Flight Simulator Yoke - 3 Critical Factors To Think About Before You Buy

For anybody who is serious about your computer flying then you may sooner or later end up wanting a flight simulator yoke. Although you start using the keyboard and mouse and then a joystick, as soon as you get familiar with the flying, it does not take long before you’ll want to fly with more realistic controls. The most realistic flying experience that you can get is with controls which are similar to the actual controls found in an aircraft, and that is what a yoke will give you.

When it is time to upgrade to a flight simulator yoke, you might be wondering what to look out for. There are a number of models on the market and you should take some time to understand what is on offer and what the differences are between the different models. The last thing you want is to purchase a yoke that you are not pleased with and end up dissapointed.

The yoke, also known as the control column, lets you push the control forward or pull it back, which will control the pitch of the aircraft. The yoke can also be used to affect the roll of the plane by controlling the ailerons, by turning the wheel left or right. Look out for a yoke that has a good self centering mechanism. When you take your hands off the control, you want it to return to the center, every time. Why is this important? Well imagine that after you have used your yoke for a while, the mechanisms and springs are worn, so that when you make a turn and return the yoke to its central position, it is actually a little off center and it will not fly straight without your corrections.

Many people buy the yoke and then start to think about where they will put it. Most people will place the yoke on their desk or table, but it must be attached well. You certainly don’t want the yoke coming off the table when you are pulling back or pushing forward or even executing a turn. Out of the box, yokes will typically come with clips, but with some decent flying action, they won’t be sturdy enough to keep it in place. Take the time to think about where you will sit your yoke and how you can firmly attach it to your desk or table, some people use clamps or even screw it down so it won’t move.

It may seem obvious, but you need to check that the yoke you are going to buy is going to work with your setup. Check the operating systems it supports, how it will plug in and most importantly that it works with your flight simulator software. Most yokes with work will plug into a USB port, so make sure you have one available.

Most people find flying with a flight sim yoke totally transforms their flying experience and never look back. Make sure you do some preparation before making your purchase to find the right one for you and you will find your flying jumps to a new level of realism and enjoyment.