Aviation Sets

Convair 580 Cockpit Film Set Prop

Original Convair 580 commercial cockpit. Rustic look, most controls functional. Headsets, life vests, and breathing apparatus available.

Production specs

Weight: 800 lbs (approximate)
Length: 9'
Width: 7.5'
Height: 7.5'

Lift required: Standard forklift

Convair 580 Cockpit for Period and Practical Work

This is a medium-size commercial cockpit with a rustic, lived-in look. All equipment is original Convair hardware. Most controls still work, which helps when actors need to flip switches and move levers on camera.

At 9' long, 7.5' wide, and 7.5' tall in transport config, it weighs about 800 lbs. One forklift and you're on the stage.

1960s and 70s airline look
Turboprop era panels read differently from glass cockpits. Use this when the script is set before fly-by-wire and you need the right texture in frame.
Thrillers and crime stories
Compact footprint fits on smaller stages and remote locations. Good for tense two-handers in the flight deck or night exterior with cockpit glow.
Documentary and re-enactment
Original labels, wear, and layout sell the period without custom aging. Camera gets real patina, not painted foam.

Original Controls That Still Move

Switches, levers, and knobs are factory Convair parts. Most are functional for hand coverage and sound on set. That cuts down on insert work when you need a pilot actually working the panel.

Headsets, life vests, and breathing apparatus can ship with the rental when your safety briefing scene needs props in frame.

Included accessories
Breathing apparatus, headsets, and life vests available on request. Tell us what the script shows in the cockpit.
Small footprint
800 lbs and roughly 9' long means lower transport cost than a full fuselage. Fits locations where a 737 section won't.

Delivery Without the Big-Aircraft Overhead

Standard forklift offload, then roll into place. We've sent cockpits to soundstages, warehouse locations, and remote strips where only the flight deck is in script.

Transport dimensions above are for the config we usually ship. Confirm with us if you have tight door or elevator constraints.

Pairs with cabin builds
Need more than the cockpit? FlightFlix builds and sections full fuselages. Start with this for flight deck coverage and add cabin modules later if the schedule allows.
Stand-alone flight deck
Many jobs only book the cockpit. You get the full panel, crew seats, and side windows without paying for cabin you won't shoot.

15 Years Moving Aircraft Props for Film

FlightFlix started in aviation rentals for production work, not party decor. We know how art departments spec cockpits, what AD needs for weight sheets, and how to hit a prep day on time.

This Convair has been prepped for practical shoots where the panel is in play, not just a backdrop.

Remote locations
Light enough for difficult access compared to a sectioned airliner. Still plan forklift access on arrival.
Soundstage ready
Compact size leaves room for camera rigs and lighting around the crew stations.
Exterior coverage
Side windows and frame give you options for ground shots with crew visible through glass.

Vintage turboprop cockpit when glass flight decks are the wrong era.

The Convair 580 cockpit is a practical prop for productions that need real metal and working switches without the size and cost of a full narrow-body section. It's in our Kelowna inventory and ships on typical production timelines. If you're matching a period airline or building a smaller flight deck set, this is the rental to look at first.

Details

Technical sheet: Use the Technical sheet (PDF) button above for full specs, dimensions, and lift requirements.

Convair 580 commercial cockpit. Approx. 9' x 7.5' x 7.5' in transport configuration, 800 lbs. Original equipment; most controls functional. Optional breathing apparatus, headsets, and life vests. Standard forklift offload.

Tips for Successful Filming

Plan ahead: Walk us through your shot list early. We can tell you which sections fit, what lighting is already wired, and what rigging you'll need on the day.
Talk to the art department: Seats, galleys, and bins come out. If you need a specific layout, send a floor plan and we'll prep before delivery.
Scout the load-in: These are heavy pieces. Confirm forklift or crane access, door widths, and stage height before you lock dates.
Build in setup time: Most crews want a full day to dress the set and run lighting before actors step in. Budget for that.
Match the story: A 737 reads as a 737 on camera. Use the real doors, bins, and galley carts. That's what you're renting this for.

Shipping and Logistics

FlightFlix handles transport planning for film and TV shoots across North America. We load on flatdecks or into containers, coordinate permits where needed, and can deliver multiple sections to different locations if your schedule calls for it.

Each section ships with lifting points and steel framing where noted on the tech sheet. Tell us your location and dates and we'll quote delivery, placement, and pickup.

Convair 580 Cockpit Film Set Prop