Flight Management Computer (FMC)

2023

This is the Flight Management Computer keypad from my homemade 737 cockpit. The laser cut vector lays out the full set of keys, including the function row of RTE, CLB, CRZ, MENU, HOLD, FIX, PROG, LEGS, EXEC and DES, the page keys, the numeric pad and the complete A to Z letter grid with SP, DEL, slash and CLR. Each black key cap carries its own printed label such as HOLD, W and R, and the finished keypad drops into the cockpit frame with a screen opening above it. Building this meant placing and wiring a large number of buttons so the whole keypad could feed the flight simulator.

Laser cut vector layout for the full FMC keypad with function keys, number pad and letter grid Individual black FMC key caps including HOLD, W and R on the workbench FMC key caps and switch bodies during assembly Loose FMC buttons and hardware being sorted FMC keys partly placed into the panel frame Assembled FMC keypad in the cockpit frame with a screen opening above Angled view of the assembled FMC keypad and its labeled keys FMC keypad wiring and switch bodies at the back side Further view of the FMC keypad build Detail of the finished FMC keys in the cockpit