If you’ve been looking for a way to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator without being tethered to a desk, Honeycomb Aeronautical has just released a piece of hardware that might be just that you were looking for. It’s the Echo Aviation Controller and it was created to pack the functionality of traditional flight simulation controller into a handheld gamepad.
Honeycomb says the Echo is a bridge between casual gaming pads and serious simulation gear. The idea is to give you the precision you need for a proper flight without the bulk of a typical rig.
At first glance, the Echo looks like a standard controller, but a closer look reveals it’s built strictly for aviation. The left thumbstick handles pitch and roll using Hall-effect sensors, which the developer claims will prevent the stick drift that often plagues standard controllers over time.
Things get even more interesting is the back of the device. Instead of standard triggers, the Echo features mechanically linked paddles for rudder control. Honeycomb states that these move in opposition to one another (pushing one side in forces the other out), just like real rudder pedals.
On the front face, the design continues to take a departure from tradition. There is no right thumbstick. Instead, you get four vertical sliders that serve as throttle quadrants. These come with interchangeable caps, allowing you to set them up for anything from a single-engine prop to a four-engine jet.
Other features aimed at serious simmers include a dedicated trim wheel and cockpit switches for things like flaps, landing gear, and parking brakes.
The Echo is built for PC and Mac users and supports major platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. While it has the form factor of a console controller, Honeycomb has been clear that it does not currently support Xbox or PS5, though there is chatter about potential console compatibility coming in 2026.
The Echo Aviation Controller is available from Honeycomb’s website for $149.99 USD (€149.99).
