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EasyFlight: Educational Autopilot Framework
Created an interactive PID learning framework with live tuning and integration to X-Plane 11 via X-Plane Connect.
Technologies
PythonMatplotlibTkinternumpy
Software
X‑Plane 11X‑Plane Connect
Contributions
- Built modular Python flight simulator with decoupled dynamics, navigation, and autopilot modules
- Designed flexible API for switching between virtual sim and X-Plane
- Implemented stateful simulation engine tracking full flight history
- Developed real-time, thread-safe visualization using Tkinter and Matplotlib/Plotly
- Created PID controllers with anti-windup and configurable tuning
- Modeled parameterized flight dynamics for realistic aircraft behavior
Key Features
- Real-time PID parameter tuning with instant visual feedback
- X-Plane 11 integration for realistic flight dynamics simulation
- Interactive tools for control system analysis and visualization
- Graphical displays for step response and stability analysis
- Guided educational modules for structured learning
Challenges & Solutions
- Synchronizing real-time control with X-Plane simulation updates
- Developing intuitive visualizations for complex control concepts
- Managing variable simulation timesteps while ensuring stability
- Balancing theoretical content with practical application in education
Project Info
Timeline: April 2025 - Present
Role: Controls Engineer & Software Developer
Team: Open source project
Status: Maintained
Client: Educational Research Project
Impact
Key Results
- Facilitated hands-on learning for over 20 engineering students
- Shortened PID tuning learning curve with interactive visualizations
- Achieved seamless integration with X-Plane flight simulator
Target Audience: Engineering students and control systems educators
Software
- X‑Plane 11
- X‑Plane Connect