<<I'll have elevator and rudder trim on
the coolie hat and the usual push-to-talk trigger.  For the other
switches, I go back and forth between safety-of-flight considerations
(e.g., pump, start, various lights) and convenience-of-flight factors
(flaps, autopilot and radio functions).  Recognizing that there is no
"right" answer, it would be interesting to know what others think about
this and what those flying have done and liked or regretted.  Thanks!>>

Here's my nickel's worth:  First, I think the PTT, autopilot disconnect and
trim are the only "safety-of-flight" functions and most everything else is
convenience.  Next down, though, might be an autopilot function switch and
flap control.  Radio frequency flip-flop?  I like to physically point at the
frequency so I remind myself which one is active.  And you often have to
dial in a frequency just before you switch anyway.  Top on the safety issue
is the elevator trim and I really like the redundant switches as used on
S-TEC 60-2 and others - You have to push two switches at once to control the
trim.  That makes the coolie-hat switch not so cool.  I plan to use three
separate switches; two to control the elevator trim and one to control the
aileron trim.  Then there will be a PTT and autopilot disconnect.  Rudder
trim will go on or near the throttle and the flap switch will be a
pre-select on the panel just like Cessna uses.  I also would like to see
what others think as I have plenty of time to go.

Gary Casey
ES project