Putting Your Sim Building Thoughts On CAD

I came across this first video by accident.  It just so happens that three members of our Racine group are building their first flight simulator.  Two are in the initial (thinking/planning) phase.  I'm posting this for them.  And of course, for you. 

3D Model Building - Might Just Save Your Sanity

More video's like this at CessSim.

Welcome to Tinkercad!

More video's like this at Autodesk Tinkercad.

FreeCAD 1.0 Release - Ultimate Complete Beginner Tutorial

More video's like this at Deltahedra.

Of course, instead of doing all the development from scratch, why not take a look at Roger Dodger Aviation.

Flight Sim Pod Final Assembly: 6 Minute Excerpt

More video's like this at Roger Dodger Aviation.

Hope this helps!

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

Getting To Know The Flight Model- X-Plane

FSG@'s resident X-Plane maven, Sean Dwyer, sent me an email today.  He knows I'm a newcomer to X-Plane, and being a PhD engineer, STEM teacher and optimist, he thought I might actually learn something new at age 79.

I watched it and to my surprise, I got a question or two answered.

So, my fellow Simulateers©, I present for your intellectual and philosophical pleasure...

X-Plane did WWHHAAAA!!?!?!?!? 

More video's like this at XPlaneOfficial.

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

Newsletter - August 2025

 FSG@ Network

Connecting flight simulation enthusiasts across Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois

About Us

The FSG@ Network is a volunteer-driven family of local flight simulation groups. It only takes three simmers to start your own group—and it’s free! Our mission: build home simulators, enhance flight safety and training, and foster camaraderie. Interested? Email us at: flightsimulatorgroupat@gmail.com.

Meeting Highlights

• Continuing Member Build Project: Chose MSFS 2020 as the simulation platform. Finalized chassis, screens, hardware, and PC choices. Group build scheduled at the member’s home.
• Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Project: No new updates. Meeting with CAP in September—volunteers needed.
• Four+One Day © Training: Continuing as planned. Volunteers and funding welcome.

 STEM Initiatives

• Onarga Academy (OA): Site, simulator design, and training schedule being finalized. OMSAA pledged $5,000. Target completion date: Sept. 30, 2025. 

• Shoreland Lutheran High School (SLHS): Meeting with STEM Director Timothy Mielke planned for mid-September in Kenosha.

Note: Donations, and volunteers with STEM, CFI or teaching experience welcome. Contact Ken at: flightsimulatorgroupat@gmail.com.

Want to join us to see what we're about?

Our next meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 17, 18:30–20:30 at Centurion Hanger. 

• Use Golf entrance
• Time: 18:30 through 20:30
• Bring a folding chair  
• Water and soft drinks on us!

RSVP to Ken Butterly for a one-day entry code if you lack a KRAC pass. 

Have a great Labor Day Weekend, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers!

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

FYI - A little more about Force Feedback (FFB)

Force feedback yokes, rudders, and other haptic hardware all work on the scientific principle of force reflection, which is rooted in Newton’s laws of motion (especially the third law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction) combined with electromechanical control systems.

Here’s how the principle breaks down:

1. Core Physics Principle – Newton’s Laws

• When you move a control (yoke, rudder pedal, stick), the simulator’s software calculates forces that would be felt in a real aircraft (aerodynamic loads, control surface resistance, trim forces, turbulence, etc.).

• The hardware then applies a proportional counterforce to your hands or feet to simulate those real-world loads — essentially “reflecting” the virtual forces back to you

2. Electromechanical Implementation

Force feedback devices use:

• Sensors (position encoders, load cells) to detect your movement and applied force.

• Actuators (electric motors or sometimes magnetic brakes) to generate physical resistance or motion.

• Control loops (PID controllers) to constantly compare desired force vs. actual force, adjusting in milliseconds.

This forms a closed-loop haptic feedback system, meaning the device both senses and reacts in real-time.

3. Haptics & Human Perception

From a neuroscience angle, this taps into:

• Proprioception — your body’s ability to sense position and movement.

• Mechanoreceptors in skin, muscles, and tendons — which respond to vibration, tension, and pressure, convincing your brain that the simulated forces are “real.”

4. Scientific Summary

The principle is:

Force feedback = real-time simulation of physical forces using Newtonian mechanics, measured with sensors, recreated by actuators, and tuned via control theory, to engage the human sense of touch and motion.

Here’s the diagram showing how a force feedback system loops pilot input through sensors, simulation physics, and actuators to recreate realistic forces back to the pilot.

Got a little help from ChatGPT on this one!

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

Force Feedback Joysticks: Completing the Immersion in Flight Simulation! Update

We’ve already looked at force feedback (FFB) yokes and rudder pedals, and now it’s time to complete the control trifecta by talking about FFB joysticks. These sticks take what’s happening on-screen and feed it right back into your hands—control resistance, aerodynamic load, even buffeting—turning flight simulation into a truly tactile experience. While the market is still smaller than for yokes or pedals, several standout players are pushing the technology forward.

BRUNNER remains the benchmark for high-end flight controls, and their CLS-E MK II Joystick is the gold standard for FFB in stick form. Built in Switzerland, it delivers professional-grade precision with grip options for jet or Airbus-style setups. Its control loading system dynamically adjusts to match the simulated aircraft’s behavior, making every movement feel true to life. At around $1,400 and up, it’s an investment, but for training, research, or the most demanding sim pilots, it’s hard to beat.

MOZA Racing, fresh from dominating the racing sim space, has brought its know-how to the air with the AB9 Force-Feedback Base. Priced between $550–$700, these units offer strong, smooth FFB performance and a modular design that invites customization. While MOZA’s aviation software isn’t yet as mature as BRUNNER’s, its affordability makes it an appealing middle ground—especially for those already flying with FFB yokes or pedals and looking to round out the experience.

The community and DIY scene is also making noise, with enthusiasts developing FFB joystick bases in the $500 range. They might lack the polish and plug-and-play simplicity of commercial products, but they’re proving that FFB doesn’t have to be reserved for elite setups.

The Bottom Line: If you already have FFB yokes and rudder pedals, adding a force feedback joystick is the natural next step toward full-immersion flight simulation. BRUNNER delivers unmatched realism, MOZA Racing offers a balanced performance-to-price option, and the grassroots innovators are making the technology more accessible than ever. In short, the final piece of the FFB puzzle is here—and it’s worth grabbing the stick.

Your thoughts?

FSG@ Staff

Which FFB Rudder Pedals Are Worth Your Investment?

Flight simulation has come a long way, and force feedback (FFB) rudder pedals are pushing immersion to new heights. Gone are the days of spring-loaded pedals that only vaguely hinted at real aircraft control. Today, FFB pedals let simmers feel the resistance, vibrations, and subtle forces that pilots experience in the cockpit. But with multiple options on the market, which pedals are truly worth your investment? 

For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate realism, Brunner CLS-E MK II  pedals are hard to beat. Using brushless DC-servo technology, they deliver precise, lifelike feedback. Compatible with X-Plane, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Prepar3D, these pedals fit both full-scale home cockpits and more compact setups. At around $3,000 USD, they’re at the top end of the market, but the build quality and immersive experience justify the price. 

Flight Sim Tools CLS FFB Rudder offers pedals that pack a punch at a mid-range price.  With a peak force of 370N—one of the highest for consumer-grade pedals—these are inspired by Flight Training Device Level 5 standards. Built from metal and aluminum, they are durable and provide realistic feedback for around $1,799 USD (pre-order). For simmers who want strong resistance without the premium price tag, this is a compelling choice. 

Simnautica’s GA FFB Rudder pedals focus on general aviation simulation. Using a BLDC motor to deliver up to 20kg of force and all-metal construction, they provide realistic feedback for roughly $1,650 USD.  

GVL224 Rudder FFBeast is for Heavy Resistance Enthusiasts and stands out with its linear guide assembly and approximately 25kg of resistance. It’s built for pilots who want the most tactile, mechanically precise experience possible, though pricing is less transparent. 

Choosing the right pedals is about performance and price.  

So, which FFB pedals should you choose? Brunner leads in premium realism, Flight Sim Tools balances force and cost, Simnautica offers specialized GA simulation and GVL224 emphasizes heavy resistance.  

Your choice depends on your budget, setup, and the type of flight experience you want. Force feedback rudder pedals are transforming home flight simulation, bringing the thrill—and challenge—of flying closer to reality than ever before. 

Your thoughts?

FSG@ Staff

The Rise of Force Feedback Yokes: Choosing the Right One for Your Flight Sim

For years, flight simmers had to settle for spring-loaded yokes that only hinted at the real control feel of an aircraft. Now, that’s changing fast. Force feedback (FFB) yokes - hardware that pushes back and reacts dynamically to your inputs - are making their way into home cockpits. And whether you’re a casual flyer or building a professional training setup, there’s now something on the market for you.
 
At the top end sits Brunner Elektronik, a Swiss manufacturer known for high-fidelity control systems. Their CLS-E NG and CLS-E MK II are built like tanks and packed with features, from customizable torque profiles to seamless integration with professional training software. The NG, at about CHF 1,249, suits serious hobbyists, while the MK II, at CHF 1,950, is aimed squarely at training environments where every ounce of realism matters.
 
MOZA Racing, famous for sim racing gear, has made a splash in aviation with the AY210 base and MFY grip. Together, they run about $848, making them one of the most affordable FFB setups around. It’s a modular, plug-and-play approach — ideal for those curious about force feedback without committing to pro-level prices.
 
FliteSim has two solid contenders: the CLS-60 ($809–$999) and the CLS-120 ($1,169–$1,399). Both deliver strong control feel, with the CLS-120 stepping up the torque for pilots who want more resistance in their controls.
 
Simionic offers something different with its SHYK01 yoke. Priced at $1,100, it blends consumer-friendly size with professional-style force feedback — perfect for smaller spaces without sacrificing too much realism.
 
On the horizon is WinWing’s Cyber Taurus yoke, expected in the $1,000–$1,500 range. Known for high-quality throttles and joysticks, WinWing could shake up the mid-to-high end if it delivers on its early promise.
 
And then there’s PFC (Precision Flight Controls), the pro’s choice. At $2,495 and up, their gear is built for certified training devices and commercial sims, not casual living-room setups.
 
So, how do they stack up? 

Brunner and PFC rule the pro segment, MOZA and FliteSim fight for the enthusiast middle ground, Simionic offers a compact sweet spot, and WinWing could soon rewrite the rules. The question is: do you want to dabble, immerse, or train like a pro? Your yoke choice will tell the story.

Your thoughts?

FSG@ Staff

I'm pickin' up good vibrations...

 

Good Vibrations - Beachboys -1966

More video's like this at Le Juke Box.

Well, I'm looking for a different type of good vibration and I think I've found it!  Next Level Racing's HF8 Heptic Gaming Pad!

More video's like this at SimHanger Flight Simulation.

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

Microsoft Flight Simulator X Official Trailer - 2006

A great marketing piece.  

Wikipedia story here.   More at: Fly Away Simulation.

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

VPPL Course Preview – Virtual Pilot License Training | Navigraph Academy

For those of you who are new to flying, flight simulation or just want to become a better pilot or pilot candidate, you probably will find this first-class video series valuable!

More video's like this at Navigraph.

I plan to be right there with you!

Your thoughts?

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder