My 50 amp gear breaker is located on the front of the baggage bulkhead as per the recommended location at the time by Redmond Lancair.  With this location there is only inches of unprotected wire when compared to several feet of unprotected wire with it mounted on the panel.

 

I don't correlate the John Denver issue to this subject as his situation was fuel related.  I do not have any problems reaching for the breaker on the baggage bulkhead during my run-up check, or backup gear down test while flying even when the baggage area is full of travel gear.

Gary,

 

No problem, probably my breaker arm's reach is not as long as yours. 

 

Hmmmm.... Since I mounted my battery behind the co-pilot seat and the master relay is mounted on the elevator tunnel side, my console mounted breaker is only inches from the master relay (OK, maybe a foot or so).  I think the Lancair scheme assumed that the battery was also mounted behind the baggage bulkhead.  Those folks that put the battery on the firewall probably would have no problem mounting the breaker on the instrument panel.