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First Look: Just like the airlines

Small airplane simulators now heave and sway

You know those $20 million to $30 million full-motion flight simulators the airlines use for training and proficiency? They are working their way to the general aviation community with quarter-million-dollar simulators that have six degrees of motion, found in two simulators from Precision Flight Controls located near Sacramento, California.
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Precision Flight Controls' six-degrees-of-motion simulators tilt and move on a motion base.

The two come standard with 37 aircraft models—Cessna models, including the Cessna 152, and models of Beechcraft, Piper, Mooney, and Diamond airplanes. In addition, owners can purchase seven optional turboprops including Beechcraft, Piper, Cessna, and Pilatus—and two Cessna Citation jets, the 501 and 550. The six degrees of motion include pitch, roll and yaw, as well as heave, surge, and sway.

The simulator models include the $219,995 DCX Max 6DOF advanced aviation training device that was approved by the FAA in March 2013, but last year was lifted aboard a motion base that provides the six degrees of motion. The motion base lifts the 600-pound simulator about four feet off the floor so it can tilt and move.

The next highest product is the MFD 6DOF, already approved by the FAA but the subject of a redesign, switching the composite cab for an all-metal cab and using a slightly more sophisticated instrument panel for $264,995. Like the DCX, the MFD advanced aviation training device uses the motion base with six degrees of motion.

Finally, Precision Flight Controls offers an all-new FDS B737 NG advanced aviation training device for the Boeing 737 for $345,000. The 737 does not use a motion base. Installation of these simulators costs from $3,000 to $5,000.

Alton Marsh
Alton K. Marsh
Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.

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