Yoke or stick?

[birdguy 3,943]

Which do you prefer?  I have both the CH Yoke and the Saitek Stick.  I much prefer the stick.

The stick takes up much less on your desk or table.  I also find the stick a more precise control.  I can see why modern aircraft are going with the side stick.

I might be prejudiced since I learned to fly with a stick (Luscombe).  There were times I wished I had a stick in the Cherokee or Mooney I was flying.  While the Saitek returns to the neutral position by itself the Luscombe stick didn't.  I liked the way you could hold the stick between your knees while your were looking at a chart in the old days of pilotage navigation.

In flight simulation most of us tend to use the control our favorite comes with.  I imagine some of us who have both the yoke and stick controls use the one appropriate to the aircraft du jour.   Being a lazy sort myself I stick to the stick in whatever I am flying.  And I really do prefer the stick.

There are probably good reasons some manufacturers install yokes in their aircraft (Boeing) and others install side sticks (Airbus).  But maybe someday they will give the customer a choice...like a choice of manual or automatic transmissions in automobiles; also in the olden days.

Noel

Edited October 1, 2022 by birdguy

[Swe_Richard 1,172]

For me it depends on the Aircraft. Boeing = Yoke and Airbus = Stick. 

Apart from that, I somewhat prefer the stick out of conveniance first and foremost. My yoke is the Aplha / Bravo stuff. Big and cumbersome and kind of in the way and a nuisance to clamp down on the desk. The Airbus Stick and throttle in comparison is very easy; just plop it down in the desk and off you go... 😃

For some odd reason I am reluctant to fly the 737 with a stick... 

[G550flyer 1,014]

I prefer both. Depends on what I am flying.

[Penzoil3 480]

H.O.T.A.S. ! I have a yoke, but it takes up way to much room.

Edited October 1, 2022 by Penzoil3

[Ron Attwood 3,465]

1 hour ago, G550flyer said:

I prefer both. Depends on what I am flying.

Ditto. Along with the appropriate throttles

[W2DR 1,860]

Stick.

[spilok 1,136]

Microsoft FF2 Joystick...unquestionably!

Stan

[lownslo 592]

H.O.T.A.S.  Because it has a stick (and a whole lot more!).😁

[stans 703]

I have the CH Products Fighterstick.  A couple of reasons for me using a stick.  First, I started flying combat flight sims, so a stick made more sense.  Second, the stick does not take up much space.  Third, it works and is paid for.  Guess that was three reasons, but no one has ever accused me of being a mathlete.

Edited October 2, 2022 by stans

[Luis Hernandez 570]

Stick... on the left and a separate throttle quadrant on the right. Perfect for flying the 'bus.

[Fielder 3,676]

If you're going to be busy doing lots of stuff with your hands off of the controls, then the yoke is probably better. If you're going to be busy doing lots of things with your hands on the controls (e.g. dog fighting for your life) then you want a HOTAS. 4 hats and 5 buttons and you don't have to move your hands, only your fingers (and that's just the stick).

[cherellemallariajc27 1]

😁

[01pewterz28 117]

Yoke for me 

[Ray Proudfoot 8,960]

Fulcrum One yoke for me. A huge upgrade on the Saitek. I’m making the smoothest landings I’ve ever done. Eight inches of travel ensures very fine adjustments.

[Stavros 295]

I find that a stick is more versatile - flying a 737 with a stick feels good enough, but flying an A320 with a yoke feels extremely weird. Takes up less desk space too.