Helicopter Simulation Cockpit Setup Guide | VIRPIL Controls

Building a professional helicopter flight simulator cockpit requires specialized controls that accurately replicate rotary-wing aircraft systems. A complete helicopter sim setup requires three core components: a collective control system, cyclic stick assembly, and anti-torque pedals.

This guide covers VIRPIL Controls professional-grade options for each component of your cockpit setup, from collective bases and grips to rudder pedals and mounting solutions. When selecting equipment for high-quality rotary-wing aircraft simulation, precise control and comfort are essential for both real flight training and learning to fly rotorcraft.

Whether you're building a cockpit for professional training or recreational simulation, this guide will help you configure your ideal helicopter simulator setup.

Collective Setup Options 

We offer two collective base options to suit different cockpit needs. The Rotor TCS Base is ideal for minimalist setups or pilots who plan to manage engine throttle through external controls, such as our Universal Control Panel #3. For those flying helicopters that require throttle input directly on the collective — or for pilots who wants an all-in-one solution — the Rotor TCS Plus Base adds an integrated throttle axis through a twist handle.

Rotor TCS Plus Base

• Fully Metal Internal Mechanics
• Rotatable Cam Plate to Adjust Axis Range
• Throttle Twist Axis Handle
• Engine Idle Button
• Contactless Digital Sensors
• Adjustable Clutch Damper

Rotor TCS Base

• Fully Metal Internal Mechanics
• Rotatable Cam Plate to Adjust Axis Range
• Contactless Digital Sensor
• Adjustable Clutch Damper

Note: Both of our upgraded collective bases already include Rotor Counter-Balance Kit pre-installed, ensuring the smoothest experience possible.

For both the Rotor TCS Plus and Rotor TCS Base, you can enhance your setup with one of our Control Panels and Control Panel Adapter for a seamless mounting solution.

Shop Collective Bases: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Collective Grips: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Control Panels: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Collective Control Panel Adapter: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Collective Mounting Options

Collective Rotor bases can be mounted on a variety of office or gaming chairs using the Chair Mount adapter.

Note: If you plan to purchase the Dual-SF Collective Grip, we've created an Extension Plate for the Chair Mount to accommodate the extra length on that grip.

Shop Chair Mount: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Extension Plate: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Cyclic Setup Options

For the most immersive and precise cyclic control experience, we recommend combining the MongoosT-50CM3 Base with our 200mm Flightstick Extension and your choice of flightstick grip. This setup delivers excellent accuracy and realism by increasing control throw and fine input resolution — ideal for those tiny adjustments around the center point.

The MongoosT-50CM3 Base can be configured as a center-hold system (also called “dead stick”)— meaning it holds its position when released, instead of springing back to center. This simulates the real-world helicopter trim system and makes long or precise flights far more manageable. Simply install the included Light Springs and tighten the clutch dampers!

MongoosT-50CM3 Base

• Designed for Flightstick Extensions with Reduced Deflection Angle
• Infinitely-Adjustable Springs and Swappable Cams 
• Adjustable Clutch Dampers and Grip Angle
• Requires Hard Mount Solution (i.e. Desk Mounts)

200mm Flightstick Extension

• S-Curve Design
• Greatly Improves Control

Constellation Alpha Prime-R Grip

• Premium Metal Body
• Contactless Digital Sensors
• Programmable LED Lighting
  
• 32 Physical Buttons
• Ergonomic Design
• Twist Axis

FLNKR Grip

• Fully Metal Replica Modern Fighter Jet Design
  
• Contactless Digital Sensors
• Swappable Button Modules
• Laser Engraved Button Labels (English or Cyrillic)

Shop MongoosT-50CM3 Base: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop 200mm Extension: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Constellation Alpha Prime-R Grip: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop FLNKR Grip: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store] 

Cyclic Mounting Options

Desk Mount V4-L: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Desk Mount Adapter for MongoosT-50CM3 Base: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Rudder Pedal Options

R1 Falcon Rudder Pedals

• Highly Adjustable Footplate Design
• Infinitely-Adjustable Centering Spring
• Swappable Cam Profiles
• Optional Damper Upgrade Kit

Note: The damper kit is highly recommended for helicopter simulators, as it can be used to reduce or eliminate the return to center of the pedals to simulate anti-torque pedals found in rotorcraft. Just remove the self-centering spring and tighten the damper adjustment dial to your liking!

Shop R1 Falcon Rudder Pedals: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Shop Damper Kit: [USA Store] [EU Store] [UK Store]

Customization & Modularity

The beauty of the VIRPIL ecosystem is that everything is modular. You can:

• Start with grip and base, adding the extension later
• Start with collective base and then add the panel later
• Swap grips, cams and springs to fine-tune your feel
• Use different mounts depending on your space and realism goals

A complete setup using the controllers above could look something like this:

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which configuration suits your desk or cockpit? Our support team is always happy to help — email us at support@virpil-controls.com with your goals and space, and we’ll help you build your dream rig.