I met this group (
www.handiflight.com) when they landed at Nok Airfield. The CTLS had been modified with ultra long range tanks to get them over the Pacific leg of their trip. They also have a simple mechanical lever linked to the rudder pedals to allow hand ruder control. Both mods looked extremely professional and had been certified.
I only met Mike briefly but he certainly was a very accomplished pilot and those of us who got to know this inspirational group are greatly saddened by this accident.