PCs move into the cockpit

Pilot training is getting a bit less expensive with the introduction of more portable flight simulators.

The large full flight simulators used to train and re-certify pilots have long been custom-built units costing several million dollars. But now PC technologies and modular cockpits are beginning to bring low costs to this market, cutting prices roughly in half.

Mechtronix Systems is combining the low cost and growing power of PCs with mechanical equipment that it designed, further lowering costs compared to units that use actual aircraft components. The company is able to meet Level D requirements, the highest simulator classification.