Posted for Sky2high@aol.com:

Even though a transmit switch is usefully placed on the stick (trigger is worst spot), those of us that fly IFR with the autopilot on (thus also communicating frequently) will find it troublesome to always disturb the stick wilst transmitting.  Consider a convenient second transmit button within easy reach of your non-writing hand (or, wire it to your ball-point pen top).  Scott Krueger
2003 Air Venture Cup Racer #94
Sky2high@aol.com
LNC2 N92EX IO320 Aurora, IL (KARR)


[We agreed with your assessment about the trigger for PTT, but that ledge button lends itself well as it only takes downward pressure to activate and your thumb is right there anyway... very convenient and less chance for upset (no fore/aft or side forces to move the stick) or accidental "triggering".  As for A/P disconnect/CWS on the trigger, that seemed to make the most sense to us, as it physically acknowledges your grip on the stick to take command from the A/P and makes wresting control of the a/c during A/P operations very positive.  I also concur with JS's earlier post about NOT putting any engine controls on the grip... way too much potential for doing something unintended and potentially unhealthy.  I don't agree about JD's input being overly enthusiastic... he recommends against unconventional button placements and has a huge base of input from which he draws his conclusions about what works and what doesn't.  The controls on the stick should make flying easier and safer, so assigning actions based on frequency of use and the physical layout of your panel are the primary concerns.  In Ted's instance, his EAU is located on the right side of the panel, so the alternative to reaching over there to page through the engine parameters dictated that switch placement.  FWIW.....

              <Marv>                    ]