Platform Construction

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737-300 throttle quadrant and wooden sectionised platform

A simulator of this size cannot sit on the floor.  There has to be space beneath the simulator to accommodate the control columns and rudder pedal assemblies.  There are many methods used to construct a platform - some very fancy using sheet metal and aluminum  and others quite bland using second hand timber. 

The platform must be constructed so that the surface of the stage is strong enough to hold the weight of two seats, a MIP, a throttle quadrant, center pedestal and two people.  The main area that strength is required is from the central area toward to the rear of platform; this is the area that the seats and throttle quadrant sit.  The areas immediately in front of this doesn't have to be a as strong as the MIP sits here and the MIP weighs less than 40 kilograms.  Although strength isn't of importance in the frontal region of the platform, space under the platform is.  This is the area in which you install the captain and first officer's flight column and rudder assemblies. 

The platform, made from wood, has been fabricated in box sections to increase the load that can be placed on the floor structure. The box sections are beneath where the two seats, throttle quadrant and center pedestal are mounted. The red carpet is to stop me destroying the carpet in the room.

I've used Baltic Pine for the basic construction and will be using a 20 mm thick plywood sheet to cover the platform.  The areas for the column and rudder pedal will be cut out using a jigsaw.  I will also cut out an area in the central region of the floor to construct a hatch / pull away section to enable access to beneath the floor.  The height above the floor is a tad over 150 mm (6 inches). 

The platform is not to Boeing specification as the floor space I currently have is limited.  In time, when I move the simulator to a dedicated room I'll reconstruct the platform to the correct measurements.  No doubt it will be easier and faster to do the second time around.

UPDATE

  • This platform has been recycled and replaced with an aluminum platform. The throttle quadrant has also been replaced by a OEM 737-500 throttle quadrant and three-bay center pedestal.