To improve the functionality of the prototype, Electrical Tech Phillip Mikula relocated three controls from the dash to the throttle. The pitch trim is the button on the top left (pilot side), the flaps control is the button on the top right and the push-to-talk button is high up on the front of the throttle, not visible in this photo. We made this change in order to give the test pilot a more hands-on throttle experience. The advantage is that he doesn’t have to take his hand off the throttle to make flight control adjustments or for communication.
Engineer Tanner Vaughn 3D printed this custom throttle and fitted it to the test pilot’s hand to make sure it was totally comfortable. Remember, this is for flight testing and is not the design for the production Switchblades.