Thanks pato, I've raised a query with Saitek but no reply so far.
Like you suggested, I recently registered with the Saitek Forum, but it took a while to get the moderators to approve it.

If I'd don't get anywhere with the query, I'll try the forum.

If I get an answer I'll post it here in case anyone is interested.

I do wonder if it won't switch mode because it tries to access the LEDs on the stick, which isn't connected. Maybe an X52 owner could quickly try a mode change from a throttle button for me?

Cheers,
smoker1963