What Controls Did You Put on Your Stick?

[lucaperazzolli]

Infinity Aerospace stick grip for my RV-8

PTT, Aileron&Pitch trims, Flaps, A/P disengage, smoke on/off, swap stby radio freq.

[Z-EDD]

Well I guess "simple"means different things to different people! To some it means having many functions on the stick for flying, but to me it's keeping the installation simple, reliable, and safe from inadvertent actuation.

Something the OP might like to consider, that nobody seems to mention, is that high power functions such as the boost pump and flaps must be operated via a relay since the small stick switches can't handle the loads required. This adds complexity, weight and cost for little gain. Remember "Simplicate and add lightness!'

Also, these planes have sticks, and you can only hold a stick with one hand. What is the other hand doing? If it is on the throttle, then why not place other important switches so they can be reached with your hand on the throttle? way simpler if you ask me!

[airguy]

Originally Posted by Z-EDD

Also, these planes have sticks, and you can only hold a stick with one hand. What is the other hand doing? If it is on the throttle, then why not place other important switches so they can be reached with your hand on the throttle? way simpler if you ask me!

Well one consideration for that would be removing your eyes from "outside" to "inside", even for the split second that it would require. Close formation flight, or an IFR approach to minimums, or in the flare feeling for the runway, come to mind as times when you would really rather not do that.

Now granted, the number of critical items you might need then is pretty small - but the point remains. There are some phases of flight (short though they may be) when you really don't need your attention/eyesight diverted.

[Check6]

HOTAS (Hands on throttle and stick)cockpit.
Infinity Grip
Coolie hat -trim
top right - smoke on/off
Top left switch - radio flip flop
Switch- flaps
Trigger - PTT
Bottom - autopilot disengage
Throttle Quadrant
Landing/taxi lights- switch
Boost pump-switch
Smoke arm -switch
Horn- push button
Been flying it this way for 9 years. Real tribute to Infinity and my Friend Deene who wired it all together!

[Berchmans]

From top to bottom, Infinity Stick Grip

Upper Left
Toggle Switch Flaps Up/Down

Middle
Coolie Hat Switch Aileron/Elevator Trim

Upper Right
Green Button Starter

Trigger Switch Radio PTT

Left Middle
Black Button ADS-B Acknowledge

Lower Left
Blue Button Switch Fuel Pump

I have Infinity stick in the rear seat as well. Starter, Fuel Pump and ADS-B not active. Others active if Master Rear Stick Grip is on (panel mount), PTT always hot front and rear (at least you can call for help).

[Drum]

I have two Infinity's in my -8 build. My pal customized a stock Vans Throttle Quadrant. On the stick: 1. Flaps. 2. Coolie Hat does pitch and roll trim. 3. Starter. 4. Red trigger PTT. 5. A/P Disengage CWS. 6. Fuel Pump. On the Throttle: 1. Com replay with ATC. 2. Coolie Hat does Com1/Com2 switch and flip flops. 3. User defined waypoint on the 650. 4. Red Trigger is TO/GA switch. 5. Transponder Ident 6. Spare

[rv6n6r]

One more vote for KISS.
I chose no grip not even a foam thingie because I fly most of the time with my wrist on my knee, and two or three fingers holding the stick several inches down.

Other than the PTT on the top I put an A/P disconnect switch down on the side.

[Steve Melton]

PTT, trim, AP disconnect.