Hmmmm.....  Verrrrrry Interrrrrresting......

 

There should be different considerations for the grip if it is a side stick or center stick.

 

In my wee 320, I only have a top mounted PPT on the center stick - Even with this simplicity there was a problem when a clip board was resting on the stick thus blocking even airliners on that ATC frequency.

 

I have placed every required switch within inches of the throttle hand.  Rudder and aileron trim only requires I drop my hand to the console beneath the throttle.  Rudder (full right) is used for take off,climb and flap>1/3 operations while full left is for cruise - I use my feet for anything in between.  Aileron trim is used maybe once per flight - since I use both wing tanks evenly, lateral trim is maintained throughout the flight. 

 

Radio flip flops are no more trouble that rotating com1/com2 on the audio panel or tuning another frequency.  The A/P disconnect/reset switch is on the panel just under the A/P controller and about 3 inches from the throttle (less if operating WOT). Oh, there is another pilot PTT right next to the throttle so the stick does not have to be disturbed (thus altering the flight line) while talking (This is just like a HOTAS, almost, nearly).

 

Elevator trim is a beautiful walnut wheel located on the console just rearward of the throttle - it would be hard to put that wheel on the end of the stick.  Note that I have nary a trim tab - don't like'm, too draggy and they require extra counter weighting.   The flap control is on the panel right below the throttle - within 2 inches.  Here I should point out that the gear switch is at the top of the panel along with the gear lights and as far away from any other switches as possible.

 

Any important switches placed on the co-pi....uh, passenger side of the panel are covered or protected - no sense in allowing someone in a panic to do anything other than call for help or turn off the taxi light.  No brakes over there either, same reason. 

 

Custom aircraft are great - I know a guy that uses breaker switches for everything and it was easier to connect them if they were installed upside down, thus up is off and down is on. Except down is down and up is up for flaps and gear.

 

Jeff, I agree with your "no standardization" comment.  I would hope that every switch on the stick is duplicated on the panel or, at least identified on a placard so that a stranger (maintenance personnel, CFII, the still conscious passenger, etc) can operate the aircraft if necessary.

 

Uh, what happens if your thumb suffers from arthritis?  Will your right hand atrophy from disuse?  These are important questions.