Gobbel.PA@PARC-MAXC.ARPA (04/21/83)
I've always thought it was because most general aviation aircraft and large transports have seats that you get into from the side, and that a stick would make that awkward. It seems to me that precise control inputs would be easier to make with a stick than with a wheel (actually, I think it's usually called a yoke). I'm biased by mainly flying gliders, but it would be interesting to hear if anyone actually prefers a wheel for some other reason than ease of getting into the seat. -Randy