In the past few days, I have watched two movies in which the PIC was flying a helicopter from the left seat. I was under the impression that helicopter pilots usually flew from the right seat. Or is that not the case?
Helicopters in the Movies
- Thread starter Palmpilot
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Velocity173
Generally yes. For some, it's even in the flight manual for the pilot to operate in the right seat. Military, well you can flip flop all you want. I preferred left.
Possibly the movie you watched the actor was playing PIC in the left when the actual pilot was seated right.
Possibly the movie you watched the actor was playing PIC in the left when the actual pilot was seated right.
Brad Z
Final Approach
Depends on the helicopter (and which way the rotor turns). I believe the Engstrom is a notable exception from most helicopters as the PIC sits on the left
That sounds likely.
retpd2001
Line Up and Wait
Bingo.
retpd2001
Line Up and Wait
I really don't think the direction of the rotor has anything to do with it, but your right, the Enstrom's fly from the left seat.
Everskyward
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Everskyward
I learned in an Enstrom, and from what I remember, when they take out the dual controls needed for instruction they install a bench seat so they can take two passengers. The pilot can't fly from the right because the place where the collective would be is covered by the bench.
Soldier64
Pre-takeoff checklist
Side by side seating? Who knew... I prefer the back seat in mine, unless I know we're going kinetic then I like being up front.
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Velocity173
You all log seat position on the -12 correct?
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Soldier64
Pre-takeoff checklist
Correct. F or B accordingly as well as PC/PI/IP etc... Same as you guys I'm sure, but the PC decides which seat they want unless the IP/SP asks you to fly a PI in a certain seat.