Behind the Build: How We Created the Most Realistic Cirrus Home Simulator
Most people picture a “home simulator” as a yoke clamped to a desk, tangled with cables, running software that’s only half-configured. For years, home simulation meant complex setups, unsupported hardware, and compromises everywhere — especially for serious pilots.
What we’ve built isn’t that.
This is a fully immersive, aircraft-specific experience, designed to deliver everything a home sim should be: accurate, supported, reliable, and intuitive to use — right out of the box.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes: how we designed it, why we built it, and what makes this system different from anything else available.
Why We Built This Simulator
We didn’t build this sim because it was easy — we built it because it didn’t exist.
Cirrus pilots didn’t have access to a high-fidelity, turnkey simulator that mirrored the aircraft they actually flew. At least not one that was complete, intuitive, and truly plug-and-play.
Our goal was to combine precision, realism, and ease of use into a system that didn’t require a background in software setup or hours of tech support to get flying.
Our engineering team moved quickly: from concept to production in under a year. By combining 3D scanning, in-house fabrication, and direct pilot feedback, we created something unique. Not just another flight sim — a true training platform you can install in your home, ready to go from day one.
Want to experience it firsthand? Schedule a demo with one of our Cirrus Training Center locations.
Designed Like a Cirrus, Not a Sim
It all started with 3D scanning real Cirrus aircraft, capturing control locations, sizing, spacing, and cockpit geometry down to the millimeter. From there, we built prototypes, tested, re-tested, and brought in Cirrus pilots and instructors to validate positioning, ergonomics, and flow.
But this isn’t our first swing at it — it’s the result of seven years of listening, learning, and re-engineering. Every pain point we’ve heard from customers helped shape this system. And we’re not done. Continuous refinement is part of our DNA.
Everything from seat height to yoke angle, from GCU placement to GTC positioning, was evaluated against one simple standard: Does it feel like the airplane?
When you sit down in the sim, the goal isn’t to learn a new layout — it’s to strengthen the one you already know.
Built Strong, Inside and Out
At the core of the system is a powder-coated steel and aluminum frame, engineered for rigidity and durability. Mounting points are reinforced for high-use components like pedals, throttles, and yokes. Internal wiring is cleanly routed and serviceable.
Where strength and precision matter, we use injection-molded parts — from bezels to brackets — to ensure every inch fits, aligns, and lasts.
This system isn’t just strong. It’s built with the same discipline we apply to FAA-approved commercial-grade devices.
Built to Grow: From Any SR to Jet
We know your mission evolves — and your simulator should too.
The Cirrus Home Simulator is designed with a modular core, allowing you to start with any Generation SR, upgrade to G7, and eventually transition to a Vision Jet using the same platform and design. Displays, controls, and avionics packages are all upgradeable as your aircraft and training needs change.
From first solo to type rating, this platform grows with you.
Make It Yours: Customization Options
No two Cirrus aircraft are alike — and your simulator can reflect that.
We offer a range of customization options, including:
- Personalized N-number placards
- Carbon fiber wrap accents
- Custom paint finishes
Interested in customization? Contact us for a custom quote.
More Than a Sim
This isn’t a weekend project or a collection of off-the-shelf parts. It’s a purpose-built training platform for Cirrus pilots who take their proficiency seriously.
The Cirrus Home Simulator combines the fidelity of commercial-grade systems with the simplicity and support of a turnkey solution. It's accurate, reliable, intuitive, and built to evolve as your training needs do.
And while Cirrus was our starting point, it’s only the beginning. We’re already developing support for additional aircraft types — all designed with the same level of precision, attention to detail, and commitment to pilot-focused training.
From first solo to type rating, we’ll help you train like you fly — at home.
Next in the Cirrus Home Blog Series: we’ll explore how real pilots are using this sim to prepare for flights, stay IFR current, and rehearse scenarios that matter.
Additionally, you can always contact us at info@realsimgear.com