So what’s going on here?

This is a site I’ve set up in order to chronicle the journey I’m taking with the restoration and eventual modernization of the Analog Training Computers ATC-810 Twin Engine CPT/IFR Flight Simulator.

At the time this ATC-810 was built in 1982, it met both the 50 and 100 percent maximum simulation times that were authorized by Part 141. At some point I’ll upload the various LoAs I have for the ATC-810, but the relevant portion is here:

With the enclosed pilot station, the trainer meets the requirements of FAR Section 141.4l(a)(2) for 50 percent of the allowable simulator times. With the further addition of the X-Y Plotter, the trainer meets the requirements of FAR Section 141.4l(a) (1) and may be used to meet the 100 percent maximum authorization provided total simulator time is devoted to instrument training and is approved in a training course outline.

A the time of its development, the ATC-810 was a state of the art training device both for new pilots and those that were training in order to obtain their IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) endorsement. It provided an enclosed simulation environment and was equipped with a complete instrument panel filled with all the necessary instruments needed to operate and navigate a light twin aircraft. The simulator came equipped with an “Instructor Fault Panel” that would allow a flight instructor to introduce faults or change aspects of the simulator in order to provide useful training scenarios. A photo of the Instructor Fault Panel is shown below. This is the unit included with my ATC-810.

Wait, this is a real flight simulator?

Yes. Even today the ATC-810 could potentially qualify as a BATD (Basic Aviation Training Device) according to Appendix B of AC 61-136B. That being said, the Instructor Fault Panel (IFP) is missing a few key features, such as being able to freeze the simulator or disrupt/disable specific instruments in the cockpit. If the IFP deficiencies were rectified and I had an enormous wheelbarrow filled with money I could light on fire, I could have the ATC-810 certified as a BATD. If I added some additional avionics (GPS and likely a two-axis autopilot) and a visual system, I could probably go for an AATD certification. However, since I do not currently possess a wheelbarrow filled with cash I can light on fire, these things are not in the future of this particular flight simulator.

So what’s the plan, man?

Ahh yes. What in the hell am I going to do with a commercial flight simulator? Well first of all, I’m going to fly it! I mean, that’s the whole point, right?

As the ‘810 sits right now, it’s perfectly “flight worthy”. As-delivered to me, it had two issues. The first was three cut wires – those I repaired on 9/7. (I used connectors in order to avoid any potential future wire-cutting.)

Repaired wiring.

I haven’t traced the wires out yet, but I suspect they may be related to the rudder pedals in some fashion or another. I’m sure I’ll discover that information soon.

The second issue is related to the “control feel” system that is attached to the rudder pedal linkage. The intent of the device is to require the pilot to input more yaw control when a single engine fails in the aircraft. (An engine failure in a twin engine aircraft will result in a great deal of adverse yaw towards the failed engine.) This system is driven by an AC motor that’s coupled to a pulley via a small belt. I need to either fabricate or obtain a replacement for that belt. Once that’s done, the simulator will be at 100%.

There are a few other issues, but they’re either cosmetic (scratched finishes, paint peeling off the pilot’s seat) or minor structural faults – centered on putting screws edge-in to plywood.

My long term plan with the ATC-810 is to get it modernized. By that I mean I want to get a modern PC flight simulator such as FlightGear interfaced to the avionics and controls. However, I want to accomplish that in a 100% reversible process. This means that I need to create replacements for the digital and analog electronics that drive the simulator, and I need to do it in such a manner that won’t result in any permanent modifications to the existing hardware. I’m confident that I can do this by connecting to the existing backplane. This would require that I fabricate replacements for all the controls presented on the four interface cards, but I don’t see that as being a problem. (The four interface cards that I’m referring to can be seen here: https://www.geneb.org/atc-810. They’re literally the brains of the simulator)

As part of the cleanup and repair process, I needed to remove the “skin” off the simulator. Here’s a video that shows that process and a discussion of what lies under the hood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFtdODWNXl4

Until next time!