The controls consist of the pedals for the rudder and the joystick and throttle HOTAS system.

HOTAS is the abbreviation for Hands On Throttle And Stick and describes a control concept for modern combat aircraft. The pilot should be able to perform as many actions as possible without having to take his hands off the joystick or throttle. This allows the pilot to maintain direct control the aircraft at all times. This is made possible by additional knobs, switches, four-way coolie hats etc. on the joystick and throttle.

The Joystick (Abbr. J) controls the Elevator and Aileron. With the Thrust Lever (Abbr. T) controlling the thrust of the engine. If the throttle is released by the finger catch and pushed forward, the engines are ignited.

Required Switches and Push-buttons

For the Basic Course we only need a few of the buttons and switches associated with the HOTAS. These and their positions are shown in the pictures below.