An active control stick assembly. In one embodiment, the active control stick assembly includes a housing assembly, a control stick coupled to the assembly housing for rotation about at least a first rotational axis, a first artificial force feel (AFF) motor disposed in the housing assembly, and a first traction drive mechanically coupling the first AFF motor to the control stick. A controller is operatively coupled to the first AFF motor. The controller is configured to selectively activate the first AFF motor to supply a torque through the first traction drive and acting on the control stick about the first rotational axis.