Quality flight sim hardware that doesn’t cost a fortune is at the top of many pilots’ gear wish lists. After all, flight time isn’t free. That’s why it simply makes sense to log hours of practice in the simulator so by the time we slide into the real-world cockpit, our muscle memory is there.
As we build our own flight simulator setups, there are lots of brands to choose from. So, which is the best?
Honeycomb Aeronautical is a relatively new standout getting lots of attention for their blend of quality and affordability.
First, they debuted the Honeycomb Alpha flight sim yoke, then the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle. It wasn’t long before flight sim fans everywhere started to ask, “Is Honeycomb going to make rudder pedals?”
Well, we have good news. The Honeycomb Charlie rudder pedals release date may have been years in the making, but the wait is finally over!
Sign up today and stake your claim during the Honeycomb Aeronautical Charlie rudder pedals pre-order.
Who is Honeycomb?
Not sure what we’re talking about? Let’s back up. Honeycomb Aeronautical got its start in 2015 when founder and licensed pilot Nicki started a new flight sim brand using the extensive flight simulation experience he gained from managing Saitek Pro.
Honeycomb’s goal has always been “creating and providing affordable flight simulation hardware.”
Realism was important too. Nicki said, “We wanted to focus on creating a modern look while staying true to actual cockpit designs.”
Nicki brought Precision Flight Controls in to do the mechanical engineering, crafting products with a high-end feel and good mechanical quality.
The Honeycomb team designed their products with extra buttons and hat-switches for plenty of programmable features and assignments. They also created a table mounting system that doesn’t need clamps.
If you like the Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle quadrant, it’s time to meet the final piece of the complete Honeycomb Flight Simulation setup: the new Charlie rudder pedals.
Charlie Rudder Pedal Product Features
After all the fanfare and hype, what’s so great about the Charlie pedals? Here are the features flight simmers are looking forward to:
- All alloy metal pedals for longevity
- Left and right toe brake axis
- Adjustable feet angles for maximum comfort
- Realistic mechanical movement with drive train travel system and no center detent
- Reversible carpet spikes with large rubber grip surface to prevent slipping
- Adjustable tension knob for realistic control feedback and feel
Honeycomb Charlie Specs
Want to confirm the Charlie pedals will work with your flight sim setup? Here’s what you need to know:
- System Compatibility: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S (when paired with the Honeycomb Xbox hub)
- Connectivity: USB-C to USB (cable included)
- Software Compatibility: Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane 11, Prepar3D
- Warranty: 2-year limited (5-year tension band replacement)
How to Test Honeycomb Flight Sim Products
If you are planning a visit to any of the major airshows this year or next, odds are you will find Honeycomb somewhere in the vendors section. They let visitors try the Charlie pedal prototypes at EAA Airventure 2021 and what may have been a production model was showcased in the Honeycomb booth at AERO Friedrichshafen 2022. This makes an airshow your best bet for test flying Charlie.
Other New Releases from Honeycomb Flight Sim
The Charlie rudder pedals aren’t the only exciting new piece of Honeycomb flight sim hardware debuting this year.
Honeycomb listened to your feedback, especially feedback from Xbox users. The team has been busy behind the scenes putting together a whole suite of new flight sim for Xbox products.
Here’s what you can now get your hands on:
Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls XPC
The standard Alpha flight control yoke has been around for a while, but it’s now being joined by the Alpha XPC. So, what’s the difference between the Alpha and the Alpha XPC?
For starters, the Honeycomb Alpha doesn’t work on Xbox, but the new Alpha XPC does.
With the new XPC yoke, Xbox Series X|S flight sim fans will finally have a top-quality yoke that works on their favorite gaming device.
That doesn’t mean that PC users should skip the new release, though. The XPC yoke was built to be plug and play for both Xbox and PC. All you need to do is flick a switch to toggle between the two platforms.
Xbox functionality isn’t the only selling point for the new Alpha yoke. Like the original Alpha, the new Honeycomb Alpha XPC has a full 180-degree turn radius. It also keeps the same 8-way hat switch, vertical rockers, PTT button, and other input controls you are used to from the original.
New Features of Alpha XPC
- Xbox compatibility
- Hall effect sensors that are four times more precise than the original potentiometers
- Spring-loaded ignition for a more accurate feel.
Get your Honeycomb Alpha XPC yoke today!
Honeycomb XBOX Hub
When you pick up an Alpha XPC yoke and Charlie pedals, add on the new Honeycomb Xbox hub too. With the hub you can tie in your Alpha XPC yoke, Bravo throttle quadrant, and Charlie rudder pedals, then plug the whole system into your Xbox Series X|S for a complete Xbox-compatible flight sim setup.
The hub includes a USB-C cable to connect to the Alpha XPC yoke and uses two USB-A inputs for the throttle and rudder connections.
Save More with Flight Sim Bundle Packs
If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the Honeycomb Charlie release date to be announced, you may already have your flight sim software, yoke, and throttle quadrant, but if not, now is the time to bundle and save.
The standard Honeycomb Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle quadrant come bundled for a discount.
Need just the Alpha yoke and the Microsoft Flight Simulator software? We have that too.
Pilots who are just starting their home flight simulator build can pick up a three-piece flight sim bundle pack with the Honeycomb Alpha yoke, Bravo throttle quadrant, and Microsoft Flight Simulator software. Just add the Charlie rudder pedals.
Pro Tip: Dust is one of the biggest killers of electronics. Protect your flight sim investment with a specialty Honeycomb Alpha dust cover sized to shelter your controllers whether they are desk mounted or packed away for longer-term storage.
Honeycomb Charlie FAQs
To wrap it all up, let’s recap the answers to some of the most common Charlie rudder pedal questions:
- What is the Honeycomb Charlie release date?
The exact drop date for the pedals is still a well-kept secret, but you can expect to be plugging in your new pedals sometime this year.
- Can I pre-order the Honeycomb Charlie pedals?
Yes! Save your place in line and make sure you don’t miss out. Order your Charlie pedals now so you are part of the first shipment.
- How much will the Charlie pedals cost?
The listed retail price for the pedals is $349.99 plus tax.
- Are the Charlie rudder pedals compatible with Xbox?
You can use your Charlie rudder pedals with your Xbox Series X|S by adding a Honeycomb Xbox Hub to your pedal order. The hub also lets you connect your Bravo throttle quadrant and Alpha XPC yoke to your Xbox system.
Build the best home flight sim setup with help from these must-read posts:
- The 4 Best Flight Simulator Yokes [2022]
- Best Flight Simulators & Equipment Money Can Buy
- 5 Ways to Sharpen Your Skills with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
It’s your turn
Have you been counting down to the Charlie pedal release? Which of the Honeycomb new releases are you most excited to order? Do you already own the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo? Let us know in the comments what your flight sim system setup is and what changes or upgrades you would like to make.
