cloche
An apparatus used in controlling certain aeroplanes, consisting principally of a steering column mounted with a universal joint at the base, which is bell-shaped and has attached to it the cables for controlling the wing-warping devices, elevator planes, etc.
cloche: the pilot's bell-shaped control stick
A cloche is a control column used in early and vintage aircraft, distinguished by its bell-shaped or mushroom-shaped grip mounted on a universal joint. The pilot grips the cloche to control pitch (pulling back for climb, pushing forward for descent) and roll (moving side to side to bank the wings). The universal joint at its base allows motion in all planes, translating pilot input through mechanical linkages to the control surfaces: typically the elevator for pitch control and the ailerons or wing-warping devices for roll control.
The term cloche comes directly from the French word for bell, describing the distinctive dome-shaped grip that sits atop the control column. This shape offered pilots a natural, ergonomic hand position and became standard on many aircraft from the 1920s through the 1940s, particularly in European and British designs. The cloche remained in service on some aircraft into the 1950s, though it fell from favor as control yokes and modern stick designs improved visibility and standardized layout across aircraft types.
Variants and mechanical configuration
Cloche columns varied in their mechanical detail. Some incorporated a rotating grip to operate the rudder pedals hydraulically, though most relied on separate rudder pedals for yaw control. The cables or push-rods running from the cloche base to the control surfaces had to be carefully rigged to prevent over-travel and to maintain proper control authority. Tension, cable friction, and wear in the universal joint directly affected control responsiveness and could introduce centering issues or dead zones during flight.
In maintenance, cloche systems require regular inspection of the universal joint bearings for wear and corrosion, cable condition and routing, and proper cable tension and rigging. Any slop in the joint or binding in the cables degrades control feel and can mask dangerous control surface conditions. The bell grip itself, often made of leather or aluminum, must be checked for cracks and proper attachment to the column shaft.
Modern aircraft replaced the cloche with the yoke (in most transport aircraft) or the side-stick control (in digital fly-by-wire designs), which offer better ergonomics, improved forward visibility, and easier integration with autopilot systems. However, the cloche remains in service on many vintage, restored, and heritage aircraft, and technicians working on these machines must understand its mechanical operation and wear patterns.