Flight Simulator focuses on the other side of the cockpit door

When we think about entering a flight simulator, we assume that it will be from the pilot's point of view. But this alternative flight simulator takes a different approach, letting you live out your air travel fantasies from the passenger's perspective.

Those of you looking for a full motion simulation of the passenger cabin experience will be disappointed, because [Alex Shakespeare] - we're guessing there's no connection - built a cabin of minimal airliner for this simulator. It makes sense, though; ideally, an airline pilot aims to give passengers as boring a ride as possible. Where a flight is most exciting, and what [Alex] captures well here, is the final approach to your destination, when the airport and its surroundings finally appear after a long time staring at the clouds. This is done by mounting an LCD monitor outside the window of a reasonable facsimile of an airliner cabin, complete with a row of seats. A control panel that originally lived in an airliner cockpit is used to select video of approaches to airports in various exotic destinations, such as Las Vegas. The video is played by a Pi Zero, while an ESP32 takes care of controlling the lights, fans and attendant call buttons in the fairly realistic looking top panel. Extra points for the button that plays the Ryanair arrival jingle.

[Alex]'s simulator is incredibly comprehensive, if a bit confusing in its design. We're not judging, though, and it looks like it could be fun for visitors, especially when the drinks cart comes by.