Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick ( PS33 )

by Saitek

Product Features

• Rapid fire trigger / 4 buttons
• 8-way ?point-of-view? hat switch
• 4 two-way toggle switches / 3D Twist Rudder control
• Dual throttles / Single spring gimbal mechanism
• Works with: Windows XP, XP64 and Vista (all versions) Windows 7

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000I62PEK
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 9.2 x 10.6 inches ; 1 pounds
• Media: Personal Computers
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,424 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #9 in Video Games > PC Games > PC Game Hardware > Controllers > Joysticks
  • #24 in Video Games > PC Games > PC Game Hardware > Controllers > Flight Controls

Product Description

Saitek launches the Aviator – the first dual throttle joystick for modern flight simulation games. The Aviator is designed with everything you’d expect from a high performancejoystick, including a rugged, military-style design, rapid response trigger, 8-way hat switch, plus illuminated rocket or missile fire button with safety cover. And a first in joystick design, the Saitek Aviator features dual throttle levers. These enable independent control of multiple engines when flying a large bomber or modern passenger jet, or an engine/flaps combination for better control during take-off and landing. The dual throttles can also be locked together for simplicity when flying single-engined aircraft. Additional controls include 3D twist for precise rudder control whether taxiing or in the air,front-mounted instrument panel which includes base-mounted toggle buttons with up and down switching functions, and mode selector to instantly change the Aviator’s controlsto suit flying scenario. Saitek’s programming software means the Aviator offers up to 8 separate commands which can each be programmed separately. The Saitek Aviator represents a new direction in joystick design. The groundbreaking dual throttles and a wealth of programmable switches and controls make the Aviator the perfect joystick for the latest flight games, designed to offer gamers both the maximum flight sim authenticity and control. No other stick is as well suited to the planes being flown on today’s PC Flight sims.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent stick for the money, December 31, 2006

By 

Rene S. Hoepelman Jr. (Cary, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick ( PS33 ) (Personal Computers)

I just bought this a few days ago and I am very pleased. Works great with Blazing Angels: Squadr WWII PC once you get the joystick mapped to the keyboard. The mapping software is fairly simple. You can switch between differnt setups with the A/B switch with is a very nice feature.

Has twist for yaw built into the handle and 8 position pov. Duel throttle is nice but I dont believe they can work independant. I have to play around with it some more. Plenty of extra buttons and toggles to program.

I always liked Saitek because they make joysticks that can be configured for us Lefty's. This joystick works for both left and right handers out of the box. The joystick has all the features of some of the more expensive joysticks, but 1/2 the cost.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Flight Simulator 2004 !!, October 21, 2006

By 

Nero Wolfe "agent-rx" (Ft. Worth ,TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick ( PS33 ) (Personal Computers)

After having a bad experience with the Logitech Extreme Pro 3D joystick (see my review) I purchased this one and WOW what a difference. Worked perfectly right out of the box and some of the switches are already set up for flaps etc. without loading the software ! In fact I never intend to load the software because Microsoft recommends against it. Why mess up a good thing ? Saitek Rocks !!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the better joysticks out there that you can find, January 19, 2007

By 

Mac Chin "Sidsational" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saitek Aviator Dual Throttle Joystick ( PS33 ) (Personal Computers)

I recently got back into flight simming when I borrowed my brother's Jane's F/A-18 game. I've always been a fan of the Jane's games, but never had the appropriate equipment. Eager to play, I tried a gamepad as well as an old Logitech Force Feedback Wingman. The latter had way too much dead space and a poorly designed rubbery boot to protect the base of the stick. I also have never been a fan of the force feedback either. So that left me with either the mucho expensivo HOTAS sticks from CH or Thrustmaster or a middle of the road joystick from Saitek.

The Saitek Aviator is a moderately priced, combat themed joystick that has a plethora of buttons and a dual throttle to boot. The missile launch button illuminates red so you'll never forget which button to release hell. It also has a safety cover. The best part of the joystick was the little to none deadspace. The stick is kept taught by a coiled steel spring and has a dust cover to protect dust from entering the pivot ball.

The only cons I have noticed is that the Aviator is a bit on the light side and maybe could use another POV hat, but can't really expect much for the low price.

All in all, a decent stick for a great price, you won't be disappointed.

Update after using it for 3 months:
The joystick is still responsive although it is not as tight as when I first got it. Highly recommended for the casual simmer.