knee pads and maps
You mention the use of a knee pad
I find they get in the way - I use an Avery label style A5 label stuck on my trouser leg and it will never jam or interfere with the cyclic.
Just remember to take it off after as I seem to get strange looks - mind you this is probably just me !
With the map I print off memory map and staple them in a pile and flick through them in order - easier than trying to refold in flight.
Richard