A data entry system includes a display of either icons, alphabet letters, numerals or a combination of visual and alpha-numeric information and allows the user to select data for entry, by using a reversible control to highlight a selected icon or other displayed control or data element and subsequently enter the element with a push-button switch. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the display is in an overhead console and the information entry controls are located at the forward edge near the top of an armrest console where they are conveniently located and readily available to the operator. In one preferred embodiment a rotary left-right switch is provided to allow the operator to select display information for entry.