Brief Description: Modifying the control stick design, part 1
OK: I apologize up front for how weird these photos look, but this was a downright vital process to custom-build this cockpit setup for my comfort in future long-range flight.
The Vans RV-7 comes with a straight pipe configuration for the control stick. I installed the pilot seat cushions and back rest, fitted the control stick in place, and jumped in. Sitting comfortably, I moved the stick forward/aft until the elevator was flush (ie, straight and level flight), and noted where this put the control stick and my arm. UNCOMFORTABLE! My left arm was wedged between my body and the cockpit side wall. This will not do.
The solution is to move the stick forward away from me, meaning the stick had to bend.
I tried this again but this time with a length of 3/4" OD white PVC pipe replacing the stick. I used my heat gun to introduce a bend in the bottom end of the pipe. Once I got the bend angle right, I could assume a much more comfortable position. This was part 1 of creating a control stick template.
