most rural communities, providing opportunities to further gauge student interest in aviation while promoting greater support for aviation-related STEM programming.
Whether you are looking to create a unique STEM activity for the classroom or want to bring the world of flight to your own home, here’s how our portable flight simulators are constructed!
PC vs Xbox
One of the first things to consider in your flight simulation journey is what platform you look to utilize in running various flight simulation software.
The PC or desktop route will provide you with a wide variety of options and peripherals (which we’ll discuss in a bit), but you will find that it often takes a fairly capable (read: expensive) machine. At DreamFlight, we have opted to run Microsoft Flight Simulator on the Xbox console, coming in at around $250-300.
To take advantage of more detailed scenery, you will still need a decent internet connection, but the Xbox will have more than enough processing power to give you a good simulation experience. That being said, one drawback is that there are limited peripherals supported by the platform, so be sure to consider your options before proceeding any further!
Flight Simulation Software
Again, if going with the PC/desktop route, you will find numerous software options like X-Plane, Prepar3D, and Digital Combat Simulator (DCS).
With the Xbox, however, Microsoft Flight Simulator is likely the best (and only) route if you’re looking for a great primer to general aviation or are looking to hone various procedures and maneuvers. DreamFlight Charities currently utilizes the 2020 version of the software, although the more recent 2024 iteration boasts numerous career paths and a variety of unique aircraft.
Regardless of the version you choose, MSFS comes in a variety of options, including a basic package for ~$60. Premimum and “Aviator” editions boast more aircraft and activities, but at additional cost.
Simulation Peripherals
If operating on the Xbox platform, you will be locked into the Turtle Beach brand of flight peripherals. At the same time, they are likely some of the most affordable/entry-level peripherals that you can purchase and will work on PC as well.
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System offers a decent yoke (there is a detent in the travel of the yoke that does not occur in real life) in addition to a throttle control quadrant that typically has to be purchased separately with other systems. While compatible with both PC and Xbox, it can also be programmed with a variety of profiles to meet the needs of single-engine, complex, and multiple/jet-engine aircraft. Expect to see pricing around $350 for this unit alone.
Turtle Beach’s Universal Rudder Pedals are a great addition, providing additional control inputs similar to what you would find in a real aircraft. Add more functionality to your setup for an additional $300.
Finally, DreamFlight Charities utilizes Turtle Beach’s Universal Stand to tie all our simulator peripherals together. It frees up desk space and is much more capable of handling control pressures as opposed to a standard collapsible table. While adding another $200 to the build, this piece is completely optional if you have the extra desk space to host your flight controls.
If you have a computer system capable of handling the software and additional inputs, you can find more realistic flight peripherals, although they often come at a more premium cost. Brands like Honeycomb and Thrustmaster often come to mind, with some simulation enthusiasts even incorporating Virtual Reality headsets into their builds.
The Extras & Final Cost
While the above will certainly have you covered in terms of flight simulation, DreamFlight Charities’ mobile simulators also entail a 32″ television, tv stand, and myriad of power strips and extension cords.
By the end of the day, our organization has invested right at $1,500 per unit, with a fleet of eight simulators now driving our AVCamp program.
Flight Simulation provides a great platform for practicing procedures and becoming familiar with various airports spread across the globe, providing users with experiences they may otherwise be unable to have – even the most seasoned of pilots. Add to this the safety of practicing in a variety of circumstances, particularly for aspiring aviators, and you have a capable training environment. While the above simulators won’t enable you to log time, they can be a great addition to your learning or when real-life conditions may be less than favorable for flight.
Be sure to check our event calendar to find an AVCamp experience near you to use our simulators firsthand or become a contributor and help us further develop our fleet and bring the wonders of flight to communities throughout Kentucky!