Side stick users probably tend to rest their flying hand (left) on or=20 near the stick when Otto is controlling the flight - so all the switches are= =20 easy to reach. They are also right handed, so notes can be scribbled=20 without moving the left hand. They also might have to lean forward to=20= push=20 panel switches - not a problem in the very personal 235/320/360 Lancair= =20 aircraft.

Every Aircraft model (and even certain differences within the model) ha= s=20 unique "operational" requirements. For example, I set aileron trim onc= e=20 per flight because my automatic "keep the header tank full" system feeds=20 evenly from both wings, thus no flight related lateral imbalance. The=20= rudder=20 needs only two trim settings, full right for takeoff, climb and pattern, ful= l=20 left for best power cruise (my feet take care of the other minor=20 adjustments). Using the old fashioned walnut wheel below my throttle h= and, pitch=20 trim is adjusted to take the pressure off the stick hand, as needed.

But, during the majority of the flight (with or without Otto in=20 control), my right hand (after taking care of the warp-speed engine=20 parameters) spends most of its time fooling around with radios and navi= gation gear - Oh,=20 what I would pay for a handheld mouse (or ball) pointer, thumb controlled wi= th=20 "do it" and "drag" buttons, especially useful in turbulence. =20 Meanwhile, my left hand is sometimes occupied with the stick, picking my nos= e,=20 pushing the "chat" button or writing "Chattanooga approach on 123.45."<= /DIV>

In any event, today I installed a second PTT on the panel within reach=20 of my right index finger, if my hand is located on the throttle - just like=20 many military fighters (PTT on power lever t-handle). This is pre= tty=20 close to the radio tuning knobs and it frees my left hand to write whilst=20 talking to ATC and doesn't disturb the delicately balanced stick.

To each his own, but my A/P is turned off by the same button on the=20 panel that turns it on - a simple binary function within instantaneous reach= of=20 any hand within my wee cockpit.

Scott=20 Krueger
2003 Air Venture Cup Racer #94
Sky2high@aol.com
LNC2 N92EX=20= IO320=20 Aurora, IL (KARR)

PS: In case you haven't guessed yet, I am left biased ambidextrous - a=20 10% member of the general population and I want equal=20 rights.

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