Chapter 17/Section IIL - Pitch trim and Throttle Quadrant

While awaiting the arrival of the canopy I sort of got sidetracked and began to work on more of the left front console. What follows included the completion of the pitch trim handle installation as well as the installation of the throttle quadrant. 

For a year or so now I have (when bored) thumbed through my Wicks and ACS catalogs and I always really liked the looks of the RV throttle quadrants. Unfortunately there is not a reversing option available. Reversing is of course necessary because the engine is in the rear. After some thought I realized it should be a simple matter to replace the aluminium bars with some extra long ones, thus providing the reversing function. I painted them black, however I may have them anodized to match the rest of the unit in the future.

I really don't know if selection of this quadrant was a good idea, it was sort of expensive, it took quite a bit of time to get it to fit right and installation at this time is not necessary, however I like the results. The quadrant provides a throttle and mixture controls. Carb heat (if necessary) will be controlled via a push pull knob mounted on the panel near the quadrant. In order to use this set up I will make the entire left console removable so access to trim and throttle cables will be accessible.

Here is the pitch trim handle installed.

Here is the throttle quadrant install on the left front console. Pictured are the extra long control bars to allow for reversing the action of the engine controls. Also an aluminium bracket that will eventually be bolted to EZ point fasteners.

Here is the console and throttle quadrant test fitted into the cockpit. Also visible is the friction lock and the friction lock cover. I will either bond the cover or screw it to the console.