To remove the handle you will need to get up under the panel and:
1. Remove the split pin from the bolt at the forward end of the t- handle, then;
2. Remove the nut from the bolt, and remove the bolt.
It won't be a 5-minute job and it won't be without cursing.
This is of course assuming the person who built the plane followed the plans. You might find that the bolt is very difficult to remove as there is not a lot of room between the top of the bolt and the top skin on some aircraft.