9/10 TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition
Airbus simmers who want a true-to-scale A320 side-stick on a budget.
The cheapest authentic way into Airbus flying, the TCA Sidestick is a 1:1 replica of the A320 side-stick built on Thrustmaster's proven T.16000M internals. It uses contactless H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensors, so there are no pots to wear out, and it carries 17 buttons with braille-style markings, four swappable head modules and a twist-rudder axis plus a small thrust lever with a reverser detent. It is comfortable on a desk, lap or table and pairs naturally with the TCA Quadrant for a full Airbus setup. At around $80 it is the value entry point for Fenix A320 pilots.
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Specs
| Type | 1:1 A320 side-stick replica (T.16000M base) |
|---|---|
| Sensors | Contactless H.E.A.R.T magnetic |
| Buttons | 17 action buttons, braille-style markings |
| Heads | 4 swappable joystick head modules |
| Rudder | Twist-handle rudder axis |
| Thrust | Built-in thrust lever with reverser |
Pros
- Authentic Airbus side-stick feel for around $80
- Contactless magnetic sensors mean no pot wear
- Twist rudder and built-in thrust let it fly solo without extra gear
Cons
- Side-stick suits Airbus, not Boeing or GA yoke flying
- Mostly plastic construction
- Twist rudder is a stopgap versus real pedals
