Browse Aviation Training and Flight Sim Gear by Category

Whether you're prepping for a checkride or building a home cockpit, start here.

342 products

Clear all

Compare popular flight simulator controls at a glance

Control Type Best for Platform
Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke and Throttle Quadrant Yoke plus throttle quadrant GA and Boeing-style flying, beginners PC
Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Pack Boeing Edition Yoke plus throttle quadrant Airliner and tube-liner cockpits Xbox and PC
Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition Sidestick plus throttle quadrant Airbus fly-by-wire flying Xbox and PC
Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Stick and Throttle HOTAS stick and throttle Fighters, warbirds, fast jets PC
Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals Rudder pedals with toe brakes Adding yaw control and taxi braking PC
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Precision Rudder Pedals Rudder pedals with adjustable brakes Console pilots who want pedals Xbox and PC

Click any product for current pricing.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

  • Aviation-only focus: we sell pilot gear and training tools and nothing else, so our team knows the controls, the platforms, and the curriculum.
  • Trusted for more than 25 years by student, recreational, and professional pilots.
  • Genuine products from authorized brands, backed by the manufacturer warranty.
  • Free U.S. shipping on orders over $100.
  • Expert guidance from a team that flies and trains the same way you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a yoke or a joystick better for a flight simulator?

It depends on what you fly. A yoke best matches general aviation aircraft and Boeing-style airliners that use a control wheel, while a joystick or sidestick suits Airbus fly-by-wire jets, fighters, and aerobatic flying. Pick the control that mirrors the real cockpit you want to practice in.

Do I need rudder pedals for a flight simulator?

You can fly without them using a twist-grip joystick, but rudder pedals are the single biggest realism upgrade. They give you proper yaw control for coordinated turns and crosswind landings, plus toe brakes for taxiing, and they build the foot-and-hand muscle memory that transfers to real flying.

What is HOTAS in flight simulation?

HOTAS stands for hands on throttle and stick. It is a setup that places all the key flight controls and switches on the joystick and throttle so you never take your hands off them. HOTAS rigs are most popular for flying fighters, warbirds, and other fast military jets in the sim.

What controls do I need to start a home flight simulator?

A solid starter cockpit is a yoke or joystick, a throttle, and a set of rudder pedals. Many beginners choose a yoke and throttle quadrant with matching pedals, or a bundle that pairs the controls with simulator software so the setup decisions are already made.

Does a flight simulator help with real flight training?

Yes. A home simulator is an excellent way to learn procedures, instrument scans, and checklist flows before you fly them in the airplane, which can shorten the learning curve. Home setups are not FAA-approved devices, so practice time does not log toward a certificate, but the procedural reinforcement is real.

What books do I need to study for the private pilot written test?

Start with a knowledge test prep book plus the official FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, then add an oral exam guide and a current FAR/AIM. The three main publishers are Gleim (focused, test-driven prep), ASA (broad test prep, oral guides, and FAR/AIM), and Jeppesen (structured course curricula used by flight schools). Many pilots combine titles from more than one.

Aviation Training Guides and Flight Sim Resources

From choosing your first flight simulator setup to picking the right study materials for your checkride, our expert guides have you covered.