5 replies to this topic

[TAControls]

Hey Guys and Gals, I am a design engineer for a prominent sporting goods manufacturer.
I have also gotten hooked on these crazy flight sims.

With the help of some pilot friends of mine, I am in the process of designing a prototype  controller consisting of a column style yoke, rudder with toe brakes, and reverse thrust equipped throttle.
I started with this design criteria in mind. Rugged aluminum construction, generic, affordable, realistic feeling controls, with upgradability and expandability options.
More buttons, switches, trims, force feedback, throttle quadrants, autopilot, etc can be future options.

I think I would be able to tool up and offer the base controls for around the price of an existing Cessna style yoke and rudder system. I don't want to mention names yet.

This Is just a prototype, however it is at the point that substantial investments in tooling and molds would be needed to create any type of production rendition.
Simply put. If I build them, is anyone going to want them.

Please take a moment to review the rough demo video and offer some feedback as well as interest levels, if any. Your input is much appreciated.


Thank you in advance for your attention.

In the mean time, I am having a blast testing this thing.

Sincerely,
Scott
T/A Flight Controls
TAcontrols@aol.com

[planelover]

good job on those, they look really good

[TopDollar]

Looks good to me.  I'm hardly one for airliners, but from my perspective, which is also from the engineering aspect, as long as you keep the price rather affordable (around $100-250 USD) I think you could do quite well with this.  Naturally aesthetics would need to be improved, but as you said it is a prototype.

Thanks for sharing this with us, and I wish you luck with testing and further development.

[TAControls]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.
That is precisely the price point that I am aiming for.
I have access to a leerjet that, If built, would be mostly modeled after.

Thanks again.

Scott.

[fredrick_thy_grt]

Thats cool, I think it will sell!

Now if you make some Airbus controls I would throw money at you like crazy  

[93Matt93]

I hope you'r shipping international