Flight Design adds hand rudder controls

Flight Design Technik has designed hand controls for the handicapped and a cargo pod to carry a wheelchair aboard the Flight Design CT light sport aircraft.

The new controls allow control of the aircraft without using the rudder pedals. The modified control stick has two grips. The right handle is fixed and equipped with a push-to-talk button and a switch for the throttle control. The left handle moves forward for right rudder and rearward for left rudder. As the left handle moves, both the nosewheel and rudder are controlled.

The cargo pod can carry up to 66 pounds of bulky items and weighs 17.6 pounds. It can be used at up to 118 KIAS, or two knots less than the top speed allowed under light sport aircraft rules.