Desktop
Pilots
Society
Built From Scratch
The Desktop Pilots Society was founded in 2026 by Scott Palacheck in Duluth, Minnesota. Scott built his first home cockpit from salvaged aircraft parts, a gaming PC, and a lot of patience — and realized he wasn't alone.
What started as a personal project became a community. Pilots from across the country found each other through streams, forums, and shared builds. DPS gave that community a home.
Fly Without Limits
We believe the joy of flight belongs to everyone. Not just those who can afford lessons, not just those with the right credentials, not just those who live near an airport.
The Desktop Pilots Society exists to make virtual aviation accessible, social, and serious. We support builders, streamers, learners, and veterans of the sim — all under one callsign.
All Are Welcome
DPS has no age requirement, no experience floor, no gear minimum. Whether you fly on a keyboard or a full motion platform, you belong here.
Members share builds, stream sessions, run group flights, and help each other troubleshoot everything from rudder pedal calibration to ATC communication. The community is the product.
Live On 4 Platforms
DPS members stream their sessions on Twitch, Kick, YouTube, and TikTok. From long-form cockpit builds to short clips of perfect landings, the community broadcasts what it builds.
If you want to stream, we'll help you grow. Share your callsign and channel with the community and we'll amplify your signal.
Push The Simulation
We don't chase realism for its own sake — we chase it because the closer the sim gets to the real thing, the more you learn, the more you feel, and the more you push.
DPS values precision, generosity, and the relentless drive to build something better. We share knowledge freely. We celebrate every first landing and every perfect approach.
Frequently
Asked
- Who founded DPS?
- Scott Palacheck founded the Desktop Pilots Society in 2026 in Duluth, Minnesota. He built his first home cockpit from scratch and wanted to connect with others doing the same.
- What does "desktop pilot" mean?
- A desktop pilot is someone who flies aircraft virtually using simulation software. The setup can range from a basic keyboard and mouse to a full home cockpit with yokes, rudder pedals, multi-monitor displays, and motion platforms.
- Is DPS open to beginners?
- Completely. There is no experience minimum. Members help each other learn — from installing a sim for the first time to dialing in a complex autopilot system.
- What simulators do members use?
- Members fly on Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, DCS World, and others. DPS is platform-agnostic — the community is about the flying, not the software.
- How do I join?
- Visit the Members page and follow the steps to join. Membership is open to everyone. No fees, no gatekeeping.
- Can I stream my sessions?
- Yes. DPS actively supports streamers on Twitch, Kick, YouTube, and TikTok. Share your callsign and channel with the community and we will help you grow your audience.
Ready to take
the controls?