The A300F Simulator
In 2003 and the opportunity came up to purchase a A300B4-200 procedural sim, this was the beginning of the A300 sim. Having previously helped friends create generic aircraft simulators for training, when we were give the chance to purchase the A300B4 procedural sim it was an offer too good to refuse. A trip to Stansted followed and within 2 days we were home with our purchase and the beginning of our sim building. The procedural sim was used to get ideas on how to create and develop a full sized aircraft cockpit that we could operate. Testing began with multi monitor displays and various hardware items to see what would be the most practical and affordable options for the simulator, while trying to create the feel and shape of the A300
With the arrival of the Procedural Simulator the work began. We were able to test multi monitor options and it gave us the feel of the aircraft size and dimensions. The Airbus A300B4-200 has analogue instruments and that alone was going to be challenge. We began to see why so many cockpit builders had chosen aircraft with glass cockpit displays. Using Goflight packages we were able to test the various options for controlling radios, autopilot functions and switches these test were extremely valuable there is no substitute for having time with the hardware to see if it meets all your requirements.
With testing well under way a search for Airbus A300 parts began. I contacted Air Salvage International based at Alford and purchased a pair of A300 flight deck seats from them. Luckily they were breaking An Indian Airways A300 at Kemble and we were given the opportunity to remove any items from the flight deck that was of no commercial value. After two very productive days we headed for home with a car full of various parts for the project.
Things were now beginning to take shape we had our procedural sim for reference and now had our aircraft seats and various parts. It was now time do decided on the way we would interface the various switches and functions that would be used in the cockpit. After looking at what was available we decided to use FSBUS. Using the great guide on building an aircraft shell by Daniel Friede and using the dimensions from our visit to Kemble and the Indian Airways A300 we were able to start work constructing our new aircraft shell. When creating the frame we were limited in width of the sim by the space of the only room available. With our move to new building soon we will be able to create the correct width and in the some of the remaining parts we have steering tillers etc.
Like everthing in life something happened that changed everything and we moved house and it was time to find a new home of the sim and a fresh rebuild in it's new home. This was also a chance to improve the sim and create a far bigger and more improved simulator.
With more space the sim was easier to work on and a decsion was made to create a reception area for visitors to the sim. About this time a new team member arrived a gentleman by the name of Jim "magic" Gardener. "Magic" only need a picture and in no time he had built it in wood. The great work I had done on the shell was gone and in no time the shell was rebuilt using the exact measurement I had taken from the Indian Airways A300.
Using Project magenta as our software for the simulator, using new boards by flight deck technology for the sim switches and goflight kits were perfect for our radio boxes. The sim was alive again and ready for World Flight . The sim currently operate using 6 pc's and we are in the process of trying to implement curved screen technology by immersaview
