Point taken, then could the mode be similar to how we select modes now? Instead of automatically forcing you into mode X when entering the hanger just have a hotkey into mode X while in the hanger. hotkey mode x, press whatever for which planes you want, hotkey out.
I currently have the '0' and '9' keys mapped to modes 1 and 3 I think. So using that sort of system someone would just enter the hanger, press a key of their choice to enter 'plane select' mode and then press the same key to exit that mode if they wanted to type or use the radio, etc. This gives them the freedom of not using the option if they don't want to.
I guess it ends up being more trouble than it's worth.
edit: this could end up being akin to the ctrl + f feature on firefox?