Classic British Flight Sim

So I happened to be rummaging through several second hand stores looking for parts and pieces to fab up a tool - when I spotted a Saitek AV8R-01 in like new condition.
the matte finnish was unworn .. no dust in the crevasses .. price, 10 bucks

What I'd like to know is: why in Sam Hill did the designer put the throttles smack dab in the middle and forward of the stick, so ones hand has to bend around to operate them?
... I'm thinking I'll just cut the stick off and use it for the switches

anyone have a AV8R-01 / 02 /03, by any chance?

airboatr wrote: What I'd like to know is: why in Sam Hill did the designer put the throttles smack dab in the middle and forward of the stick, so ones hand has to bend around to operate them?

When I was considering something with two throttles, I looked at that stick a few times and wondered the same thing. Very peculiar, isn't it.



Have you got Sam Hill's email address ? He might know.

airboatr wrote:What I'd like to know is: why in Sam Hill did the designer put the throttles smack dab in the middle and forward of the stick, so ones hand has to bend around to operate them?

If it's anything like the Thrustmaster T.16000M which I bought recently, I suspect it's because the thing's designed to be used ambidextrously (it might have various bits that have to be swapped over to accomplish this). I agree it makes it a bit awkward to use though.

Cheers,
Nick

...Edit: after seeing Paul's pic, I see what you mean. Very odd...

Ah, good thinking Nick.

Hi Joe
Agreed, weird design.
Do the red buttons on end of throttle do anything, or just block up the open tube?
As it only cost $10, if it was me, I'd think of modifying it, something like this:

So you can use it with either hand.

I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

But seriously, what I want to know is why in the name of Jethro Quentin Walrustitty are most flight sticks made with the throttles on the left?
As a pilot myself I like to occupy the Captain's seat which means I fly with my left hand and use my right hand for the throttles.

I think the answer could lie in the fact that they're primarily 'fighter' sticks where throttles are, for the most part, on the left. This or they're right-handed.. fly with your right hand and throttle with the left. Doesn't help much if you're a southpaw

ATB
DaveB

... so the few are mucking it up for the rest of us then.

But then putting it in the middle don't make it easy for the few either!

Sam Hill and Jethro Quentin Walrustitty are spinning in their graves!

Mike. . I actually thought about a lever to make it easier. .. but I've decided to emasculate the poor miss fitted sod

The button on the number 1 throttle is used to lock the throttles together. ..
Note: number 1 is on the left... here we go again

I was just kidding btw...
left handers are exceedingly brilliant people. .

airboatr wrote:I was just kidding btw...
left handers are exceedingly brilliant people. .

Lucky that you added that, Joe, I was about to destroy the plans for the throttle modifier!