Airbus Flight Controller by Thrustmaster: A Review

If you are a fan of civil aviation and flight simulation games, you might be interested in the Thrustmaster Airbus Flight Controller Set. This set consists of two devices: the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition and the TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition. These are ergonomic replicas of the flight controls found on the Airbus A320/A320neo airliners, officially licensed by Airbus. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this set, and help you decide if it is worth buying.

TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition

The TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition is a device that lets you fly a plane like a real pilot. It looks and feels like the real thing, with the same shape, color, and texture. It has four parts: the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition and four head button modules. You can change the modules and the buttons to fit your preferences. It also has a throttle and a rudder control that you can turn by moving the handle. You can lock or unlock the handle as you like.

You can use this device with a PC and most flight simulation games. You can change the settings of the device before each flight, using the Thrustmaster software. You can also adjust the sensitivity, dead zones, and calibration to fit your needs.

One of the best features of this device is the H.E.A.R.T system. This is a special technology from Thrustmaster that uses magnetic sensors to make the device more realistic and accurate. The sensors can detect 16,384 different positions on the device. This means you can control your plane smoothly and precisely, without any delay or noise.

Another good feature of this device is the design and the feel. The device is easy to use, and the buttons are quick and handy. The device also makes the same sounds and vibrations as the real thing, making you feel more immersed.

Some of the problems of this device are the missing twist axis and hat switch. The twist axis helps you control the plane’s yaw, and the hat switch helps you change the view angle. Other devices have these features, and some users might want them. But you can still use the rudder control by turning the handle, or use pedals or a keyboard to control the yaw. You can also use the mouse or the keyboard to change the view angle, or use a head tracking device for a more realistic experience.

Another problem of this device is the limited compatibility with other platforms and games. The device only works with a PC, not with consoles or mobile devices. It also works best with games that have the Airbus profile, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, X-Plane 11, and Aerofly FS 2. For other games, you might have to set up the buttons and axes yourself, or use other software to make it work.

TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition

The TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition is a device that lets you control a plane like a real pilot. It looks and feels like the real thing, with the same shape, color, and texture. It has 2 axes and 16 buttons and controls. You can use them to change the thrust level, turn on or off different systems, and apply reverse thrust to slow down.

You can use this device with a PC and most flight simulation games. You can change the settings of the device before each flight, using the Thrustmaster software. You can also adjust the sensitivity, dead zones, and calibration to fit your preferences.

One of the best features of this device is the H.E.A.R.T system. This is a special technology from Thrustmaster that uses magnetic sensors to make the device more realistic and accurate. The sensors can detect 65,536 different positions on the device. This means you can control your thrust smoothly and precisely, without any delay or noise.

Another good feature of this device is the design and the feel. The device is easy to use, and the buttons and controls are quick and handy. The device also makes the same sounds and vibrations as the real thing, making you feel more immersed.

Some of the drawbacks of this device are the missing levers for flaps and speed brakes. These levers help you control the plane during landing and takeoff. Other devices have these levers, and some users might want them. But you can still use the keyboard or the mouse to control the flaps and speed brakes, or use other devices like the Thrustmaster TCA Add-On Airbus Edition, which adds these levers to the device.

Another drawback of this device is the limited compatibility with other platforms and games. The device only works with a PC, not with consoles or mobile devices. It also works best with games that have the Airbus profile, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, X-Plane 11, and Aerofly FS 2. For other games, you might have to set up the buttons and axes yourself, or use other software to make it work.

The Thrustmaster Airbus Flight Controller Set is a device that lets you fly a plane like a real pilot. It looks and feels like the real thing, with the same shape, color, and texture. It has two parts: the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition and the TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition. They are copies of the Airbus flight controls, and Airbus approved them. The device also has the H.E.A.R.T system. This is a special technology from Thrustmaster that uses magnetic sensors to make the device more realistic and accurate.

The device has some problems, such as missing some features and controls, and not working well with other platforms and games. But you can fix these problems by using other devices or software, or by changing your settings and choices. The device is also more expensive than other flight controllers, but it is a high-quality and long-lasting product.

If you want a realistic and fun flight simulation experience, and you like Airbus planes, the Thrustmaster Airbus Flight Controller Set might be the best device for you. You can buy the device online, or from a local store, and have fun flying an Airbus plane, without any stress. Happy flying!