What is this?
You're Doing What?
Yes, we're building a flight simulator. Like, a full-on flight deck, in our house. We're calling it Deck53. Why? Who are we, anyway?
First of all, hey! I'm Nate — YouTube creator with over 15,000 subscribers and millions of views. In my day job, I also work in aviation, and if there's one thing to know, it's that I love flight. After years of a joystick and a few monitors on a desk, we're on a mission to take flight simulation to a new level — all while not breaking the bank. The name honours 53° North, where the simulator is being built. Once it's up and running, our goal is simple: produce incredible content featuring Deck53, from livestreams to tutorials with real-world experts.
...what could go wrong?
The Build
How It All Comes Together
The original plan was an MDF base with 3D-printed panels on top — and we did go down that road for a while. We got the materials, ran the prints, and learned a lot in the process. But ultimately we made a call to go a different direction.
Thanks to one of our partners, the structural side of Deck53 is getting a much more solid build than we originally had in mind. The electronics, screens, and sim hardware all stay the same — it's the frame and shell that are levelling up.
Once the structure is in place, the side-work follows — the walls stretching past the joysticks, the "windows" out into the "sky," seating, and other details we'll share more on as things come together.
Inventory
Hardware & Parts
Acquired
- ✓ WINWING Airbus MCDU (L/R)
- ✓ WINWING Airbus EFIS Main
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Landing Gear Lever
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Center Clock
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Autobrake/Brake/Antiskid Fan
- ✓ Thrustmaster Airbus TCA Sidestick (R)
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Sidestick (L/R)
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Throttle
- ✓ WINWING Airbus Flaps & Spoiler Levers
- ✓ WINWING Airbus EFIS (L/R)
On Order
- – NexGenSim Frame, Sidestick tables, Center Pedestal
Planned
- – WINWING/TBD Airbus ECAM
- – Overhead Panel (Brand TBD)
- – Tiller (Brand TBD, L/R)
- – Radios (Brand TBD)
- – Monitors (L/C/R MIPs)
- – Monitors/TVs ("Windows")
- – Receipt "ACARS" Printer
Cost Snapshot
Timeline
Roadmap
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✓ Done October 2025
Early Planning
Finalizing designs, deciding on materials, and working out measurements and blueprints.
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Now
Base & Frame Build
We originally started building a frame from wood, and 3D-printing the parts that will go over the top to make this look like a flight deck — not just a nicely arranged pile of lumber. That said, plans changed - and now, we're working on getting that frame done with our partners.
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Now
Electronic Sourcing
We already have some parts, but we'll need more. This is the most expensive phase — but required if we want a full simulator. Is now a good time to put up a donation link?
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Spring 2026
Assembly
Once we have enough parts in hand, we'll complete the assembly of the frame, panels, and electronics. Placeholder panels will cover spots we'll eventually fill with real hardware.
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Summer 2026
Lighting & Handmade Additions
If we can make it happen, there's potential to add functional lighting switches, custom knobs, and small details that aren't critical to simulation but make it feel right.
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TBD
Sharing the Designs
Once it's done, we'll share the blueprints, measurements, and full cost breakdown so anyone can follow our lead and build their own.
Changelog
Updates
WINWING Parts Acquired, Building Starting
A big milestone — the last of our WINWING orders arrived, covering both sidesticks and most of the pedestal. We're still waiting on a radio and transponder stack, but progress is solid. On top of that, woodwork has begun: initial cuts for support structure and main instrument panels are all done. Plenty left to do before the 3D-printed panels go on top, but we're moving.
First 3D Prints Completed
After a good amount of testing to dial in temperatures and filament settings, we were finally able to start printing panels for the main instrument section of the deck.
Supporters
Our Friends
Extremely grateful for everyone who has helped — from something as small as a checklist to actual cold, hard cash. Visit them and tell them Nate and Deck53 say thanks!
