On Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 7:14:48 AM UTC-5, J. Nieuwenhuize wrote:
Side sticks seem pretty popular in powered aircraft. Personally like them.
In sailplanes they have the additional advantage of allowing either a smaller cockpit (less drag) or more room. Diana, HP18 and several older designs have them.

Yet, they seem highly unpopular. Why would a well-designed sidesticks not be liked, just because it's different, or are there reasons I'm missing?

Had a side stick for a decade. Center stick is just better. Having a fuselage big enough to pack a lunch and a sensible landout kit is a good thing, too.

Evan Ludeman / T8