Even though I built and fly a CH640, I still sneak onto the RV forums because there are a lot of builders with excellent ideas that are useful in building just about any aircraft. Choosing an airplane is a very personnal thing, and one persons dream project is anothers absolute nightmare. I fly a lot of IFR and my lap is always like a desk top with charts, flightplan etc layed out. Although I may be misguided, my impression was that the stick would get in the way more than a yoke, and that was one reason (minor) for choosing the CH640. Like others have said, choose the plane based upon your overall mission, budget, ease of build, quality of kit and factory support etc., and not any single factor like a yoke or stick. In the long haul you'll adapt to things like a stick vs yoke very quickly, but if the plane doesn't have the performance, load, operating expenses, and flying qualities that you want you will never be completely satisfied with your choice. If the kit is less than ideal, poorly docummented, more of a challenge to build than you were willing to commit to, or the factory and builder support network are poor, you will likely never finish the project. Talk to builders, try and get a ride in any airplane you are considering, and enjoy what is really one of the most important stages in building your own airplane.
Steve Adams
Zodiac CH640, N621J
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