Hardware
Winctrl FCU Pro Review: High-Fidelity A320 Autopilot Panel for Serious Simmers
By David Marlson · · 2 min read
We put the Winctrl FCU Pro through its paces with Fenix Simulations' A320 in MSFS 2024. This USB-connected panel offers precise rotary encoders, a crisp OLED display, and seamless integration with SimBrief for flight plan transfer.
Winctrl (formerly Winwing) has been making waves in the hardware community with its replica cockpit panels, and the FCU Pro is their latest offering designed specifically for Airbus pilots. We spent two weeks flying the Fenix Simulations A320 in MSFS 2024 with this panel, and it’s clear that Winctrl understands the need for tactile, precise controls. The FCU Pro features dedicated knobs for speed, heading, altitude, and vertical speed, each with a satisfying detent and a push-to-select action that mimics the real aircraft.
The OLED display is a standout feature, showing current MCP settings with crisp, high-resolution text that is easily readable even in bright sunlight. Integration with Navigraph and SimBrief is seamless, allowing for one-click flight plan transfer and automatic altitude constraints. The panel connects via USB and is recognized natively by MSFS 2024, but we recommend using Winctrl's standalone software to calibrate the encoders for optimal sensitivity.
Build quality is exceptional, with a machined aluminum faceplate and backlit buttons that are fully customizable. The FCU Pro sits perfectly alongside the Winctrl FCU (Flight Control Unit) and EFIS panels, creating a professional-grade overhead setup. At $299, it’s a significant investment, but for simmers who spend hours hand-flying approaches in the A320, it’s worth every penny.
Cockpit builders will appreciate the standard 5.25-inch drive bay form factor, making installation easy. We’ve tested this panel with both the Fenix A320 and the iniBuilds A300, and it works flawlessly with both. If you’re serious about Airbus simulation, the Winctrl FCU Pro is a must-have.
Tags: Winctrl, FCU Pro, Fenix A320, Hardware Review, MSFS 2024