Abstract: A joystick is disclosed comprising a swtich holder having four side walls and an opening at its top. Each side wall has a switch opening. Four panel-mounted type switches having depressible activator buttons are mounted in the switch openings with the activator buttons extending into the interior of the switch holder. The joystick comprising an actuator arm having a handle, a ball, and a switch engaging member. The ball is rotatably mounted above the switches. The handle extends upwardly from the ball and the switch engaging member extends downwardly into the switch holder to a position between all of the activator buttons of the switches.

Abstract: A control stick assembly capable of conversion between an automatic return mode and a free-floating mode is disclosed. The control stick assembly comprises a control stick, a pair of potentiometers, linkages coupling the control stick to the potentiometers, spring means for urging the control stick toward a select position and means for reversibly disengaging the spring means.