Hi there I want to find an experienced cockpit builder who would be happy to help me build my first project, I dont have any building skills or the confidence to tackle electronics. But I would be very greatful if someone would be willing to give up their time to help me. I would be happy to pay them for the work undertaken.I would like to build either an Airbus A320 Boeing 737 or 767.I dont know where to start, I have looked at various companies offering cockpit hardware such as flightdeck solutions ITRA CSI etc, but need to decide which company would offer the best product.So please if there is anyone who would be happy to help,please leave a message.

I didn't have any building skills at all when I started my project. Had to redo lots.... just go for it... and don't give up.

First, there is no such a thing like "no building skills". Everybody has "SOME" building skills.Second, given the fact that this is your first project and that you have no knowledge of electronics, and that you will have to "awaken" those building skills that you must have hiding somewhere, IMHO, you should select a much less ambitious project than an A or a B... this is what I did ;-)Regarding advice, just shoot and many people in the forum will certainly be happy sharing their knowledge and experience for free.But you can always have someone build some difficult parts of the cockpit for you - for example, have a carpenter build the framework, and buy ready-made electronic modules from one or more home cockpit hardware/software manufacturers. The trouble is that still, you'll have plenty to do yourself, especially on the eletronics/programming part otherwise the cockpit won't be functional. Some of the work:- Handling a screwdriver to assemble ready-made panels- Handling a soldering iron to connect those switches and knobs- Handling a spray can for corrections- Programming the functions for various switches/LEDs etc. The level of programming depends on the selected solutions, and can be either through an Excel-like interface, or low-level textual programming (much less user friendly but more powerful).These are some of the points that I see. I am sure there will be more helpful advice coming up from other forum members, but my first advice is : START SIMPLE.

If I could have afforded it, I would have brought ready made but then I would now be missing out on the enormous rewards of building everything myself.I to had no craft or electronics skill when I started, and I have made many mistakes. But the satisfaction of designing and building, even if it does take twenty tries to get something right, is wonderful. I am now in danger of enjoying the building more than the flying!When you do run into a problem there is a fabulous wealth of knowledge here on this forum from such sageious types as Matt, Mike, Nico, Robert, et-al, who seem only too happy to share their knowledge and wisdom to those who ask.The Porcupineaka Simon Webbwww.desktopflying.co.ukVery slowely putting together a generic twin desktop unit.

Mike,First wellcome to the growing Club!Second as Matt said "go for it". You can, if you really want and have the funds for it and not the time and patience, let some others do it. But you will be missing a lot of fun like; finding out that you could actually solder like a profi :-) , or cursing out loud to yourself when you find out that 6 steps ago you have installed a part the wrong way around }( , most important of all: the feeling right at the moment that something works :-halo ...Go for it:- ask questions on the various forums, there are bunch of very friendly people who either are or were where you are now and all willing to help. - look for parts producers, there are quiete a few of them and every other day a new one is coming up with new products, and the products are getting better with, some, plug and play capabilities also.- look for software that you will use additional to FS to control the peripherals there are a few of them as freeware (not much) and payware all having being created by enthusiats of simming and the choice is not that easy.- Before all above choose which aircraft you want to have a GA? a Boeing? an Airbus?- Then will be the time for selecting the interface electronics. As software there are choices going from easy to use (plug and play with software adjusting) to complicated but very capable...And remember, it is a looong process ;-) but very much rewarding and fun.

Hi Alex, thanks for your advice, Im sure that if I plan carefully one step at a time I think I could do it. I will certainly get a chippy to build the frame, and take it from there.All the bestMike Trussler

Thanks Matt for your advice, I will certainly give it a go, good luck with your Airbus, it looks great from the pics!:)

Hi Samin, thanks for your reply, its nice to know that there are plenty of people out there who are in the same boat as me, no experience but keen and eagar to get started. I will probably get the framework done by a chippy or get my local hardware store to cut some MDF for me.All the best:)

Hi Simonthanks for getting back, I will probably have a cockpit set up in my shed, as I only have a small flat, but that said the shed is fully insulated and large enough for a decent panel. So my sitting room can be back to normal again.Cheers:-)

Cockpit building is like anything else in life, you have to learn. Whilst you are learning, you will find what skills you have and what you don't.Like most people will say, the building is a great part of the satisfaction, especially when other mere mortal non cockpit builders see it up n running and amaze at what u have done.I started years ago with an old upturned wardrobe and dummy instruments made from plasticard and letraset rub on markings.I'm not fabulously knowledgeable about code and all things electronically, but I know enough to get by.I've done all the interfacing in my cockpit myself, and to be honest, I think that is the hardest part.You need to spend hours and hours researching and then decide on what you want. Whatever you do, good luck.Dean http://simflight.fotopic.net

What every you do..... Don't build anything until you have the panels. If plan on buying or making you're own panels.... Build around THEM!!! Believe me, I learned the hard way.Matt O.

Hi Dean, thats true, as you say you find out in life what you are capable of and what your not. I will find out one way or another, so I will try it, soon I hoperegards

Have a look here: http://www.737cockpit.com/You can have all this fully functional (so they say) but you need some hard-earned $ for this (and miss that self-building fun).They sell to the US/Canada too - the TOLL FREE is (866)-514-8391.