Left or Right seat ?

RE: Left or Right seat ?

I went to Antalya in Turkey last night with a guy who used to be a commercial helicopter pilot. He said that there are significantly more helicopters that the commander sits in the right seat than the left. He could offer no reason why except for the underslung load carrying scenario where the commander always sits on the right. This is because when doing this sort of work they invariably spend most of their time leaning out of the side window looking down. With the collective lever in the left hand, sitting on the right and straining to look out the right will mean a natural tendency to climb rather than sitting on the left which would tend to encourage a descent into the ground. Logical, I suppose!

RE: Left or Right seat ?

I’m too, no offence! 🙂
but Napoleon was the reason why we are now driving at the right side and Great Britan at the left. or they steering wheel left and the britisch right.

RE: Left or Right seat ?

Easy shorthome … I was kidding!!

Anyway you’re right this guy was a shame for our nation 🙁

RE: Left or Right seat ?

Now whe are in continental Europe.
Some small frech guy with a funny head was the reason for the rest of europe to drive at the right side of the road! Nappie we call him.

RE: Left or Right seat ?

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-09-02 AT 02:24 PM (GMT)]I don’t believe that . I thought the Brits were the ones driving on the wrong side of the road !! 🙂

RE: Left or Right seat ?

Hiya – i did a work experance at a local heliport (ConeyPark HP) and it depends on the helo type. Most Fremch built a/c are the opposite to the norm AND they have tail rotars on the opposite side of the boom – dunno why tho – wont insult the french tho 😉

RE: Left or Right seat ?

I presume you mean controls? If so, yes. Because of the chance of pilot incapacitation the aircraft is fully flyable from either seat although you may need to ask a cabin crew member to help reach some minor things. This is something that is frequently practiced in the sim.

In helicopters, the designers get all the components together, throw them at the machine and where they land becomes the place they stay 🙂 !

RE: Left or Right seat ?

Thanks wysiwyg. ( once again) .
Does it mean that the commands are exactly the same on both seats right now and that the captain could seat on the right one?

RE: Left or Right seat ?

In helicopters the commander sits in the right seat in most and the left seat in some! I’m sure that the only rule that applies to helicopters is that there is no rules!!!

I can however shed some light into why the captain sits on the left in fixed wing aircraft though, although there are several more reasons in addition to the historical one I quote here. Many years ago ships used to dock in port with their left sides towards the port. The rudder (or steerboard) was traditionally to one side rather than directly on the stern so was placed on the right hand side so as not to foul on the land. This is why we have PORT for left and STARBOARD for right. Therefore big boats generally board on the port side and this tradition has carried on right through into aviation. The Captain needs to be able to see that the door is closed (or at least that the boarding area is clear and be told that the door is shut) before starting engines and on arrival see that the engine on that side is shut down before allowing the door to be opened, so he sits in the seat that allows him to view that area.

Hope this helps