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Left Side Throttle

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Jim Feldmann

Joined: 01 Sep 2008
Posts: 54
Location: Burbank, CA

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Has anyone installed a throttle on the left side of a Kitfox?  I would like to fly right handed from the left seat, but need the throttle on the left to do that.  



I realize that the throttle would extend into the door opening, but I suspect that one could deal with that.



If you have done it, did you keep the center throttle for dual control?



Pictures would be very helpful.



Thanks,

_________________
Jim Feldmann
Kitfox IV Speedster / 912 lost to prop failure
Building a Kitfox 5 Voyager

rjdaugh

Joined: 30 Aug 2006
Posts: 195

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Jim,

I researched doing just that for a long time while building.  I didn't do it

and found that it didn't take too long to get used to throttle in my right

hand and now I am very comfortable with the stick in my left hand.



Randy

Series 5/7 912S

Warp taper tip

Flying as light sport.

--

_________________
Randy
Kitfox 5/7 912S
Black Hills, South Dakota

gary.algate(at)sandvik.co
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Jim 

 

Same for me - at first I hated the stick in my left hand but was amazed how quickly I adapted. I think it only took about 2 hrs and I was totally comfortable  

Gary 

 

Classic 4 Jab2200

 

 

 

 

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission. [quote][b]

kmamjones(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

I remember reading that a couple of the new LSA aircraft using Rotax 912 

engines have dual throttle controls.  At this moment I can't recall which 

particular aircraft.



Ken Jones

Series 7 builder

PA

---

Rex Hefferan

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 147
Location: Olney Springs, Colorado USA "NOT a Kitpig"

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Heck, just learn to fly from the right seat. Instructors do it all the 

time.     (In dual control versions of course)

 Seriously, I'd like to have the option myself although years ago I did 

learn to be comfortable piloting from the right seat.



do not archive.



-- 

Rex Hefferan

SE Colorado / K-II / 582-C / still waiting repairs

Jim Feldmann wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Has anyone installed a throttle on the left side of a Kitfox?  I would like to fly right handed from the left seat, but need the throttle on the left to do that.  



I realize that the throttle would extend into the door opening, but I suspect that one could deal with that.



If you have done it, did you keep the center throttle for dual control?



Pictures would be very helpful.



Thanks,



--------

Jim Feldmann, 3rd owner

1994 Kitfox Speedster / 912

Flying

_________________
Rex
N740GP - M2/582
Colorado

SkySteve

Joined: 16 Dec 2007
Posts: 94
Location: Huntsville, UT

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

For what it's worth, it's the Tecnam that has dual throttle controls.

_________________
Steve Wilson
Huntsville, UT
Kitfox Model 1- 85DD
912A / 3 Blade Warp Drive
Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel

thesupe(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

I had the same worries when I was going to fly left handed in my first Avid as all my previous flying had been in planes with a left hand throttel.  I did a good bit of taxeing getting used to the plane and when I flew it I didn't even notice the difference.  Now if I take the stick with my right hand C I'm wanting to grab it with the left when I fly through a bump.  Just a matter of getting used to it C in my opinion.  Jim Chuk



 	  Quote: 	
		   Date: Sun C 23 Nov 2008 20:33:28 -0700

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

 From: hefferans(at)gmail.com

 

 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Rexinator <hefferans(at)gmail.com>

 

 Heck C just learn to fly from the right seat. Instructors do it all the 

 time.  (In dual control versions of course)

 Seriously C I'd like to have the option myself although years ago I did 

 learn to be comfortable piloting from the right seat.

 

 do not archive.

 

 -- 

 Rex Hefferan

 SE Colorado / K-II / 582-C / still waiting repairs

 

 

 Jim Feldmann wrote:

 

 >--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jim Feldmann" <feldesign(at)earthlink.net>

 >

 >Has anyone installed a throttle on the left side of a Kitfox? I would like to fly right handed from the left seat C but need the throttle on the left to do that. 

 >

 >I realize that the throttle would extend into the door opening C but I suspect that one could deal with that.

 >

 >If you have done it C did you keep the center throttle for dual control?

 >

 >Pictures would be very helpful.

 >

 >Thanks C

 >

 >--------

 >Jim Feldmann C 3rd owner

 >1994 Kitfox Speedster / 912

 >Flying

 >

&==============
	


[quote] 

 

 

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Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:59 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Same here, Jim...it's much easier to teach the dog a new trick than  

to do all the work of changing the plane....plus think of  

resale...will the next owner want such a, excuse the expression  

"bastard" set-up? I know, fighter pilots did it this way, but......I  

was gonna say the war's over, but that's not true. Besides, you can  

always fly with the right hand on the stick after you get airborne.  

Believe me, if a 70+ year old can master it, you can too.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, 591hrs

Sensenich 62x46

flying again after rebuild, and new Electroair direct-fire ignition  

system



On Nov 23, 2008, at 9:44 PM, gary.algate(at)sandvik.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Jim



 Same for me - at first I hated the stick in my left hand but was  

 amazed how quickly I adapted. I think it only took about 2 hrs and  

 I was totally comfortable

 Gary



 Classic 4 Jab2200





 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the  

 addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of  

 this message by persons or entities other than the intended  

 recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error,  

 kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the  

 message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for  

 any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may  

 arise as a result of the e-mail transmission. _- 

 ============================================================

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

N81JG(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Hi All,

  

 I fly a Cessna 172 with a yoke and right push throttle, VariEze with a  right wrist stick and left lever throttle and an RV7A with left hand stick  and right hand push throttle. Switching from one to the other occurs  naturally.

  

 John Greaves

 Redding, CA



One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. AOL.com today![/b]

jcrowder(at)lpbroadband.n
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Dual controls are an option for the Jabiru engines.  I can't see that they

should be engine specific.  Jab. USA should have the optional kit.  The

optional installation is shown on the 601 Jab installation CD that I

purchased to help me.



Jim Crowder

KF 5, Installing Jabiru 3300



[quote] --

n981ms(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:56 am Post subject: Left Side Throttle

I thought about this and took the preponderance of list replies advice.  Leave it alone.  You can easily (instantly) adapt to the airplane.  It is far more difficult to learn a new airplane than to learn to use the other hand.



Maxwell Duke

S6/TD/IO240

Dublin, GA



--- On Sun, 11/23/08, Jim Crowder <jcrowder(at)lpbroadband.net> wrote:

 [quote]From: Jim Crowder <jcrowder(at)lpbroadband.net>

Subject: RE: Left Side Throttle

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Date: Sunday, November 23, 2008, 11:43 PM



[quote]--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Jim Crowder" <jcrowder(at)lpbroadband.net>  Dual controls are an option for the Jabiru engines.  I can't see that they should be engine specific.  Jab. USA should have the optional kit.  The optional installation is shown on the 601 Jab installation CD that I purchased to help me.  Jim Crowder KF 5, Installing Jabiru 3300  > --

rliebmann(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:46 am Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

 Hi Jim,



 I moved my throttle to the left during construction. It was easy to do and 

I

 love it. An old FAA safety article stated accidents were being caused by

 wrong control inputs during innitial test flights. It stated that anyone 

who

 learned to fly in a stick & rudder plane with left throttle may

 unconsciously push forward on the stick when throttle input is needed at a

 stressful moment. My left hand rests on my left knee comfortably and I can

 easily screw in or out the throttle for inflight changes. I'll see if I 

have

 photos for ya.



 Ron    55KF  Schaumburg IL





 	  Quote: 	
		  > Has anyone installed a throttle on the left side of a Kitfox?  I would

> like to fly right handed from the left seat, but need the throttle on the

> left to do that.

>

> I realize that the throttle would extend into the door opening, but I

> suspect that one could deal with that.

>

> If you have done it, did you keep the center throttle for dual control?

>

> Pictures would be very helpful.

>

> Thanks,

>

> --------

> Jim Feldmann, 3rd owner

> 1994 Kitfox Speedster / 912

> Flying


	


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Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:45 am Post subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

 	  Quote: 	
		  An old FAA safety article stated accidents were being caused by 

wrong control inputs during initial test flights. It stated that anyone 

who 

learned to fly in a stick & rudder plane with left throttle may 

unconsciously push forward on the stick when throttle input is needed at a 

stressful moment. 	




I just took a flight review in a sport cub.  The instructor told me that people he instructed who were used to right had throttle and left hand stick would sometimes get so confused he would have to take over and stabilize the airplane when they used the wrong controls.



I didn't have any trouble adapting and figured it was not a issue until we did a stall with flaps.  On recovery when I retracted the flaps the cub pitched down much more than I am used to in my kitfox.  I did exactly as that old FAA report stated.  I used throttle like a stick and stick like throttle.  I got the airplane into the most violent pilot induced occilation you can immagine.  The instructor had to take over.  I would have been in serious trouble if I would have been by myself and close to the ground.



Some advise, don't make the first flight in your Kitfox with controls you are not experienced with.

_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:04 am Post subject: Left Side Throttle

So Tom - after producing "the most violent pilot induced occilation[sic] you

can immagine[sic]" did the CFI sign your logbook? I know you can't fail a

BFR but the instructor can either refuse to sign you off or insist on more

dual time.



Just curious because I just took my BFR in a Cessna Skyhawk, and as if

flying a new type wasn't enough the CFI threw in short-field soft-field plus

90 degree crosswinds (15 knots) for real rather than simulated, at 3

different local short soft grass fields and an engine-out at a bad time of

course. And radio work that I had not been used to, having flown without in

my KF. We did it in two sessions because I kept overworking the pedals and

brakes but he did sign the book and OK'd me to rent the Skyhawk whenever I

want now.



Bob Brennan - N717GB 

1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox

Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop

Wrightsville Pa 



--

peteohms

Joined: 31 Oct 2007
Posts: 224
Location: Leander, TX

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:16 am Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Jim,



I to had reservations about a stick in my left hand.  I practiced with 

Microsoft Flight Simulator with the stick in my left hand and it was no 

problem the first time I flew my Kitfox III.  If you fly a 150 after all 

don't you hold the yoke in your left hand?



Pete

Kitfox III, SN 1000, 912, grove

Hell Paso, TX



---

_________________
Pete
Leander, TX
Kitfox III, 912ul, Grove

Tom Jones

Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Location: Ellensburg, WA

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

 	  Quote: 	
		  So Tom - after producing "the most violent pilot induced occilation[sic] you 

can immagine[sic]" did the CFI sign your logbook? I know you can't fail a 

BFR but the instructor can either refuse to sign you off or insist on more 

dual time. 	




Yes he signed me off after the flight.  He did have me do some more work with deploying and retracting flaps before we landed.  I was getting kind or used to the reversed controls by the end of the flight which was an hour and eight minutes.  He said it usually takes about three hours of dual for someone to become comfortable switching sides.



Even though he signed my flight review I'm sure he wasn't about to let me solo his cub.

_________________
Tom Jones
Classic IV
503 Rotax, 72 inch Two blade Warp
Ellensburg, WA

marin

Joined: 06 Mar 2007
Posts: 16
Location: Stanwood WA

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:53 am Post subject: Left Side Throttle

Take a look at the Zenith 650 it has two throttle controls.



Marin



Bushcaddy E-LSA

Jabiru 3300



Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p 15905#215905

_________________
Marin

Beemer

Joined: 26 Aug 2006
Posts: 87
Location: Middle Georgia

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

One thing about the proposed left seat/left throttle, right stick combo that no one mentioned. How are you going to set your radios/GPS/xpnder/ etc., if you're holding the stick with your right hand? Or are you planning on reaching across with your left?



This was illustrated quite clearly to me recently ferrying a Pulsar to its new owner. The airframe was tweaked, such that letting go of the stick meant a slow diving turn to the right. Combine this with a friction throttle that would not lock, and I couldn't even scratch my nose for 2 hours. Couldn't mess with the radio, GPS, nothing. It's no way to fly and have fun.



Most avionics are set up to be operated in the center of the panel and by the throttle hand. Unless you put all of your avionics on the left side of the panel, it's not gonna work out too well in practical use.



Bradley

_________________
Beemer
KF2 (and now an M3!)
Suzuki G10 three-banger
Middle Georgia

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Left Side Throttle

I would like to have the throttle as a lever in between the seats.  This way I could site back, and fly, and not need to lean forward to the panel to change power.   I have the throttle on the side in my Kolb, its just like a Jet Fighters throttle, the throttle lever is where my hand would sit anyways, its really nice and natural.   I don't care which side, but having to reach forward to change power just seems " Clunky " now.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

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