Pioneer Control Grips has a solution for builders who need a simple top for their light aircraft’s stick, as well as for pilots requiring visual assistance while flying complex aircraft at night. The company is introducing its Pioneer Bravo and Pioneer Classic control grips at Sun ’n Fun 2025. The former is a simple grip for those who need only one or two buttons, while the latter is a multi-button grip with backlit text.
Pioneer Control Grips owner Skylar Thody says he began offering the Bravo grip after seeing so many builders resort to using drilled-out bicycle grips on their control sticks. “They didn’t look very good because they had to be adapted for aviation,” he explains. “The Bravo is made specifically for aircraft, and you can easily use different types of switches with it.”
The Pioneer Classic is even more customizable, with flexibility in button placement, button types, and quantity. It also includes internal lighting that makes the text on the switches easy to read in the dark. “If you’re operating in IFR at night, you want to be certain you’re pressing the right buttons—and this grip makes that much easier,” Thody says.
The Bravo sells for $99 to $149 depending on selected options, while the Classic starts at a little over $300. Custom materials and finishes are available if you really want to trick out your airplane. More information about this Redmond, Oregon, company’s products can be found at www.pioneercontrolgrips.com.
