Hello everyone. I want to build a little cockpit use with MS Flight Simulator. (Like this: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Tp1jFHWZfSQ/hqdefault.jpg) I will use computer monitors for screens so I will not plug screens to arduino (I have UNO). I want to make all usable buttons and potentiometers. But I am unexperienced please advice me how should I do it. I do not know how many button or potentiometers can connect to arduino? Can I create it like joystick button set? Thanks in advance.
Buttons, joystick, potentiometers, etc., Arduino is usable for it. It looks like huge project. Probably one Arduino will not be enough. Here on this website is lots of tutorials and examples for your need.
Just small advice, if you want to train "real" flying with full control then cockpit is good.
But if you just want to fly and have feeling that you are in the cockpit buy yourself Oculus DK2 (or wait for final)- it will be probably cheaper and in simple planes it works perfectly. And that feeling of being in the cockpit is amazing 
m.
get an UNO get some linear pots, you can get different lenghts.
should be about 10k resistance.
you can get some knobs from ebay or other sources for the rotary pots.
create one section of your controls, say, throttle, get that to work.
then add flaps, get that to work.
by the time you are up to 'fasten seat belts' you will be an expert.
once you 'fill up' your first UNO, look into either using a larger board, Duo or Mega, or add a second UNO
but, by that time, your problems will be more focused and your goals more defined.
pick one thing, make it work.... print that out and tape it to your monitor.
Thank you for advices. I will work as @dave-in-nj advices . I will update for progress in future.
Have fun!