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-   -   Control Sticks (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=108362)

scrollF4 01-05-2014 01:32 PM

Control Sticks
 
Note: OK, get your "stick" jokes out of your system, but at some point in the project, we builders just have to jump in the saddle, grab the stick, position it where it belongs, and decide whether this will feel good...or start to hurt over time. There. Now that we got the 900 lb. gorilla out of the way...

I finished my control sticks. The straight stock control sticks brought the stick and stick grip far too closely to me. Placing the elevator to neutral forced my arm to wedge between my side and the cockpit wall....numb!

Thus, I used 3/4" white PVC and my heat gun to shape a double-bended template:



This design moved the control grip away from me at a comfortable distance. In doing so, I was careful to build space between the top of the stick and the throttle/mixture bracket and the control panel.

It would have been great to use the stock Van's straight stick pipes and just bend them into shape. However, they're so thin-walled that bending them would surely kink them. Randy Richmond (52F Van's mechanic extraordinaire) pointed me toward the solution.

Once I was happy with the PVC template design, I gave the PVC template to Randy Richmond, who turned it over to Tom Meyer of Meyer Aircraft, Double Oak, TX. Tom crafted two identical pipes of the proper Outside diameter but with thicker walls. He also left me a good 4-5 inches of excess end.


With careful trimming and attention to the clock positions for the Infinity military-style grips, I came up with these:


I'm using 16-pin CPC barrel plugs from Gulf Coast to connect the stick wiring to the aircraft end. With my seat cushions and seat back pads in place (thanks Abby!), and with the stick held in position (elevators neutral), my left arm rests quite comfortably on my left leg. Throwing the stick full forward/right gives me several inches clearance between my trimming thumb and the throttle/mixture bracket.

Ahhh. I love a custom-fitted airplane. :cool:

rockwoodrv9 01-05-2014 02:08 PM

Sid, I have wondered why the sticks are not offered just like you had built. It looks like a great idea to me. It puts it in a more comfortable position and fits your wrist better in my opinion. Thanks for the photos and info. I think I will do the same thing.

Vlad 01-05-2014 02:36 PM

Sid it's very convenient for a condition inspection to have both sticks removable.

hudgin 01-05-2014 03:24 PM

It is also nice to be able to remove the CP stick for a long cross country with the wife. Now if I could just figure out a way to remove the rudders. How about a side stick design?

scrollF4 01-05-2014 03:25 PM

Removable sticks
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlad (Post 840950)
Sid it's very convenient for a condition inspection to have both sticks removable.

Vlad,
Yep, that's my plan. The catch is that I'll have to unbolt the bottom piece from the aileron push tube and cross tube, then disconnect the wiring cannon plug.

Vlad 01-05-2014 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrollF4 (Post 840975)
Vlad,
Yep, that's my plan. The catch is that I'll have to unbolt the bottom piece from the aileron push tube and cross tube, then disconnect the wiring cannon plug.


You don't have to. Leave a slack/service loop of that cable and tuck removed sticks to the floor when inspecting.

scrollF4 01-05-2014 03:40 PM

Perfect
 
Thanks, Vlad.

Maxrate 01-05-2014 06:04 PM

Scroll,

Where did you have your anodizing done? I love the blue touch!

scrollF4 01-05-2014 06:51 PM

Rust-oleum metallic blue
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxrate (Post 841035)
Scroll,

Where did you have your anodizing done? I love the blue touch!

MaxRate,
Actually, it's Rust-oleum Metallic Blue rattle-can from the Home Depot Aviation Supply Department.

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-...1830/100212629

Two coats, followed by one coat of Rust-oleum 2x Satin top coat.
http://t.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-...076/202058666/

I picked this color to match my aircraft commander's commander's dress.
http://mykitlog.com/users/display_lo...g=152744&row=7

Maxrate 01-06-2014 10:02 AM

Lol!

Yep. I've got a similar commander at my place. Thanks for the info.


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