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Bring authentic general aviation throttle feel to your home cockpit. This Cessna 172 throttle lever is a robust, 3D‑printed assembly that uses a 10K linear slide potentiometer for smooth, precise input and features a working friction control so the lever stays exactly where you leave it.
Designed for seamless simulator integration, the unit secures directly into a throttle panel using a built‑in thread and locking nut for a firm, reliable fit. The friction system uses a TPU bush/O‑ring that compresses against the metal shaft—tighten to increase resistance and fine‑tune the feel to your preference.
What makes it essential
Stable, adjustable feel: On‑lever friction lets you dial in resistance, preventing unwanted creep and giving you consistent, repeatable control.
Accurate input: The 10K linear potentiometer delivers a predictable, simulator‑friendly response (avoid logarithmic pots).
DIY‑friendly: Prints easily with common materials—TPU for the friction bush; PLA or resin for the remaining parts.
Durable by design: If your parts feel light, simply increase wall thickness from 2 → 4 (or more) for added strength.
Panel‑ready: Built‑in thread and locking nut make mounting straightforward and secure.
Originality & Inspiration
This is a purpose‑built throttle lever tailored to GA simulation, inspired by the feel of a real Cessna 172. The TPU‑based friction bush is a compact and reliable approach to adjustable resistance without complex mechanisms.
Design origin: Initially developed on an Ender 3 (2017).
Not a remix: Original concept with practical build considerations for home simmers.
If you remix or reuse elements, please add attribution (e.g., credit: 737DIYSIM).
Intended Use & Context
Use case: Flight simulator throttle control for Cessna‑style GA aircraft (MSFS, X‑Plane, P3D, etc.).
Mounting: Install into your throttle panel and secure with the integrated thread + locking nut.
Tuning: Adjust the friction by tightening the TPU bush/O‑ring to hold position during long flights or procedures.
Printing & Materials
Materials:
TPU: friction bush/O‑ring (compressible component that creates adjustable resistance)
PLA or resin: lever, frame, and other structural parts
General print guidance:
Perimeters/walls: Start at 2, increase to 4+ for higher durability
Infill: Choose based on load preference (e.g., 25–40% for structural parts)
Post‑processing: Light sanding/reaming may be required for smooth shaft fit and thread engagement
Note on tolerances: The design was originally created on an Ender 3 in 2017. Modern printers may produce tighter tolerances; minor adjustments/shims may be needed for ideal fit.
Electronics & Compatibility
Potentiometer: Use a 10K linear slide potentiometer (do not use logarithmic pots).
Connection: Wire to your preferred USB interface/controller for sim input (e.g., Arduino/joystick board).
Shaft interface: The TPU bush compresses against the metal shaft to achieve friction.
Assembly Overview
Print all structural parts in PLA/resin; print the friction bush in TPU.
Fit the linear slide potentiometer into the 3D‑printed frame.
Insert the metal shaft and TPU bush/O‑ring; tighten to set friction.
Mount the lever into your throttle panel via the integrated thread and locking nut.
Calibrate within your simulator or controller software.
Complete step‑by‑step instructions and bill of materials are in the Build/Print/Parts Guide:
https://www.737diysim.com/build-guides-1/c172-throttle
Limitations & Notes
This model is for simulation/educational use—not an aircraft part.
Friction performance depends on TPU hardness, print quality, and bush compression.
Wall thickness and infill strongly influence durability; increase if you apply higher loads.
Expect minor fit adjustments due to printer variability.
Included Files
CAD files (for editing/customization)
STL files (ready to print)
(File organization may include lever, frame, friction bush/O‑ring, mount/locking components.)
3D printing settings
Build/Print/Parts Guide:
https://www.737diysim.com/build-guides-1/c172-throttle
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