OSHKOSH — Newly launched is Flight Training Cockpit, a new business line tasked with continuing development of the flight sim instrument panel from PilotMall.com announced at SUN ‘n FUN in April.
The new business launches with lower pricing, new retailers and a flat screen version of the original Flight Training Cockpit Advanced Panel. The Flight Training Cockpit (FTC) product line will be marketed now through a dealer network, as well as online.
The FTC Advanced Panel is now available with an LED-lit flat screen Hannspree HL161ABB 16-inch monitor as well as the original individual 5×5-inch Saitek ProFlite instruments. While individual instruments display 3.5-inch “steam gauges” typical of older aircraft, the flat screen can exactly depict the newer flight and engine/fuel instrumentation of post-1995 (“new production”) steam gauge Cessnas.
Buyers can choose either version based on what they’re flying or what fits their budget, according to company officials. The new flat screen (which securely installs centered above the control yoke) replaces individual instruments priced at $139 each or more. Thus, a flat screen version Advanced Panel (including yoke, pedals, 16” monitor, radio panel, autopilot/trim panel, switch/gear panel and throttle-prop-mixture) can cost as little as $1,000 versus the full-up $2,500 original that uses 10 individual flight, radio navigation and engine instruments, company officials explain.
A la carte pricing allows FTC buyers to customize according to need and budget. They can also add equipment and functions later. For instance, the flat screen version can be enhanced by adding an individual 5×5-inch instrument as a PFD (see photo) or by installing a ProFlite backlit annunciator panel above the screen presentation.
The price of the Advanced Panel – the basic building block of the system – has been reduced to $319 from the previously announced $395 after-introduction price. The 21 x 31-inch panel (with textured glare shield), made of powder-coated aircraft grade sheet metal, mounts to any standard table using clamps supplied with the flight controls used in the system.
For the original-instrumentation Advanced Panel, bundled pricing is now offered. A Cessna Bundle (with Cessna flight controls and separate Cessna trim wheel) is $1,999. An Extreme Bundle (with ProFlite yoke and pedals) is $1,599. A Starter Bundle (with ProFlite yoke and System Pro rudder pedals) is $749.
In addition the company’s website, FTC products and supplier components are now available through these U.S. and international retailers and their websites:
- PilotMall.com – Lakeland, Florida
- Wayman Pilot Supplies – Miami-Opa Locka, Florida
- Marv Golden – San Diego, California
- Sporty’s Pilot Shop – Batavia, Ohio
- Aircraft Spruce and Specialty East – Peachtree City, Georgia
- Aircraft Spruce and Specialty West – Corona, California
- MyPilotStore – Scottsdale, Arizona
- Flightstore Pilot Supplies – Mirfield, West Yorkshire (U.K.)
- SkyShop Australia
The system works with Microsoft Flight Sim X (now included in many pricing bundles) and can use X-Plane simulation software with additional drivers. An installation and start-up manual is included with purchase of the FTC Advanced Panel. Tech support is available from Pilot Mall, Inc. and Saitek.
“We see this as a system we can build on,” said FTC developer Neil Glazer. “And the best is yet to come. Currently, we’re branching out with a flat screen version. Later, we’ll offer glass cockpit avionics as soon as they become available.”