Stick grip and panel clearance

[bweez]

Does any buddy have an opinion on the best stick grips to use with Aerosport aftermarket panels?
On some installations I have noticed that the stick hits the panel prior to the elevator hitting the stop. That's a scary situation.
In others, If that's the case... have you cut the control stick, so the grip will clear?
There are many options available...I'm just trying to find the grip that, through usage has from a functional standpoint features you like and providers adequate clearance for full elevator travel.
Have some of you overbought grips with functions you never use? If so, what are the options on the stick that are most useful?
Appreciate any guidance you can provide..
Thanks!!

[rvdave]

I ended up bending the sticks to keep them from hitting Aerosport panel- filling them with sand and using a hydraulic press. Used Ray Allen grips.

[sjhurlbut]

For sure you want to clear the panel. Not like you'll ever be in a position of full forward stick but no interference is the hard rule.

As far as switches I like:
Elev & Ail trim
Push to talk
Autopilot disconnect / control wheel steering

Everything else seems to complicate it:
Boost pump - need a light to remind you its on since push button not obvious
Flaps - ok but don't hit it in flight or safety switch box
Start - need separate enable switch to switch control to avoid accidental engage
Comm flip flop - really? Who cares

[Carl Froehlich]

Assuming your panel has the same height at the bottom that the stock Van's panel has, an Infinity Grip will clear the bottom of the panel if you cut the stick down as far as it will go and still have enough left over to mount the grip. Bending the stick is not required or desired. The resulting grip height is just about perfect for most people.

Elevator control rigging will effect how far the stick travels fore and aft. Don't assume the lengths provided by Van's for the push tubes are exactly correct. They will be close - so a good place to start.

If you use the Infinity Grip (or most any of the options), don't forget to "clock it" such that it is mounted a little clockwise for the pilot (left hand) and a little counter clockwise for the co-pilot (right hand).

Carl

[Bill.Peyton]

The Aerosport Panel is slightly lower than the stock panel.

In order to keep the grip from hitting the panel I cut the top of the stick down the maximum amount to allow for a Ray Allen grip. This ends up being the perfect position for resting your hand on the top of your leg when flying.

I also cut the lower horizontal part of the stick off as far as possible to still retain a flat area for insertion.

In addition, an elevator stop was installed in the rear of the tail to prevent the stick from too much forward travel. You will have to do a bit of adjusting of all of the rod heim ends to get the full elevator travel but still have the panel clearance.



Edit: Do a search on this and you will find lots of posts. I found my previous post..... http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...=control+stick

[Nukeflyboy]

You do not want that stick contacting the panel. Could be grounds for failing the airworthiness inspection.

Cut the stick down as needed. Another consideration to clocking the grip (a good idea) is to set the height of the grip such that you are resting your arm on your leg while gripping the stick. Keeps you from having to hold your arm up in the rare times that the autopilot is not flying.

[rocketman1988]

The RARE times the autopilot is not flying? Really?...

[bweez]

Appreciate all your replies. Never thought about clocking the grip. Makes perfect sense!! Bill, Thanks for the quick link. Figured this has been a topic of convertsation in the past. Keep pounding away!!

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by bweez

Appreciate all your replies. Never thought about clocking the grip.

The Tosten grips mount with a bolt riding in a grove, so they can twist as you move fore-aft, or change hands. I like the 'feel'.

[Nukeflyboy]

"The RARE times the autopilot is not flying? Really?..."

Really.