It has been quite some time since Honeycomb last released a truly new, mainline piece of hardware. Since the launch of the Charlie Rudder Pedals, the company has been relatively quiet, making the arrival of the Sierra TPM feel like an important moment. Not just another accessory, but a proper addition to the Honeycomb ecosystem. I first had hands-on time with a pre-release version back in July, but now that the full retail unit is here and I’ve been able to spend meaningful time flying with it across multiple simulators and aircraft, it’s clear that this isn’t just another incremental release. The Sierra TPM represents Honeycomb returning to what they do best: delivering purposeful, aviation-focused hardware designed for simmers who want something that feels closer to real aircraft controls rather than a generic multi-role input device.
Right from unboxing, it’s clear the Sierra TPM means business. The packaging is practical rather than flashy, but once you lift the module out of the protective material, you immediately feel its weight and structure. At 2.6kg, it’s surprisingly substantial given its size. The outer shell is made from a hardened plastic, but almost all touchpoints are metal: the levers, shafts, and locking mechanisms. It gives the impression of longevity, the kind of device that you won’t need to replace or upgrade after a year of use. Included in the box is the unit itself, a USB-C to USB-A cable, desk clamps, and a quick start guide. It’s worth noting that the weight of the unit would mean it qualifies for free shipping via the Honeycomb Aeronautical website.
The physical footprint measures 24.8 × 12.0 × 30.9 cm, and while those numbers may not seem especially large on paper, the unit did feel a little bulkier on the desk than I expected. It occupies space confidently, and depending on your setup, that may or may not be a positive. For me, it took a moment of adjustment. Initially, I wasn’t fully convinced the size justified its share of the desk. That said, the Sierra TPM integrates visually and physically with the Alpha Yoke well. The matching design language and alignment of mounting points make the setup feel cohesive rather than improvised.
Once positioned on the desk, the Sierra TPM feels familiar if you’ve used other Honeycomb equipment. The mounting system is the same as the Alpha and Bravo, using two metal clamps and securing wheels to ensure the module sits firmly in place. If you prefer under-desk mounting, the screw pattern hasn’t changed, meaning existing ecosystem accessories remain compatible. This consistency matters, especially for simmers who are building full cockpit setups rather than treating hardware as standalone desktop pieces.
The Sierra TPM is very much a specialised device designed primarily for general aviation piston aircraft, and specifically those using throttle-prop-mixture systems with vernier-style controls. For Cessna pilots, it immediately feels right. The throttle lever moves smoothly, but the friction adjustment dial allows for personalised firmness, preventing accidental forward movement. The prop and mixture controls use a push-to-unlock mechanism, mirroring real aircraft functionality and adding an extra layer of authenticity. Where the unit truly elevates itself, however, is in the fine-tuning ability built into these controls. Being able to twist the knobs for precise adjustments is something usually reserved for far more expensive hardware, and it takes tasks like mixture leaning or prop balance from “functional” to “satisfying.”
Every control has been thoughtfully executed. The trim wheel provides small, incremental adjustments rather than wild jumps, making trimming for cruise or approach significantly more manageable. The flap lever moves up and down with a satisfying feel, and the push-pull parking brake feels mechanically appropriate. Then there’s the landing gear switch, which has always been one of my favourite components on Honeycomb products. It is spring-loaded with a surprisingly tactile action and supported by an LED status indicator. It’s a small touch, but one that brings real personality to the module. There’s something undeniably enjoyable about flipping a gear switch and seeing the lights respond exactly as expected.
Setup is straightforward, especially now that Honeycomb provides downloadable presets for both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. The throttle is mapped to the X-axis, prop to Y, and mixture to Z, with inverted axis options depending on your aircraft or simulator. You can easily change the settings via your in-sim menu. The Sierra TPM works across Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, X-Plane 11 and 12, and supports both PC and Mac. Unfortunately, Xbox compatibility isn’t offered here, and not through the Honeycomb Xbox Hub either.
In the simulator, the Sierra TPM delivers exactly what you would expect from a premium piece of hardware. Every axis responds smoothly and predictably, with no noticeable latency or jitter. Flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 using the Cessna 185 Skywagon, the engine behaviour translated perfectly to hardware input. Increasing throttle produced a predictable rise in manifold pressure; mixture leaning worked flawlessly, especially when utilising the fine adjustment twist feature; prop control behaved as it should, with proper RPM modulation and realistic engine tone changes. Switching into the Beechcraft G36 confirmed the landing gear operation, and the LED system behaved exactly as expected. The trim wheel, often the biggest source of frustration in consumer hardware, felt refined, helping maintain a stable cruise without needing constant corrections.
The biggest struggle I have with the product is understanding who the Sierra TPM is for. At £199 GBP, the value proposition depends entirely on the type of flying you do. If you spend most of your time in airliners, business jets, warbirds, or turboprops, this isn’t the device that will elevate your experience. But if you routinely fly piston general aviation aircraft, particularly those with vernier-based controls, this becomes one of the most compelling hardware additions currently available. There’s a level of mechanical satisfaction here that simply isn’t replicated in throttle quadrants designed for broader, more flexible aircraft categories.
For a product that follows from the lacklustre Charlie Rudder pedals, the Sierra TPM is a return to form for Honeycomb Aeronautical. There is a clear transition in terms of design, and the team is back to creating hardware that balances quality and price. Combine that with a generous 2-year warranty, speedy and free shipping, and there is a lot of value to like here.
After spending significant time with it, it’s hard not to appreciate the Sierra TPM for what it is: a well-engineered, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable piece of simulation hardware that understands its role and executes it exceptionally well. It doesn’t try to be all things to all simmers, and that restraint is one of its greatest strengths.
