pilot position in helo's

[Daveroo]

ive always wondered why,in some helicopters,does the pilot sit on the right? and in some on the left?..why the difference?

i always thought helicopters were flown from the right seat,ive thought that was because the collective is in the left hand,and you can use the left hand to push buttons ect,if the pilot is on the left,he has to use his right hand, to push buttons,throw switches ect..and ive always thought you cant let the cyclic be on its own?...

[Ferry_vO]

Here's a good explanation: http://www.airspacemag.com/need-to-know/why-do-helicopter-pilots-sit-in-the-right-seat-243212/?no-ist

[Flyboy208]

In my experience, albeit limited to USA operations, most helo flying is done from the right seat, unless you are flying a Hughes aircraft ... Mike

[CG_1976]

Yep in the USCG with the MH65's, the PIC is right seat at all times by procedure and regulation. Ferry's link explains it very well imo.

[lazarus]

Short form? So you only had to put one collective lever in the cockpit in the early machines, right hand on cyclic, left on collective.

[Victory103]

Just to add Daveroo, in most 2 crewed helos where you have a pilot and pilot-in-command, the guy flying generally sits in the traditional (as explained above) right seat. However, the guy acting as PIC can be seated in either (he's the one that signed for the helo). In the UH-60, we generally trade off flying from either seat, but positionally the guy in the left seat is handling comms/nav, the other guy just wiggles sticks.

[Daveroo]

good stuff,all of it..thanks to everyone