N333ST Panel

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Today Midwest Panel Builders sent us a picture of our new Panel. For context, Arthur and I are low-timer GA pilots (<500 hours) with Instrument rating. To come up with the Panel we wanted, we combined our limited experience or buttonology :) G1000 in C172 and C182, and lately, Cirrus Perspective, with, if you will, amateur ergonomics interests and OCDish about visual balance and rhythm. Midwest Panel Builders patiently hear our thoughts and pushed back when there were reasons why SMEs would compromise the safety, structural viability, and or functionality. We like the results very much!

We started with the advanced IFR panel. Considered the 750xi (instead of the 650xi), but structurally speaking, it did not work. We decided to go old school Key to start the engine and redistributed electrical switches around. Also, worth mentioning, backlight is in there. 

Here is an abbreviated list of things:

VPX

We decided on VPX (Vertical Power) that would create real estate eliminating circuit breakers.

Recessed G5

Electrical Switches distribution

Left Side: Primary operation, Avionics, Fuel Pump, Efis backup, Pitot Tube, etc.

Right Side: lights.

USB ports

We wanted accessories cables to be outside of the visual range as much as possible, not interfering with hands/buttons, etc. We moved them down as much as possible.

Additional PTT buttons on Panel

They offer a convenient way to do radio work without touching the stick. They are far to the left and right, mirrored.

Smaller Vents

We are installing vents that eliminate the need for a lever to open/close ventilation.

Heater control

It is centered above the Parachute trigger.

TO/GA and RePlay buttons

They are mirrored on each Side of the Heater controls

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