The great debate between side stick vs yoke continues on to this day, with no clear winner in sight. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, making the decision of which to use a matter of personal preference. Here, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your own aircraft.
Side Stick
Advantages:
1. The side stick offers a more natural and comfortable grip for many pilots.
2. Side sticks typically have fewer moving parts than yokes, making them less likely to break or malfunction.
3. They can be positioned closer to the pilot’s body, making it easier to reach all the controls.
4. Side sticks offer a clear view of the instrument panel and other important cockpit information.
Disadvantages:
1. Side sticks can be less stable than yokes, making it more difficult to keep the aircraft on course in turbulence.
2. They can be more difficult to reach in an emergency, as they are often positioned further away from the pilot’s body.
3. Side sticks can be more expensive than yokes, as they are often made from more expensive materials.
Yoke
Advantages:
1. Yokes offer a more stable grip for many pilots, making it easier to keep the aircraft on course in turbulence.
2. Yokes are typically easier to reach in an emergency, as they are often positioned closer to the pilot’s body.
3. Yokes can be less expensive than side sticks, as they are often made from less expensive materials.
4. They can be positioned further away from the pilot’s body, making it easier to see out of the cockpit.
Disadvantages:
1. The yoke can be less comfortable and natural for some pilots.
2. Yokes have more moving parts than side sticks, making them more likely to break or malfunction.
3. They can be positioned further away from the pilot’s body, making it more difficult to reach all the controls.
4. Yokes can block the view of the instrument panel and other important cockpit information for some pilots.
Other related questions:
Q: Why does Airbus use side stick?
A: Airbus uses side sticks because they provide superior control over the aircraft. With side sticks, the pilot can make more precise inputs and the aircraft is more responsive to those inputs. This results in a smoother, more comfortable flight for the passengers and a safer flight overall.
Q: What is the side stick on an aircraft?
A: The side stick is a control device used in some aircraft, typically fighter aircraft, that replaces the traditional yoke and steering column. The side stick is usually located on the side of the pilot’s seat, and is operated with the pilot’s right hand.
Q: Why is it called a yoke?
A: A yoke is a beam that is used to connect two animals together, usually oxen, so that they can work together as a team.
Bibliography
- Yoke (aeronautics) – Wikipedia
- Why Airbus Aircraft Have Side Sticks While Boeings Have Yokes
- Flight Control: Sidestick vs. Yoke – Crouzet
- Yoke vs. sidestick: Jury still out on what works best for pilots
- Sidestick vs. Yoke – flight controls – Aviation Stack Exchange
- Is Boeing’s yoke or Airbus’ sidestick easier to use? – Quora
- Control Stick vs. Yoke. Which is Better for Learning to Fly?