Here is our review of the Echo Aviation Controller from Honeycomb Aeronautical.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, as well as other flight simulation software, the Echo Aviation Controller is no mere regular gamepad, offering an astonishing range of nuanced controls in a controller footprint, which allows for quick, effortless flight wherever you choose to take to the skies.
Combining pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim and core aircraft systems, the Echo Aviation Controller offers total control with no separate hardware required! The precision analog Thumbstick for pitch and roll provides smooth responsive movement, delivering full elevator and aileron input, while the integrated four Throttle Levers and Trim Wheel are all independently assignable, accommodating both single and multi-engine aircraft.
Featuring a specialised Rudder Paddle System, the Echo Aviation Controller features rear paddles which move in opposition to accurately simulate rudder input, providing exceptionally realistic control with no need for external pedals.
All essential flight controls sit at the users’ fingertips during flight. Physical controls for landing gear, flaps and parking brake streamline the flight experience, eliminating the need for complex keyboard mapping and finally allowing ‘no compromise’ control in a single compact controller.
Features
- Complete Flight Control in One Device
Echo combines pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems into a single, streamlined PC controller — no separate peripherals required. - Precision Analog Stick for Pitch & Roll
Smooth, responsive Thumbstick delivers full elevator and aileron input for total aircraft control. - Four Throttle Levers & Trim Wheel
Independently Assignable Throttle Levers accommodate single and multi-engine aircraft. The integrated Trim Wheel provides continuous in-flight adjustment. - Rudder Paddle System
Rear paddles move in opposition to simulate rudder input — providing realistic yaw control without external pedals. - Essential Systems at Your Fingertips
Physical controls for landing gear, flaps, and parking brake streamline your flight experience and reduce reliance on keyboard mapping. - Compact, Desk-Friendly Design
The Echo Aviation Controller delivers full control in a clean, minimal footprint — ideal for simmers with limited space or those building a portable setup.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller is one of the most intriguing flight simulator accessories to arrive in years, blurring the line between a compact gamepad and a full-featured cockpit. Designed for PC flight simulation enthusiasts—especially those who don’t have the space or inclination for a full yoke, throttle, and pedal setup—the Echo manages to combine serious capability with accessible portability.
At first glance, the controller looks familiar but distinct. Its general shape evokes a modern console gamepad, though its right side tells a very different story. Instead of a second thumbstick, the Echo features four analog sliders that can act as throttle, prop, mixture, and speed brake controls. Each slider is smooth, responsive, and comes with interchangeable caps, letting you switch between general aviation, Boeing, or Airbus-style configurations. This focus on modularity is smart: you can quickly tailor the device to match the aircraft you’re flying.
Ergonomically, the controller feels excellent. The rubberized grips and balanced weight make it comfortable for long sessions, and none of the 28 buttons feel flimsy or cheap. Behind the device is one of its most impressive engineering touches—a mechanically linked rudder assembly that gives true yaw control without external pedals. It’s a small innovation that works beautifully in practice, offering nuance and realism, especially during takeoff and crosswind landings.
In terms of build quality and materials, Honeycomb’s pedigree shines through. Every switch, toggle, and lever has a positive click or consistent resistance, giving tactile reassurance that’s hard to find in standard controllers. The landing gear switch, flap toggle, and trim wheel reinforce the aviation theme without sacrificing functionality.
Setup is straightforward, though not quite plug-and-play. Microsoft Flight Simulator recognises the Echo immediately, but detailed mappings and advanced profiles must be downloaded from Honeycomb’s site or community libraries. Fortunately, the controller is highly configurable, allowing users to fine-tune every axis, detent, and button. Newcomers might face a short learning curve, but seasoned simmers will appreciate the customization depth.
Performance-wise, the Hall effect sensors in both the main thumbstick and rudder provide outstanding precision with zero drift. Inputs are accurate and immediate, whether connected wirelessly via the included dongle or through USB-C. Latency is effectively nonexistent even when flying complex aircraft in Flight Simulator. The 1200 mAh battery holds up well too, providing roughly 12–15 hours of playtime—enough for an intercontinental route or several shorter flights.
The only real criticisms lie in small usability quirks. The hat switch placement on the left is odd, limiting in-flight camera control while maneuvering, and the lack of a detailed manual or on-screen battery indicator can frustrate first-time setup. But once airborne, those issues fade quickly. The tactile immersion the Echo provides—using your fingers to set flaps, trim, and throttle—adds a layer of realism that standard controllers can’t match.
The Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller hits a compelling balance between price, functionality, and innovation. It won’t replace a full HOTAS or yoke for hardcore sim pilots, but it offers something arguably more valuable: freedom. It’s a mobile flight deck you can toss in a bag and use anywhere. For anyone seeking serious immersion without surrendering their desk to a cockpit, the Echo is a standout success.
The Echo Aviation Controller from Honeycomb Aeronautical is available now priced around £129.99.
