Cessna 172

Cockpit Platform

Cessna 172 home flight simulator cockpit platform.

PLANNING

Requirements

Support the full cockpit frame and seated pilot
Allow repositioning within the room
Maintain a fixed, repeatable mounting interface for future airframes
Keep overall height compatible with a C172 seating geometry

Constraints

Must fit through a standard interior doorway when fully assembled
No permanent attachment to the room or floor
Built using readily available materials and basic shop tools

COMPONENTS

Materials

2×6 construction lumber (kiln-dried)
(1) sheet - 7/16" OSB
Exterior-grade wood screws
Wood filler
Primer and floor-grade paint

Hardware

(4) rolling caster wheels
Threaded inserts / T-nuts
Grade 8 bolts and washers (cockpit attachment points)

Tools

Miter saw
Drill / impact driver
Countersink bit
Clamps
Square and tape measure

BUILD PROCESS

Frame

The frame was constructed from 2×6 lumber with cross members spaced to support the plywood deck without deflection. All joints were glued and screwed, then checked for square before proceeding.

Deck

A single sheet of 3/4" plywood was cut to size and fastened to the frame. All fasteners were countersunk to allow for a smooth, uninterrupted surface for the cockpit frame.

Surface Prep

Surface prep copy.

Prime

Prime copy.

Paint

All exposed wood surfaces were filled, sanded, primed, and painted. This step was done after drilling all holes to avoid damaging finished surfaces later.

The paint provides basic protection and makes future modifications easier to spot and clean.

Caster Wheels

Four locking casters were mounted near the corners, positioned to distribute weight evenly while maintaining clearance for bolts and future anchor points.

Caster placement was finalized before drilling to avoid interference with cockpit mounting hardware.

Console Anchors

Threaded anchors were permanently installed through the deck and frame. These define the cockpit attachment interface and allow the cockpit frame to be bolted down or removed without accessing the underside of the platform.

Anchor spacing was based on the cockpit frame design, not aesthetic alignment.

REVIEW

Initial caster placement conflicted with planned anchor locations and required repositioning before drilling.
One frame member required replacement due to warping discovered during dry fit.