Use two sets of flight controls in FSX: assign both devices correctly, prevent conflicting axes and understand what local dual controls can and cannot do.
Yes. FSX and FSX: Steam Edition can accept input from two or more USB flight-control devices at once, including two yokes or joysticks. Assign the same axes to both sets if either pilot should fly, then remove unintended duplicate assignments. Both sets control the same aircraft; they are not independent stations.
How do I set up two controllers in FSX?
Set up each controller separately in FSX, even when both units are the same model. FSX stores assignments by device, so configuring the first control set does not automatically configure the second.
- Connect both sets before starting FSX. Confirm that Windows recognises each device and that its axes respond in the Windows game-controller test panel.
- Open the Controls settings. Make sure controller input is enabled, then find the device-selection list, normally labelled Controller type.
- Select the first device. On the Control Axes tab, clear any automatic assignments that the device should not control. FSX can assign rudder, throttle or brakes to newly detected hardware without those assignments being useful.
- Assign its required axes. Use the axis entries for ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle and brakes rather than the left/right or up/down commands intended for buttons. Our device-by-device FSX joystick setup walkthrough covers the standard assignment and calibration process.
- Repeat this for the second set. Duplicate an axis deliberately only when both controllers need authority over that function.
- Test one control at a time. Watch the cockpit controls or external control surfaces for full travel, correct direction and unwanted movement while the other set remains centred.
| Intended arrangement | Recommended assignments | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Two complete control sets | Assign pitch, roll, rudder, throttle and brakes to both | Only one person should move the controls at a time |
| Two yokes with shared pedals and throttle | Assign pitch and roll to each yoke; keep rudder, brakes and throttle on one device | The shared controls remain accessible to only one position |
| Second controller for switches or views | Assign buttons and hat switches, then clear its flight axes | It cannot take over the aircraft controls |
Can both sets control the aircraft at the same time?
Both sets can send commands, but FSX does not combine them like a mechanically linked dual-control system. Moving one ordinary yoke will not move the second yoke, and FSX has no local captain/first-officer priority switch.
If the two controllers report different positions, the aircraft may follow whichever input report is processed last. The result can be jumping surfaces, oscillation or one controller apparently overriding the other. For an instructor-and-student arrangement, agree a clear handover and move only the active set.
Why do the two control sets fight each other?
Unexpected movement usually means the same function has been assigned to more than one device unintentionally. A mistake we see constantly is leaving rudder on a joystick twist axis after adding pedals, or leaving throttle assigned to a gamepad after installing a quadrant.
- Inspect the Control Axes assignments for every device in the controller list, including gamepads and virtual controllers.
- Remove duplicate throttle, rudder and brake axes unless both sets genuinely need them.
- Calibrate each device separately and use only enough null zone to suppress small centre noise.
- Check the reverse-axis option if toe brakes remain applied when released. Our rudder-pedal and toe-brake assignment instructions explain the separate left and right brake axes.
- Do not try to conceal a conflicting assignment with an extremely large null zone; remove the unwanted axis instead.
If the aircraft still shakes or changes direction without a deliberate input, follow our checks for twitchy and unstable FSX controls.
What if FSX detects only one control set?
If Windows cannot see both devices, FSX cannot use both devices. Resolve USB detection first, then restart FSX with both sets connected.
- Test each device separately in Windows, then connect both and confirm that two controller entries remain available.
- Close and reopen FSX after connecting hardware; hot-plugged controllers are not always picked up reliably.
- Check that controller input has not been disabled in FSX.
- If a device repeatedly disconnects, try a different USB connection or a suitable powered hub.
- If two identical controllers appear under the same name, move each one in the Windows test panel to identify its device entry before assigning it in FSX.
Do I need FSUIPC to use two controllers?
No. Native FSX controls are sufficient for two yokes, joysticks, pedal sets or throttle units. FSUIPC is useful only when you need advanced filtering, profiles or specialised hardware handling.
If you use FSUIPC, assign each axis through either FSUIPC or the native FSX Controls menu, not both. Sending the same axis through both systems can produce doubled or competing inputs.
Are local dual controls the same as FSX shared cockpit?
No. Two USB control sets connected to one computer feed the same local aircraft and are treated as multiple input devices. They do not create independent captain and co-pilot stations.
FSX multiplayer shared cockpit is the appropriate mode for pilots using separate computers. That arrangement has its own control-transfer process and may depend on the selected aircraft and add-ons supporting shared-cockpit operation correctly.