Installing the ACE Yoke & Throttle Quadrant

ACE Yoke & Column

Now that the seats are attached, it’s time to secure the ACE yoke to the Captain side of the flight deck and then secure the throttle quadrant and center pedicel to the floor. 

Attaching the ACE yoke is straightforward; measure correctly against the MIP the spacing as per the Boeing specifications and attach with four screws – presto!

Throttle Quadrant

The throttle quadrant I am delaying securing to the floor as I want to ensure all my wiring is correct and everything is functioning as it should.   

TQ Does Not Sit Flush

The TQ does not sit flush with the MIP, the later having an angled front while the quadrant is a straight 90 degree angle.  I want to fabricate two angled side walls to cover this open space so you cannot see the wiring at the front of the quadrant.  I'll fabricate these panels probably from Perspex or MDF wood and paint in Boeing grey.  They will be screwed in place and be easily removed for wire maintenance (if necessary)

I also want to determine how much the TQ moves when the trim wheels are activated; this will determine whether I use wood screws or bolts.  In all likelihood I’ll use heavy duty wood screws to secure the TQ to the floor. 

Maintenance

It's important to allow for access to the front and side of the TQ.  Just because everything is "dandy" and working well now, doesn't mean it will be in 12 months time.  Access to the area where the wiring is located is important, therefore, when attaching side plates and the TQ to the floor, the attachment method should be carefully thought through.

Its Slowly Taking Shape

It's has taken some time, but the simulator is now beginning to look like a simulator rather than a room full of aviation "junk".  Next on the list is to install the various software from Flight Deck Solutions (FDS), CP Flight and the Sim Avionics suite.  The CP Flight MCP also requires configuration for optimal operation