Just to demonstrate the the regulators do learn and refine the design requirements, a newer GA plane must conform to:
Sec. 23.777
Cockpit controls.
(a) Each cockpit control must be located and (except where its function is obvious) identified to provide convenient operation and to prevent confusion and inadvertent operation.
(b) The controls must be located and arranged so that the pilot, when seated, has full and unrestricted movement of each control without interference from either his clothing or the cockpit structure.
(c) Identical powerplant controls for each engine must be located to prevent confusion as to the engines they control.
(d) Wing flap and auxiliary lift device controls must be located--
(1) Centrally, or to the right of the pedestal or powerplant throttle control centerline; and
(2) Far enough away from the landing gear control to avoid confusion.
(e) The landing gear control must be located to the left of the throttle centerline or pedestal centerline.