Best Controls for a Flight Simulator

Whether you’re an experienced virtual pilot or new to the world of flight simulation, finding the best flight controls for your setup is essential for a realistic and immersive experience.

Flight simulators have evolved significantly over the years, offering highly detailed and interactive environments. To truly enjoy these advancements, having the right controls is crucial.

With a range of options available on the market, from yokes and rudder pedals to throttle quadrants, pilots can tailor their devices to meet their unique needs, ensuring every flight is both thrilling and educational.

Also, check out the FLYING branded computer (Rig) if you’re looking for a new machine as well.

The yoke is a pivotal component in a flight simulator setup, providing a realistic replication of an aircraft’s control column. It comes in various types, allowing pilots to tailor their flight simulation experience to their preferred aviation style. The yoke is generally the first component purchased by the user as they start to piece together their home flight simulator setup.

Best for: Advanced user

For a highly reviewed advanced yoke setup, look no further than the Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Yoke and Switch Panel. This unit comes with a detachable baseplate, clamps, and adjustable feet so the user can quickly set up and take off. Developed and designed by pilots and aeronautical engineers, this is one of the most advanced flight simulator accessories on the market. The solid-steel-shafted yoke has a full 180-degree rotation, assisted by dual linear ball bearings to provide smooth control. Both handles feature an eight-way hat switch with two vertical buttons and two-way rocker switches. This is the premier setup for pilots looking for an ultra-realistic look and feel.

Price: $299.99

Best for: Intermediate user

A great intermediate yoke option is the Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke System. Reviewers rave about the stainless-steel construction that helps build muscle memory for flying. With a built-in stopwatch and 75 programmable options, the user can customize their experience to fly complex maneuvers or shoot an approach. The module comes with USB cords and all materials needed to secure the base to a desk. For a realistic flight experience, don’t sleep on the Logitech G Pro Flight Yoke System.

Price: $169.99

Best for: Novice user

The Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick is a great ergonomic replica of an Airbus sidestick. This yoke is ideal for Airbus, Cirrus, and Diamond-type aircraft users who do not utilize the traditional aircraft yoke. Users can easily adjust controls on the sidestick to fulfill the role of captain, first officer, or solo flight. There are 17 programmable braille-style switches that allow complete customization. In addition, the joystick is lockable with the simple twist of the handle. Upon landing the airplane on the runway, the users can utilize the built-in thrust-reverser mechanism to help gently slow the aircraft.

Price: $89.99

While rudder pedals may not necessarily be needed on basic or beginner setups, yaw control for an aircraft gives its user the extra push to reality. Rudder pedals help users build muscle memory, as well as provide feedback that creates the realistic response that users crave.

Best for: Advanced user

For the advanced at-home setup, the Thrustmaster TPR Pedals are a superior product that is compatible with Windows. Thrustmaster boasts about its HallEffect AccuRate Technology (HEART), which provides 16-bit resolution and 3D Hall magnets that ensure ultra-precise, frictionless movement. The TPR features suspended mechanisms that ensure smooth and fluid movements. The item weighs 20 pounds with a width of 18 inches and is manufactured with durability in mind.

Price: $599.99

Best for: Intermediate user

A great option for the pilot who wants more advanced controls is the WINWING Orion Metal Flight Rudder Pedals. This unit offers durability with its aviation-grade aluminum construction. WINWING has created an exclusive grinding level damper for self-return to center mode for fixed-wing aircraft. The main axis has 38 usable degrees of travel and weighs almost 15 pounds to give the user stability. WINWING is compatible with Windows applications.

Price: $396.89

Best for: Novice user

The Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals offer enticing capabilities for a novice pilot. Compatible with Windows, this unit weighs 5.1 pounds with a width of 18 inches. It also offers self-centering rudder pedals with toe breaking and adjustable damping. Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals easily integrate with other flight control units to form a complete system. The rudder pedals feature nonslip grips on the bottom to help hold the pedals in place while in flight.

Price: $169.99

The types of throttles available vary greatly and can be a simple general aviation setup all the way up to a complex airline widebody. There are several options available to users, depending on their goals and needs.

Best for: Advanced user

For a complex aircraft setup, the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant is an excellent option. This is an all-in-one cockpit system featuring a fully customizable throttle configuration. Users can configure this unit for a simple general aviation aircraft all the way up to a multiengine jumbo jet. Levers include throttles, flaps, spoilers, and fully functional thrust reversers. There are seven autopilot buttons and a landing gear lever complete with three-green light indicators.

Price: $299.99

Best for: Intermediate user

The Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant is a great option for the professional pilot who wants a commercial aircraft setup in their home. Compatible with Windows and Xbox Series X, Thrustmaster replicates Boeing flight controls to give the user a close-to-realistic experience. The throttle levers can be swapped by the user creating personalized experiences. Thrustmaster utilizes Boeing-patented technology to replicate the actual resistance forces felt by pilots when moving the lever up and down. TCA quadrant includes the Boeing autopilot features for altitude, airspeed, and heading.

Price: $177.98

Best for: Novice user

The Logitech G Saitek PRO Flight Throttle Quadrant is a great introductory unit for a general aviation setup. Compatible with Windows, the Pro Flight quadrant allows users several setup options to maximize their experience. The three-axis lever system allows the pilot to mix and match between throttle, mixture, flaps, and prop controls. In addition, three rocker switches allow the pilot to program aircraft specific controls. This unit is also great for the CFI, as throttle controls can be mounted on either side of the user’s setup for skill refinement.

Price: $59.99

Quality flight controls such as yokes, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants not only enhance the precision of your simulator but also provide the tactile feedback that brings virtual flying to life.

Exploring options that offer features suited to your preferred aircraft types or styles of flying can significantly impact your overall satisfaction and skill development.

Skip the long store lines and add one of these flight sim controls to your virtual cart. Let’s elevate your flight simulation sessions to unparalleled heights with these quality accessories.

What are the controls in a flight simulator?

At the most basic level, users can employ a standard game controller or keyboard and mouse as controls in a flight simulator. However, swiping for a flight stick or yoke, paired with rudder pedals and throttle quadrants, can provide a much more superior flight simulation experience.

How do you control a flight in a flight simulator?

At the most basic level, users can employ a standard game controller or keyboard and mouse to control a flight in a flight simulator. However, using a flight stick or yoke, paired with rudder pedals and throttle quadrants, can provide a much more superior flight simulation experience.

What are the best flight sim controls?

Aviation retail shops such as Sporty’s Pilot Shop offer a variety of flight simulator controls. Websites such as Amazon are also reliable for getting your hands on the latest gadgets and accessories. Further, stores such as Thrustmaster, GTR Simulator, and Turtle Beach offer specialized, high-end simulator flight controls.

Do you need flight controls for Microsoft Flight Simulator?

While it is possible to enjoy Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane using a standard game controller or keyboard and mouse, investing in dedicated flight controls, such as yokes, rudder pedals, and throttle quadrants, can significantly enhance the realism and immersion of the flight sim experience.