Cessna 150 – Full-Motion Flight Simulator

🛠️ What is your project about?

Our project is the development of a full-motion flight simulator based on a real Cessna 150D aircraft. It features force feedback controls, a curved rear-projection visual system, and a detailed, authentic cockpit -> combining engineering, aviation, and software development into one immersive training tool.

The goal: a simulator so realistic that it can prepare users -> especially beginner pilots, not only for standard flights but also for emergency situations, all while being more cost- and environmentally efficient than traditional training methods.

💡 Why did we decide to build it?

We’re a small team of tech- and aviation-enthusiasts with backgrounds in 3D design, electronics, and programming. As One of us are currently in training to become private pilots (on an actual Cessna 150D), we saw a big opportunity:

What if we could train dangerous scenarios safely on the ground, with real controls and full movement?

Moreover, the project connects multiple passions from engineering, physics, and software, to aviation safety and even sustainability.

We also aim to enter our simulator into “Jugend forscht”, with the ambition to place among the Top 3 on the national level.

⚙️ How does it work?

• We imported the original fuselage of a Cessna 150D from the USA, complete with doors and seats and are restoring it for use as the physical cockpit.
• All instruments are 3D-modeled, printed, and connected to custom-built electronic circuits.
• A force feedback system is currently in development to simulate the feel of real aerodynamic resistance.
• The simulator runs on a custom-built high-performance PC, rendering flight visuals in real-time, projected across a curved front screen via rear projection.
• A motion platform with professional linear technology will move the entire fuselage, giving the pilot full-body feedback during flight.
• An instructor tablet system lets us trigger flight emergencies like engine failures or crosswinds ideal for training and testing.

📸 Visuals:

the Fuselage ->

First Test of building Airspeed indicator->