I had the opportunity to spend some time in a Level-D A320 sim last week. Proper implementation of the rudder controls of the aircraft in a home simulator requires the use of control loading (force feedback). Reviewing the logic of the Level-D aircraft rudder function was of high interest to see how this could be implemented correctly:

Several take home points –

• Rudder pedals are static and immobile until engine start / hydraulics are online
• Rudder pedals will move (see video above) and deflect accordingly to manual trim
• With AP engaged in normal law rudder pedals do not move or reflect the actual rudder position of the aircraft; instead it is controlled by the yaw damper (part of the Automatic Flight Control System)
• With an engine failure and subsequently AP engaged rudder pedals move and deflect accordingly with rudder trim values

Implementation of these logic variables in a home built flight simulator will require a thought out process to ensure correct operations and procedures can be followed.