Simulator Purchase Help
We offer several ways to help you navigate the complexity of building your ideal flight sim setup — from free resources to personalized consultations.
Pre-Made Shopping Lists
Curated, up-to-date hardware recommendations with direct purchase links.
Budget Starter
FREE- Single monitor, joystick-based setup
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Easy purchase links for each component
Mid-Range Setup
$9- Triple 32" monitors for immersion
- Full yoke, throttle quadrant & pedals
- Easy purchase links for each component
Free Guides
In-depth articles on hardware choices, simulator setup, and system requirements.
Best Computers for Flight Simulator (2026 Buying Guide)
Find the best computer for flight simulator in 2026. Compare up-to-date, expert-reviewed builds from $500 to $3,000+ across 5 performance tiers, with specific picks for every budget.
Best Flight Simulators in 2026: A Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to 15+ flight simulators, written by real pilots. Learn how to choose between MSFS, X-Plane, and many lesser-known options for training, VR, helicopters, gliders, and more. Find the perfect sim for your specific needs and budget.
The Best Flight Simulator Throttles in 2026
Your ultimate guide to 30+ throttle quadrants for MSFS, X-Plane, DCS, and other simulators.
The Best Flight Simulator Yokes in 2026
Your ultimate guide to 20+ flight simulator yokes for MSFS, X-Plane and other sims—with reviews and detailed comparisons.
Cirrus Flight Simulator Setup Guide (2026)
Discover how to set up a realistic Cirrus flight simulator at home. Compare add-on and hardware for SR20, SR22, and Vision Jet models. Find the perfect setup for your budget and training goals with MSFS and X-Plane.
The Ultimate Flight Simulator Setup Guide (2026)
Whether you want to use a flight simulator for flight training or fun, this guide is for you.
Informal Hourly Consultations
Book time with one of our sim techs for targeted help with specific questions, or to discuss customizations to a pre-made shopping list before you buy.
Ian Grajciar
FAA Private Pilot (ASEL) | 20 years IT / Managed Services
Kalen Willits
FAA CFI, AGI, IGI, Commercial Pilot (Instrument), Remote Pilot
Jordan Gottfried
FAA CFI, CFII, MEI
Nick Marcantonio
FAA CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, ATP, SAFE Master CFI
Patrick Kotyuk
FAA CFI, CFII, MEI, ATPNote: Free consultations are not available for pre-purchase or sim setup topics. These require a paid session.
Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Consultation
Led by Mike, FSC Founder
This is my fixed-price service designed to take you from initial ideas to a complete, ready-to-buy shopping list, with my direct support. Here's how I help:
Based on your requirements, I'll research potential configurations and prepare a personalized presentation visually walking through setup options and key choices tailored to you.
We'll have a Zoom call where I present the configurations, explain the pros and cons, answer your questions, and gather your feedback to refine the direction.
After you confirm the direction, I personally compile your comprehensive, organized shopping list. This includes checking component compatibility, availability, current pricing, finding direct product links, noting required cables, and considering alternatives.
Typically delivered within 2-3 business days of our call.
You get up to 30 minutes of follow-up support via email or phone to address any remaining questions before you make your purchases.
I've done about 20 of these consults within the last year, with sim budgets ranging from $2k to $50k+. I also attended Flight Sim Expo and got hands-on time with the latest hardware, plus I'm responsible for keeping our hardware guides up to date.
Information Needed for Pricing
To give you an accurate quote, please tell me:
Once you have your setup, we'd be happy to assist with setting it up or with remote flight instruction services.
Questions? Feel free to send me a note.
Mike Catalfamo
Founder, Flight Sim Coach
