wawrzynskivp
Well Known Member
Hello All,
There are upsides and downsides to adding a center console, for those still building here is what I learned:
Presbyopia being what it is, I wanted big displays. Going with the 12" models meant losing room for a navigator on the standard panel. So it seemed to make sense pushing the navigator down on to a center panel. (BTW I fly from the right)
Pro
-Obviously more room for mounting devices
-For me, a more natural (ergonomic for my arms) position for engine controls
-Opportunity for direct manipulation of parking brake (there are some concerns about losing control to a remoted control valve)
-Easy construction of map case/entry step between seats. (yes, that wooden cover is a step that has seen three years of service)
Con
-Additional time sink for the build
-Ergonomic problem for some leg styles. This is a factor that I didn't really appreciate until it was built. For some sitting in the side-by-side RV with dual sticks, knees must swing in unison for full aileron deflection. With a center panel the inboard knee can get a pinch depending on how you're built and how you sit.
-Doing the upside down monkey in the footwell chasing something behind the panel is considerably more frustrating with the center console in place. It is however removable.
-Weight
Overall, I really like it and would do it again. But there are people who just wouldn't fit right with that console being where it is.
There are upsides and downsides to adding a center console, for those still building here is what I learned:
Presbyopia being what it is, I wanted big displays. Going with the 12" models meant losing room for a navigator on the standard panel. So it seemed to make sense pushing the navigator down on to a center panel. (BTW I fly from the right)
Pro
-Obviously more room for mounting devices
-For me, a more natural (ergonomic for my arms) position for engine controls
-Opportunity for direct manipulation of parking brake (there are some concerns about losing control to a remoted control valve)
-Easy construction of map case/entry step between seats. (yes, that wooden cover is a step that has seen three years of service)
Con
-Additional time sink for the build
-Ergonomic problem for some leg styles. This is a factor that I didn't really appreciate until it was built. For some sitting in the side-by-side RV with dual sticks, knees must swing in unison for full aileron deflection. With a center panel the inboard knee can get a pinch depending on how you're built and how you sit.
-Doing the upside down monkey in the footwell chasing something behind the panel is considerably more frustrating with the center console in place. It is however removable.
-Weight
Overall, I really like it and would do it again. But there are people who just wouldn't fit right with that console being where it is.
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