Fly a Realistic Simulator with the Echo Aviation Controller
▼ Summary
– Honeycomb Aeronautical has announced the Echo Aviation Controller, a compact flight simulator gamepad for PC pilots with limited space.
– The controller features standard gaming controls on the left side and flight-specific controls like throttle levers and a trim wheel on the right.
– It will be available in mid-December 2025 for $149.99 and is compatible with PC flight simulators via USB-C or wireless dongle.
– Additional controls include flaps, landing gear, parking brake, shoulder buttons, and sliding paddles on the back for rudder functions.
– The controller includes a carrying case and interchangeable caps for customizing the throttle levers and other controls by shape and color.
For flight simulation enthusiasts working with limited desk space, the Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller offers a compact yet fully-featured alternative to bulky flight sticks and pedals. Designed to deliver an authentic cockpit experience without requiring a dedicated setup, this innovative gamepad-style controller packs essential flight controls into a streamlined form factor. It cleverly organizes standard gaming inputs on one side while reserving the opposite side for specialized aviation functions, making it an ideal solution for PC-based pilots seeking both convenience and realism.
Scheduled to launch in mid-December 2025, the Echo Aviation Controller will retail for $149.99 exclusively through Honeycomb’s online store. Early previews by industry experts confirm full compatibility with popular PC flight simulators, including Microsoft Flight Simulator. Connectivity options include both a USB-C cable and wireless operation via an included dongle, providing flexibility for various gaming setups.
The controller’s layout is thoughtfully divided to separate general navigation from flight-specific operations. On the left side, users will find a thumbstick, four action buttons, and a secondary conical joystick dedicated to manipulating the in-simulator camera. The right side houses the aviation-centric components: four throttle levers accompanied by a dedicated trim wheel. This trim wheel allows pilots to make fine adjustments to maintain their aircraft’s altitude without constant manual input, enhancing both realism and control precision.
Further enhancing the immersive experience, the Echo features a pair of sliding paddles mounted on its back. These paddles move in opposite directions, functioning just like an aircraft’s rudder pedals. This setup provides intuitive control over the plane’s yaw, the side-to-side movement of the nose, which is particularly useful for ground steering on airport taxiways and during takeoff or landing maneuvers.
Additional dedicated controls located on the bottom of the unit manage critical flight functions such as flap adjustment, landing gear retraction and extension, and parking brake activation. Having these commands readily accessible on the controller itself significantly reduces the need to fumble for keyboard shortcuts during crucial phases of flight. The top edge is equipped with two sets of shoulder buttons, offering further customization and quick access to secondary commands.
Honeycomb includes several customization options to improve both functionality and personalization. The package comes with a hard shell carrying case for protection and portability. It also includes a set of interchangeable caps for the throttle levers and other controls. These caps allow users to modify the shape and color of specific inputs, making it easier to distinguish between functions at a glance, especially if they have been remapped to suit individual preferences or specific aircraft profiles.
(Source: The Verge)