The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To set up a joystick, rudder pedals and throttle for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 air racing, assign the stick’s roll and pitch axes to aileron and elevator, the pedals to rudder, and the throttle lever to throttle. Then check each axis’s direction and range in Controls and make adjustments in a forgiving flight before entering a race. Device labels and available controls can vary, so treat this as a starting layout rather than a universal racing preset.
What do you need before setting up?
Connect your joystick, pedals and throttle, then open the simulator’s Controls screen. The onboarding screen displays detected devices and applies a preset when it recognizes a peripheral. Use Customization to review or change individual assignments, or create a custom setup for a device that was not recognized. Microsoft’s Beginner’s Guide to Peripherals explains the roles of common flight controls and how they can be configured.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBefore you start changing assignments, identify which physical control belongs to which device. A stick may have a built-in throttle lever, a twist axis, buttons or other controls; a separate throttle unit may have more than one lever. Knowing which device and movement you are testing makes it easier to spot a wrong assignment. You do not need to map every button or lever to get the basic aircraft axes working.
Check platform compatibility before troubleshooting assignments. Microsoft warns that most PC flight peripherals do not work with Xbox Series X|S unless the manufacturer specifies compatibility; some compatible devices have a PC/Xbox mode switch. Consult the manufacturer’s compatibility information for your exact model rather than assuming that a USB connection alone means it will work. If you are shopping, check platform support before choosing by price or features.
Popular on Amazon
- 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
- 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
- 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
- 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
- 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.
Microsoft’s Choosing Your Hardware Setup guide frames hardware selection around budget, available space, desired immersion and simulation needs. These considerations matter before setup: a separate stick, throttle and pedals require more space and more individual assignments than a compact joystick with an integrated throttle and twist rudder. The right starting point is the arrangement you can use comfortably and that is supported by your platform.
Which controls should you assign for air racing?
Start with the axes that control the aircraft’s main movements: joystick roll to aileron, joystick pitch to elevator, pedals to rudder, and the throttle lever to throttle. These are practical function-based mappings; names and available assignments can differ between devices and aircraft.
Recommended Free Tools
Think of the setup as a simple chain: move a physical control, confirm that the intended axis responds, and confirm that it is assigned to the intended aircraft function. A detected preset can give you a starting point, but checking it still matters. The fact that a device appears in Controls does not by itself confirm that every axis is assigned the way you want.
| Physical control | Starting assignment | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Joystick moving left and right | Aileron axis | The displayed response changes across the range when you move the stick side to side. |
| Joystick moving forward and back | Elevator axis | The displayed response changes across the range when you move the stick forward and back. |
| Rudder pedals | Rudder axis | The response follows pedal movement and returns to the intended center position. |
| Throttle lever | Throttle axis | The response covers the expected range as you move the lever through its travel. |
If the joystick has a twist axis, you can assign that to rudder instead of using pedals. Microsoft notes that rudder pedals provide dedicated yaw control and can also control braking; a joystick twist axis can provide rudder input, so separate pedals are optional if that input suits you. Choose one as your primary rudder control while you establish the setup. If you later bind more than one physical input to rudder, test each separately and confirm that the combined response behaves as intended.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
A throttle controls engine power or thrust. Microsoft notes that some throttle units also provide levers for mixture and propeller RPM. Those extra assignments are not prerequisites for setting up the basic air-racing axes; whether they apply depends on the aircraft and the controls available. Start with the lever you intend to use for throttle, verify its response, and add other assignments only if you have a reason to use them.
How do you assign and check each axis?
- Confirm the devices appear. In Controls, select each detected device and inspect its assignments in Customization. If a device is missing, use the custom setup option if available and check the manufacturer’s compatibility and connection guidance. If you are on Xbox, do not assume a PC-only peripheral will work there.
- Assign the joystick axes. Bind the side-to-side axis to aileron and the forward-and-back axis to elevator. Select the assignment that corresponds to the axis movement; exact labels may vary. Move one axis at a time so you can tell whether the simulator is responding to the stick movement you intended.
- Assign rudder input. Bind the pedals’ movement to rudder. If you are using a joystick twist axis, bind that axis instead. Avoid assigning both inputs unintentionally if doing so causes conflicting control. If you want to use pedals for yaw and braking, check which available assignments correspond to those functions for your device.
- Assign the throttle. Bind the throttle lever to throttle. If the hardware has additional levers, do not assume they need assignments for air racing: some throttle units can also control mixture or propeller RPM, but those functions depend on the aircraft and the controls available. If the throttle appears not to respond as expected, verify that you are moving the lever assigned to the throttle axis.
- Move each control and watch the interface. Check that the response changes smoothly through the axis’s movement and goes in the expected direction. If it moves opposite to the intended response, use the assignment’s reverse option if one is available. A Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums community configuration guide describes checking movement and direction in the interface; it dates from 2020, so its screen details may not match the current simulator.
- Check the endpoints and center. Move the throttle through its full travel and confirm that the on-screen response reaches the expected range. Let the pedals return to rest and check that the rudder input centers as intended. For the stick, move it through its side-to-side and forward-and-back travel and verify that each intended axis responds. This helps distinguish a direction issue from an axis that is not responding over its expected range.
- Test before racing. Take a forgiving flight and check that the aircraft responds as expected to small inputs. Adjust sensitivity in small steps, then repeat the check. The reviewed sources do not establish a single sensitivity percentage, curve or dead zone that works for every device and aircraft.
When checking movement, focus first on assignment, direction and range rather than trying to make the aircraft feel perfect immediately. If the wrong control moves the response, revisit the binding. If the right axis responds in the opposite direction, check its reverse setting. If it moves but does not appear to cover the expected travel, check the physical lever or axis and its assignment. These checks answer different problems; changing sensitivity is not a substitute for correcting the wrong axis.
How should you tune controls for a race?
Prioritize predictable response and a throttle you can reach and adjust comfortably. Those are practical setup goals, not a Microsoft-prescribed competitive configuration. Microsoft describes the Challenge League as competitive and says its events include point-to-point rally slaloms scored by fastest time; that does not establish a universal racing assignment or ideal sensitivity setting. A predictable setup is a useful aim because it lets you learn how your chosen hardware responds, but no single curve or numeric value is documented as best for every racer.
Make one adjustment at a time. If the aircraft reacts too strongly to a small stick movement, change sensitivity in a small increment and test again. If it does not respond as expected, first check that the correct axis is assigned and that its direction is right; changing sensitivity will not fix a reversed or incorrectly assigned axis. If rudder input does not return to center, check the assignment and the physical control’s resting position before attempting to tune around the issue.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Test adjustments in a forgiving flight before relying on them in a timed event. Repeat the same kind of small input after each change so you can judge whether the response is more comfortable or less. If you alter several axes or several settings at once, it is harder to tell which change helped. Keep track of what you changed so you can restore a previous setup if the new response is worse.
Do not copy a numeric curve or dead-zone value without evidence that it suits your hardware. The reviewed documentation does not specify a single best setting for air racing, and the interface or options may vary by device and simulator version. If you are asking, “Where in MSFS 2024 can I adjust the sensitivity or set curves for my yoke, joystick or rudder pedals?”, begin in the device’s Controls customization and inspect the options available for its assignments. The exact labels and controls may differ. Adjust only what your interface provides, in small steps, and test the result rather than assuming that a value shared for another setup will transfer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Reachability is part of the practical setup too. Microsoft describes HOTAS as a way to keep customizable buttons accessible, and says throttle controls manage engine power or thrust. If you use a HOTAS arrangement, choose button assignments that suit your preferences instead of assuming there is one mandatory air-racing layout. The supplied guidance does not prescribe a particular button map or competitive preset.
Do you need separate rudder pedals?
No. If your joystick provides a twist axis that you can use comfortably for rudder, you can start without separate pedals. Pedals offer a dedicated foot-operated yaw input and may provide braking controls, so they can be useful if you prefer separate controls or your joystick has no suitable rudder axis.
Also popular on Amazon
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
The choice is a trade-off, not a requirement. A joystick with twist rudder can keep the setup compact and avoid adding a separate device. Separate pedals give you a dedicated foot-operated input and can provide braking, but they add hardware to connect, check and accommodate in your available space. If you already own pedals, assign and test their rudder axis. If you do not, test whether the stick’s twist axis is comfortable before deciding you need another device.
Microsoft describes joysticks as flexible across aircraft types and notes that HOTAS setups offer customizable buttons. Hardware choice can depend on budget, available space, desired immersion and simulation needs. Before choosing a setup, consider platform compatibility, whether the stick has an integrated throttle or twist axis, whether you want pedals, and how much room you have for mounting and use. These factors help determine the kind of setup; they do not guarantee that a particular device will be compatible with your platform.
For a shopping comparison, check the features that change the actual setup: the platform or platforms the product supports; whether the stick includes an integrated throttle; whether it has a twist-rudder axis; whether you want separate pedals; and whether the controls fit your space and mounting arrangement. A separate throttle offers a dedicated lever, while an integrated throttle may make a simpler arrangement. The trade-off is about layout and preference, not a claim that one arrangement produces a better race time.
If you need an example of the kind of device to compare, Microsoft’s peripheral guide lists the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One among its examples. Treat that as an example to investigate, not a guarantee of current availability, current price or compatibility for every platform. Confirm the manufacturer’s current specifications for the exact model and platform before buying. Microsoft’s guide also discusses hardware choices in relation to budget and space, but the cited setup guidance does not establish current retail prices. There is no reliable universal cost to quote for a joystick, pedals or throttle without checking current listings.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
- 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
- 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
- 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
- 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.
What should you do if a control does not work?
- A device is not listed: Confirm that the simulator recognizes it, check platform compatibility and manufacturer instructions, and use Customization or the custom setup option for an unrecognized device where available.
- The wrong axis moves: Revisit the device’s assignments in Controls and make sure the movement you are testing is bound to the intended function. Move only one control while observing the interface to isolate the assignment.
- The response is reversed: Check the axis direction in the interface and use the assignment’s reverse option if needed. Verify the result after changing it rather than compensating with an unrelated sensitivity adjustment.
- Rudder does not respond: Confirm that the pedal axis or joystick twist axis—not a different input—is assigned to rudder. Check that the device is detected and that the axis moves in the interface. If both pedals and twist are bound, test them one at a time and review whether the assignments are competing.
- The rudder does not center: Check that you are observing the intended axis and that the pedal or stick is at its normal resting position. Recheck the assignment before attempting to tune around a non-centering response.
- The throttle response seems wrong: Check that the physical lever is assigned to throttle and that its movement covers the expected range. If the device has multiple levers, verify which one is assigned rather than assuming they are interchangeable.
- The control works in one place but not another: Recheck the selected device and its assignments in Controls. Device labels, presets and available aircraft controls can vary, so do not assume every device or aircraft will present identical options.
- The setup works on one platform but not another: Check the model’s stated platform support and any required hardware mode switch. Microsoft cautions that most PC flight peripherals are not supported on Xbox unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
For simulator-specific setup guidance, consult Microsoft’s hardware setup guide and MSFS 2024 accessibility guidance. Use device-specific instructions when the simulator’s detected preset or assignment labels do not match the controls on your hardware. Microsoft’s guidance establishes the general roles of joystick, throttle and pedals, while exact setup details remain dependent on the particular device, platform and available assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one throttle lever control propeller RPM or mixture too?
Some throttle units have additional levers that can be assigned to mixture or propeller RPM, according to Microsoft’s peripheral guidance. Whether those controls are relevant depends on the aircraft and the assignments available for that device. For the basic setup, first identify and verify the lever assigned to throttle.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have a special air-racing controller preset?
Microsoft’s guidance describes detected-device presets and customizable assignments, but does not establish a universal air-racing preset. Start with the basic flight-axis mappings and adapt them to the device and aircraft you are using. The Challenge League’s point-to-point rally slaloms are scored by fastest time, but that does not define an ideal controller map or sensitivity value.
Can I use a joystick and pedals together if the joystick also has twist rudder?
A joystick twist axis and separate pedals can both offer rudder input, but the setup should make clear which input is assigned to that function. If the response behaves unexpectedly, inspect the rudder assignment and test each input separately in Controls.
Where in MSFS 2024 can I adjust sensitivity or set curves for my joystick or rudder pedals?
Open the device’s Controls customization and inspect the options available for its assignments. The exact labels and options may vary by device and simulator version. The cited guidance does not specify a universal curve, sensitivity percentage or dead zone, so make small changes and test them in a forgiving flight.
Do rudder pedals also control braking?
Microsoft describes rudder pedals as controlling yaw and braking with the feet. Check the available assignments for your device if you want to use a pedal input for braking as well as rudder.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Bottom Line
For a practical MSFS 2024 air-racing baseline, assign joystick roll and pitch to aileron and elevator, pedals or twist to rudder, and a throttle lever to throttle. Verify direction, range and centering in Controls, then make small adjustments in a forgiving flight. Choose hardware around platform support, space, budget and the controls you prefer; there is no universal racing preset or sensitivity value.
