Stick grip and panel clearance

[rocketman1988]

Sorry, I am looking forward to flying my -10. Sure, for long xc, the autopilot will be on but I like to fly more than ride...

[bob888]

Same problem here. I cut down the control stick from both ends as much as possible. Originally I had the Tosten CS8 grips but too much forward angle to allow panel clearance. I ended up with their military style grip which has a bit less forward angle. After all that, I still had to make elevator linkage adjustments to get clearance.

[RickSolana]

I also started with Tosten CS8 grips, which I loved, but now switched to their MA grips. That along with cutting the bottom of the stick about 1/2-3/4?, and making a forward elevator control stop, got me to the minimum of 20 degrees without hitting the Aerosport Panel.

Rick
RV10

[leok]

I have a Tosten Grip, cut both ends of the stick as much as I felt comfortable and I made a custom machined bushing with an 18 degree back angle to gain clearance. That gives me about 1 1/2 inch clearance from the switches at the bottom of the panel at full forward travel. The Tosten grips are very comfortable on the wrist angle and in the hand, but the mounting angle leans forward more than most.

I have made the same bushing for others along the way as well.

I was not comfortable bending the stick any further as I was concerned with interference with my lap on full back stick.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by 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

I like and use the same with the addition of an Ident button. Seems ATC always wants an Ident at the most busy times.

Larry

[leok]

Originally Posted by leok

I have a Tosten Grip, cut both ends of the stick as much as I felt comfortable and I made a custom machined bushing with an 18 degree back angle to gain clearance. That gives me about 1 1/2 inch clearance from the switches at the bottom of the panel at full forward travel. The Tosten grips are very comfortable on the wrist angle and in the hand, but the mounting angle leans forward more than most.

I have made the same bushing for others along the way as well.

I was not comfortable bending the stick any further as I was concerned with interference with my lap on full back stick.

I have hear a number of people comment when full stick movement is ever needed. A bit of a drift sideways on the original intent of this thread, but still relevant I think. IMHO;
When landing I was taught to hold the nose wheel off as long as possible by increasing aft stick until full up is achieved letting the nose come down gently and using aerodynamic braking. So basically every flight.

Full forward stick is used when taxing in tail wind situations. "Dive away" I didn't want to inadvertently hit a switch with my hand while holding full forward stick. So again any flight where I need to taxi downwind to get to the end of the runway.

[falcon900guy]

i have the tosten stick grips and done some work on the stick because of touching the panel. we did some cutting and bent the stick to keep off of my aerosport panel. my challenge is stick seems to short and in between my legs giving me a fit with last bit of control authority i need for landing. im thinking of getting a new stick and not altering in any way hoping i have a little more height. anyone who is flying decide not to cut or bend your control stick, and if so, is it working for you?

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by falcon900guy

my challenge is stick seems to short and in between my legs giving me a fit with last bit of control authority i need for landing.

Are you saying you are unable to get to the nose up control stop? If so you have an issue to be addressed. OTOH some -10?s, when flown solo, may be forward of the forward cg limit unless some weight is carried in the baggage area (mine is). I cannot get a suitable nose high landing attitude without that weight.

[MauleDriver]

I bent the stick in a press (very carefully) to clear my panel.

Used the Tosten grip because it just enough, and not too many buttons. It also can rotate and be 'clocked' as needed - or locked down. Mine is locked down with a good bit of twist to fit my left hand. I like it a lot.

Originally Posted by sjhurlbut

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

The Tosten has just enough buttons for the 'like' functions +1. I used the remaining button for Comm flip flop and NEVER use it. So I guess I agree!

[ScottSchmidt]

I was an early builder with Lancairs panel which had interference issues with the Inifinty grip.
I wanted to make sure my sticks did not hit the panel,wanted them taller and not lose any strength. So I called Van?s to get the wall thickness and type of steel. I then cut the stick and slid a piece of the same steel over the stick where I cut it which allowed it to move aft enough to clear the panel. It was then tig welded by our airport welder who did an amazing job. It has worked great.

Good luck. I have pictures of you want one.