When building a home flight simulator setup, most pilots start with the essentials—joystick, throttle, rudder pedals, and screens. But sooner or later, there comes a moment when you look up and realize something’s missing. That “something” is the overhead panel.
In aircraft like the Airbus A320, the overhead panel is where power is managed, lighting is configured, and preflight systems are brought online. In a simulator, recreating this layer not only deepens immersion but gives you a more complete and realistic workflow—especially for simmers who enjoy cold and dark startups.
🌐 Why Sim Pilots Are Adding Overhead Panels
It’s easy to get used to clicking buttons on a screen. But having physical switches and buttons adds a tactile dimension that transforms your flying experience. An overhead panel allows you to:
● Perform complete cold and dark start-ups
● Practice real-world procedures more accurately
● Understand aircraft systems more deeply
● Increase immersion with hands-on control
Whether you're training seriously or just flying for fun, reaching overhead to flip a switch adds a whole new layer of realism to the flight deck.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Overhead Panel
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an overhead panel:
● Layout Accuracy: Panels modeled after real aircraft layouts (e.g., A320) help reinforce proper procedures.
● Backlighting: Adjustable lighting is essential for nighttime operations and adds a polished look.
● Build Quality: Durable materials like PCB and carbon fiber blends ensure longevity.
● Size & Mounting: For space-constrained setups, compact panels with mounting holes are ideal.
● Software Compatibility: Mobiflight or other mapping software ensures smooth integration with your sim.
💡 Meet the Rowsfire A107 A320 MAX Overhead Panel
We recently explored the Rowsfire A106 Pro—an excellent panel for compact setups. The new Rowsfire A107 A320 MAX Overhead Panel (Backlit Edition) builds on that with some thoughtful upgrades.
What’s different?
Compared to theA106, theA107 offers enhanced PCB construction for stability, a larger and more defined button layout, and better backlight adjustability. It also includes full Mobiflight compatibility with popular aircraft add-ons like FENIX, FBW, and even broader models like the A350 or A380.
What makes it even better?
It only requires one USB cable, which powers everything from button input to backlighting—keeping your sim desk clean and uncluttered.
🎛️ Where This Fits in Your Cockpit Build
This kind of panel is ideal for:
● Desk-based setups with space limitations
● Sim pits with top mounting capability
● Simmers who want a realistic cold & dark startup routine
● Intermediate or advanced users upgrading from keyboard-only operation
🛫 Final Thoughts
The overhead panel is where systems come to life. Whether you're flipping on the fuel pumps, starting the APU, or adjusting cockpit lights for a late-night arrival, having a physical panel overhead gives you the feeling of being in the cockpit—not just looking at one on a screen.
If you're exploring ways to build a more immersive simulator, consider pairing the overhead panel with other components like a joystick, radio stack, or even an autopilot MCP for full system integration.
We’ve added a few additional images below featuring other flight sim hardware to help spark ideas for your own build.
