Chopper pilots often like the right hand seat for a couple of very good
reasons... the helicopter need only be equipped with one collective
(elevator) stick. Once in flight this allows the pilot to use his left hand
to adjust radios etc. Without changing hands on the cyclic ( joystick) or
reaching across themselves. There are a few helicopters out there that have
the pilot side on the left.... I think the A-star is one and the venerable
Bell 47-G is another. Balance of the helicopter when lightly loaded could
be another reason. They need to be in reasonable balance laterally as well
as longitudinally.
Just getting the rotors started on a 47 can be lots of fun because they
don't have a flywheel. Starting one in cold weather is another gas!!! Pun
intended.
Noel
Do not archive
It is also interesting to know that pilots prefer to make a left turn and
sit on the left side of the plane. Yes I know, helicopter pilots sit on the
right hand seat but ... they are not humans! :-)
Cheers,
Michel Verheughe
Norway
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200 ... flying as a PAX
