Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition review

The Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition is the perfect fit for Microsoft Flight Simulator. It’s a good quality, reasonably priced flight stick based on real-world Airbus hardware. The price rises significantly if you buy the impressive Quadrant add-ons, but there’s no need for dabblers to do this on day one.

Smooth deadzone-free stick; Charming throttle based on real Airbus controls; Solid enough plastic build; Reasonable price for the central flight stick; Ready out of the box for Microsoft Flight Simulator;

All-plastic, fairly light construction; The cost adds up for a full setup; Some of the buttons feel a little cheap

Review by real-life Airbus pilot

I have around 2500 hours on an A320, and got this stick to use with Microsoft Flight Simulator to keep current with my flying procedures. The stick is almost exactly the same size as the real Airbus side stick, although it feels marginally narrower. The hat button is positioned where the thumb naturally rests on the side stick so that's a slight adjustment I have to make while using it. It isn't a huge deal, but does mean I've had to change the way I normally apply control pressure. Besides that small aspect to be aware of, the smoothness of movement is very good, although I would have preferred a slightly heavier feel (more resistance), but given the price of this controller that's easy to forgive. The button layout is well suited to flight control mapping, using the same sense of operation as in any aircraft (single axis control for flaps, gear, spoilers, as well as the ability to control thrust (and reverse thrust). The rudder lock is also a great feature and let's you get away w

Seems like good build quality

Bought to replace a Logitech 3D Pro (my 8th in 6yrs; they last 6mths-ish) hoping to stop the endless churn. Using for Arma (FPS MilSim). Apart from different (relative to what I'm used to) buttons layout, build seems very good quality. I also have a Logitech X56 HOTAS for DCS, so I'm very familiar with the varying quality and usability of Joysticks.

First joystick, very happy

This was a really great product that came very early.