Removable co-pilot stick (update)

With help from my fried Jospeh Palmer I’ve completed the parts for the removable co-pilot stick. I want the stick to be easily removable, for the comfort of non-pilot passengers (ie my wife).

To make it work I embedded an 8pin connector at the bottom of the stick (it is not wired up yet). You can remove and reinstall the stick in one motion, with one hand. There is a snap button that keeps it securely in place during flight. We used a lathe to make a few simple aluminum parts to hold the connectors halves inside to stick. 

I was able to reuse the original parts from the quick build kit. Simply drill out the rivets that are holding the outer and inner aluminum tube in place, cut the inner tube near the bottom, install the connector parts, drill a few holes, insert the snap clip, and Bob’s your uncle.

The parts

Installed

Removed

Connector at the bottom of the stick

Shitty schematic

Here is the final result. Note that besides the small silver button it is hard to tell the difference. The fit is perfect, and there is no noticeable play.

Final result

Note, a removable co-pilot stick is not a safety concern to me. In case of emergencies the passenger is instructed to press the LVL button, reduce power, and pull the parachute.