FORWARD AND AFT OVERHEAD PANEL

The forward and aft overhead is probably the most complex panel, both in the real aircraft and in the simulator. Therefore, it has been earmarked to complete at a later stage in the project.  I believe it’s wise to have everything else working in the simulator (MIP, avionics, throttle, CDU, etc) with minimal bugs before connecting the forward and aft overhead.

At first, I deliberated using a overhead manufactured by Flight Deck Solutions - mainly becasue it was ‘plug and fly’.  However, an OEM Boeing 737 overhead frame appeared on the market at a reasonable price, and I was fortunate in securing the forward and aft sections along with Cole starter switches,  some gauges, light switch toggles and several other switches and panels. This said, there was still still a number of panels and light plates missing.

OEM Panels

The overhead forward and aft frame comes from a 737-500 classic series aircraft.  To this frame various OEM panels will be secured.

Conversion

The OEM panels are being converted using the original avionics and Canon plugs using Phidgets and ARINC 429.

Timeline

The overhead is not a panel you can construct in a few days or weeks and finding the correct panels in reasonable condition has taken longer than anticipated.   The simulator is flyable without an overhead, so a time frame has not been set for completion; this is a project that ticks along in the background.

As parts are acquired, updates will be posted and images added to the gallery.

Overhead Functionality

The forward and aft overhead controls the following functions:

Until I finish this page, the following video provides a good overview of the overhead functionality.

Updates

  • Updated 27 June 2020.

  • Updated 21 March 2025.

Gallery: OEM Forward and Aft Overhead

The images in this gallery are ad hoc and show the overhead and panels as they are converted and installed. When the panels are complete, these images will be replaced with higher quality images.

The lower gallery displays OEM overheads from several Boeing 737 air frames.

 
 

Teaser showing the various lights in flaps Le Devices being checked for operation (dancing lights)