kco (05/10/83)
Contra to Pat Wyant's view, I would speculate that the original reason for yokes was in fact MUSCLE. Take the B-17. The last heavy plane without power assist on the control surfaces, particularly the elevators. Remember in Twelve O'Clock High when it took two MEN with their feet on the instrument panel to haul back and flair the mother? Wow- talk about macho flying. The B-24, on the other hand, had power steering- what a quiche eater.