An Airbus Captain NO BS Review | Thrustmaster TCA Officer Pack | Impressions

This review of the TCA Pack pertains to how it handles/feels compared to the real Airbus A320 series aircraft
*Please NOTE that the detents can be removed as well as the thrust reverse can be removed to increase versatility for flying other aircraft*
You have been asking for me to review this product for a long time, well the time is now. I have made several flights and practiced several rejected take-offs/aircraft maneuvers with the new set of peripherals from thrustmaster so I now felt was an appropriate time to give my thoughts on the product.
Make no mistake about it, having proper airbus controls while flying the Airbus on X-plane 11 is EXTREMELY fun and rewarding compared to a generic HOTAS. While perhaps limiting for other aircraft, for my personal experience I am happy with the product and satisfied with the purchase.
This is my unbiased review of this product and I hope you enjoy it!

[@NielsC68]

I got the TCA some time ago after the same initial reservations. Regarding the thrustlever quadrant setup, you can change that by unscrewing and turning two brackets at the bottom and the reverser switches can be unlocked as well to give a full range (think e.g. Phenom here). I have a few different profiles in X-Plane for Airbus and other aircraft so all in all the product is less limiting regarding non-Airbus than initially meets the eye. Nice honest review V1, thank you.

[@matteotanzi4865]

I was waiting for this review before purchasing!

[@frguitar777]

THAT IS A FREAKING GOOD review my man, no BS indeed. FULL RESPECT Brother

[@GDDX_jibster]

Thank you, Capt. for your no caps review

[@Mew_drones]

Hey. I think this is a really good review that picks up things that other people don't say but you got to remember that this is a entry level sim rig/gear so not everything is gonna be the same as the real one

[@insanterbang]

You’re my go to reviewer capt, thanks

[@goldenstateaviation2861]

I basically felt the same way about flying in the sim with the right hand on the stick. I have a Thrustmaster T16000 and TCWS throttle. The stick has the ability to flip the pinky switch so you can fly it left handed similar to the TCA stick. What I’ve been doing is flying the stick left and having a weird hand position on the throttle but it works great for now.

[@cnsapam]

Excellent Review. Regarding the throw range of the thrust lever, I feel the smaller size of the quadrant is the major cause of the limited range. Had it been bigger definitely the range could have been noticeably longer. Also I felt the trust levers a bit delicate when I used it for the first time. But, as you mentioned it really helps in developing muscle memory without any issue.

[@V1Sim]

Thank you! Yes I agree, they have to make a product that is small enough to be easily used on a wide variety of desks/mounts as well. But like you said it works great for the muscle memory! Cheers

[@Captain_SQ]

great review, thanks for sharing.

[@markfosseth8047]

Honest review, thx mate

[@AviatorGamer]

I can tell V1 got that power 💪🏽 haha nice review man and nice hand reveal lol

[@phase1NE]

Those aren’t hands, those are paws 🐾

[@AviatorGamer]

@@phase1NE 😂 his hands give me power lifter vibes. He ready to knock out any Karen on his bus 😂😂

[@V1Sim]

Lol do you even lift bro?

[@phase1NE]

@@AviatorGamer Karen isn’t getting away with any shenanigans on this flight

[@V1Sim]

😂 y’all are too much lol

[@rtundlt1]

As a recently retired A-320 captain, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the thrust lever quadrant. I was also disappointed by the lack of functionality of the start switch and engine master switches on X-plane. I also got the flap and spoiler add ons for the thrust lever quadrant and they work ok, but there is no way to arm the ground spoilers on the thrustmaster set up.

[@rafavsky9126]

i'm wanting to buy them, and i was actaully trying to figure out if the spoilers were armable. thx for it.

[@herobrien062]

Nice honest review

[@V1Sim]

Thank you 🙂

[@jeddis92]

I had to go with the bravo over the TM, way more bells and whistles. Doesn't have the detents for flex and climb thrust, but it does have greater range of motion. Pair that with the Airbus lever set and it scratches my Airbus itch. I may get the TM Airbus stick now that prices have returned to normal.

[@baomao7243]

Good observation on sim beginning to creep into your real-life pilot muscle memory. I’ve had that happen even as a garden variety GA pilot - eg reaching for controls that are placed differently in real life vs your home set up. I had the same realization - never create a situation where your sim REGRESSES your real world skills.

[@cadefoster9279]

Thanks for the honest review Capt!

[@aps-pictures9335]

You need to tighten the screw at the back to add resistance - it ships with almost none! Also, you cannot break the sensors as it’s magnetic not gears.

[@Keinerboy]

I have this setup and if you have never flown a real Airbus who`s gonna know the differance 😄 lol ! There are issues I agree, and the stick is quite stiff. The rudder can be a bit hit and miss, especially on the ground. However, compared to my previous set up I really like this pack and have used it for hundreds of hours . I quite like it.

[@b320max8]

Fyi, there‘s already a320 grip mods popping up for the warthog. You might wanna check those out...

[@umi3017]

After half years of using them: I basicaly set the FLEX/MCT detent as CL and middle between than and TOGA a FLEX/MCT dentent. that twice my range for maunal thrust, I don't have real reating on Buses so I can leave with that. But the flexibility on this set is a big problem, especially when flying some non-AT aircraft like CRJ or 727, it's really hard to set the precise N1 or EPR as manually, as it will flex, you push it up 0.3, it will flex back 0.1...so on.. The ENG switch is just not for the task, I use them as landing light switch, so I won't have much troble if it's been moved accidentally... For the 2 more switches there, I hook them up to the lever with 2 new switch, as TO/GO button I use when flying Boeing/EMB etc...

[@hollywoode135]

Hey boss Winwing should release their Airbus joystick this summer for both F/O & CAPT (or later this year). Bummer we almost have to build a full 1-1 get some of the “feel” that we are used to.

[@0xstuff625]

Awesome stuff!

[@V1Sim]

Thanks!

[@symol30872]

I picked this up last year as my old Logitech was dying and I needed a new one for MSFS anyway, also managed to find the flaps/spoilers add-on earlier this year. Completely agree with what you've said regarding the detents on the throttles, the lack of range between idle and CLB makes it very twitchy when trying to taxi or control the speed manually. The flaps/spoilers addon is even more disappointing, especially for the price as there is no arm switch on the spoiler, and the rudder trim is there but can't imagine I would use it often. They should have put something else there instead.

[@V1Sim]

Agreed they left a lot to be desired, which is sad really, because they were so close imo to an incredible little airbus set up!

[@Newberntrains]

Wonder if u can open and install weaker springs for this to give the precision of the side stick on the plane for better feel I think the size they wanted something that didnt need its own platform had they gone with the full throw of the thrust lever module

[@walterg74]

I read somewhere that the detents activate those "mdoes" on the airbus (CL/TOGA/etc.), which I assume is when the engine y auto managed by the systems, and if you disengage auto, you can use manual power levels. Is that more or less correct? I also saw in the manual that this throttle seems to have an axis, but also that the detents activate a button as well, is that correct? Assuming it is, is the way this works that as long as auto throttle is engaged, then the axis is ignored and only the buttons/positions are considered?

[@BlynkyLand]

I bought this thing and then they put out a Captain Pack! 😬I'll check to see if you have a (comparison) review.

[@TARS..]

Uh oh, I don't think that's the the right kind of "Flex" I need on the throttle quadrant. I'm honestly disappointed by the quality of these in all the reviews I've seen. Great vid cap!

[@cjenko9309]

Then why did you get it then if you don’t like the quality

[@wingedlion17]

Great review. When I bought this I was disappointed with how little range of movement there is outside the detents and I really don't like how stiff the yoke spring is. For now, I'm using the VKB Gladiator stick and find it much more smooth. a smoother stick and the Honeycomb throttle might be the best overall sim setup.

[@V1Sim]

Thank you, yes the VKB is awesome I have one of those as well, extremely smooth. I am thinking about the honeycomb throttle as well in the future

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

you really should review it with the captains edition add-on units

[@asherfrew6653]

i have 2 things to say. the reason its so small is because its hard to fit on desks and also its not built into our desks so its very hard to use i guess, and also the warthog is so much more money thats why you prefer it

[@henriklmao]

I have a problem with my tca sidestick. When I put touch the stick or hold it in my hand, my rudder goes a bit nuts. The same happens when I do use the twist rudder. I twist it to the right, twist it back and then my rudder decides to switch from full left to fill right deflection a couple times in row. Is anyone experiencing the same issues or can does anyone have a fix? I'm thinking about opening it up and try to do something as I've heard that this happens because of a bunch of cables that are down where the sensor is. Thanks in advance

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

i kinda figure the airbus set up for sim, is good for someone who is learning airbus, yto get down the basics, but i can easily see how a seasoned pilot of the real deal, it could potentially be counter intuitive -- and im sure that that would vary from person to person as everyones brain works differently

[@OLIV3R_YT]

Thanks for the review! Here's a super noob question: what is the sidestick used for in the real Airbus? Is it the main input for pitch/roll or is there a yoke for that? I'm asking because I would be so lost if I had to do precise movements with my left hand ;)

[@Michael-zf1ko]

Yes, it's the main input, there is no yoke. But, under normal circumstances, the controls are heavily governed by the flight computer. You just point the Airbus in a certain pitch/roll angle and it will hold it for you. That's a big thing about the Airbus controls, pilot input in the sidestick is more of a request to the flight computer, as opposed to Boeing where pilots have direct control of the flight surfaces through the yoke.

[@walterg74]

Wow... So you didn't even google a picture of the cockpit to ask that, huh..?

[@tomcorwine3091]

It says 4/5 scale for the throttle quadrant on the box.

[@cleareddirectfubar5309]

Yeah, the throttle quadrant.... They say you can tighten it, but warn you not to do it too much...so where is that sweet spot? lol. I don't know. I find that it often doesn't register (fS2020 and xplane) when I go into the detent...have to jiggle it slightly on one or both of the levers.

[@V1Sim]

Yeah you have to be extremely careful with the tensioner! I’ve heard many bad things if you twist it just a little bit

[@judebrad]

The lack of range of motion could be a potentially dangerous situation if you are depending on muscle memory for flying the real a/c.

[@V1Sim]

Could be, but if anything it will be more on the conservative side since the thrust masters move way less

[@Sailor92]

Amazing. Can we gat honest review of Sidestick too,please?!

[@V1Sim]

Starts at 7:59 but in summary really no issues for me, it’s light, made of plastic, but gets the job done. The spring is feel is a bit to stiff for the weight of the stick itself so it can make hand flying a bit “quirky.” I still think the warthog is the best airbus “replica” in terms of feel minus the grip design. But for someone who wants the left handed stick this will work

[@HarshDuba]

How is the travel on the TCA sidestick compared to the real sidestick? Is the range of motion the same or close enough?

[@V1Sim]

Range of motion is not that far off really, at least not enough to make it feel unrealistic, the issue is the tension on the spring that wants to pull the sidestick back to center is overpowering, which in “normal flight” isn’t a big issue, but if you like to hand fly single engine approaches or maybe even complex RNAV departures it can be a little “finicky”

[@DocThirdy]

Are the throttle handles the same size with a real airbus throttle?

[@pavelkostrov1617]

Thanks, V1. Is there a z-axis in sidestick for nose gear turns?

[@rexxroyce9700]

Yes

[@stevenhe198911]

nice

[@Hystrix138]

It's a pity that nobody bothered designing and selling an Airbus grip for the warthog yet. I would definitely buy one. There are even two vendors who sell compatible f-14 sticks, but I guess they are a bit stuck in just seeing combat sim market.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

There is a company that sells one. Don't recall the name at the moment, but there is one.

[@Hystrix138]

@@JohnVanderbeck yeah, in the mean time I have one (fsprojects)

[@JohnVanderbeck]

@@Hystrix138 ahh yep that's the one 👍

[@xplanespotter4117]

Wow what I got from this video is how clean and well maintained your finger nails are! XD

[@static_7742]

great review, but Id recommend to rename the video to represent that it is the OFFICER pack not the CAPTIAN pack, i know that you can search up a review for the throttle quadrant addon, but it still is a little annoying

[@Flightsimmovies]

Try VKB gladiator nxt! It’s around 120 and 150 for premium. It have left hand as well and the movement is very smooth.

[@TheKuritsa]

From personal experience with T16000M and TWCS throttle, it's not going to last. Over the years T16000/TWCS was 12-18 mos throw away recurring purchase for me, which was not that big of a deal at pre-COVID prices but at today's prices I'm not sure it has value for the money compared to Alpha, Bravo for civilian flying or Virpil for space combat/DCS.

[@youwebz]

What about a follow up video? A380 Pilot here

[@ryan1111111555555555]

just a fyi, its not a spring inside the joystick, its magnets, its just a repackaged t16000m

[@teamvodka4066]

I have a T16000M and there is a spring in it. The force of the spring can be tempered a little by using 3 cable ties to compress it equally around it's circumference. A 1/2" compression gives it a better feel IMHO.

[@DJSLEV3N]

I was under the impression that those buttons behind eng 1 and 2 switches are actually there in the real aircraft and they are for ejection seat 1 and 2? I'm confused now.

[@V1Sim]

😂 I try not to talk about this for “security” reasons

[@DJSLEV3N]

@@V1Sim Haha. Hope you been doin' good man.

[@viperro4542]

Any issues with it till now?

[@rangerrick8220]

I have considered buying these but expected the crappy lighter quality and having them slide all over (unless you clamp down). One question - if one is a right-handed person, isn't using the joystick with your left (the non power wrist) abit unnerving (muscle memory wise). Maybe I am wrong but aren't the majority of people right-handed? Why would Airbus then force a bunch of right handers to use their non-dominant hand to fly an aircraft? Too bad they don't make it so the joystick could be moved either on the right or left for the Captain (put it beside the thrust leavers... but I guess it would make too much work for the one side ... and eventually you get used to it having the joystick on the left.... ). Are there Captains that refuse to sit on the left side for this reason?

[@V1Sim]

No captain will refuse to fly in the left that I’ve ever heard of lol going through all the different stages in training you will be using both hands at some point so you get used to it. Can’t put the stick on the right side because then what hand would u move the thrust levers with? 😉

[@rangerrick8220]

@@V1Sim Yeah said that in my comment as well - too much for the one hand to do. Just something I wondered about...

[@colderwar]

All these kinds of product suffer from common defects :- 1) The form factor is designed for an average computer desk and childrens hands as well as adults. 2) They are poorly built, mechanically flimsy and the wiring inside is thin and often badly routed. 3) The switches are the cheapest available, and in a lot of cases proprietary, so replacing any failed switches can be difficult without access to factory spares. 4) The joystick gimbal designs are all driven by cost, with utility being a poor second. 5) The units are intended to last the warranty period and anything beyond that is a bonus.

[@stricklandgarageaviation2864]

My impressions go like this: First of all, the Toliss 321 and the Thrustmaster Airbus thrust lever quad and stick are nice, but the real value is learning the MCDU and autopilot usage. I agree with you that the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo set up is more substantial and better for "hands on" flying. When I first checked out in the 320, I came from the old school steam gauges and stick and rudder was not a problem; the glass was where the problems were. Learning what and how to utilize the glass and autopilot was where most of the training was needed. When you couple the add-on to the quadrant, although not exactly like the bus, it still makes the experience more fun. And it looks cool for your neighbors. ;-)

[@V1Sim]

Oh absolutely makes it more fun no doubt! I love taxiing around now even more on the sim haha yes I agree with you tho the real challenge will always be the glass at first

[@seetukka]

Did you know that there is a airbus sidestick replica for warthog? I just got mine!!!

[@alienter7517]

Should I get the honeycomb or TCA? Nice review 😂

[@V1Sim]

Well that depends if you want to fly Airbus or Boeing mostly

[@alienter7517]

Ok. I mostly fly the 78 in Microsoft flight sim and in second place I fly the A320, soooo I’m getting honeycomb Combe and the Addon for airbus

[@tmhong1237]

Does this work with Xbox Series X. Thanks

[@obamium4265]

will it be compatible with an Xbox ?

[@James-ue6up]

737 views... Nice

[@windshearahead7012]

can you do an update video?? how is it holding up;

[@V1Sim]

Sitting on the floor collecting dust...

[@walterg74]

@@V1Sim Why?

[@MasKuro]

recomended or not?

[@jakgats1411]

The flex of the throttle is annoying. It throws engines into reverse for me if I rest my hands on it

[@cwbalmer]

Some harsh views in this video esp about the thrust lever range... the thrustmaster throttle isn't a life size replica is it so its a but unfair to moan about the throttle travel distance or know size....

[@gaz0z]

I think your review is not fair and don't give justice to what you are getting with such a low price. Your higher expectations come from your experience with the real thing. And even if you say they can't be compared with the real thing, you are infact comparing them with the functionality of 1:1 replicas that cost at the very least $2000, throttle and stick combined. While I agree some points like idle/CL range could have used a little more percentage of the movement range, with the price of $160, they need to be compared with low end controller combos like, Logitech Pro Flight, or CH Products. At that price range, the pack have incredible value with precise hall effect sensors, mechanical detents and authentic look. Definitely miles away from those in terms of quality and feeling. I even had the chance to compare the throttle quadrant and honeycomb bravo with airbus throttles. IMO thrustmaster feels much more solid and true to size than bravo, making it even comparable to a higher range product when it comes to Airbus simulation. It also works perfectly simulating CRJ or other aircraft that have similar detents. For aircrafts that does not have detents, simply deactivating the detent gates will give you full smooth range to play with. Without detents the precision, range and feeling is still comparable to honeycomb let alone logitech and CHs.

[@g7usl]

It's not 'real life' it's REALITY. I only know of my own life! 😀

[@paulwalker4639]

Thank you for the review, I think I will now pass

[@a.nelprober4971]

These look whack for the money bro. They could have at least added hat switches etc. TWCS much better for the money. I would get honeycomb but you can't get the damn thing

[@davidpringuer3553]

So it's basically a toy