I was just wondering if there was a reasonable explanation for this or if it is simply just the way it is? Kind of like i j k for vector maths. Please advise and thanks!Mark

In the Bell 47 they sit in the left seat...http://military.discovery.com/technology/vehicles/helicopters/helicopters.html

The main reason is ergonomics, the command seat is typically the RHS. As helicopters are dynamically unstable it requires the pilot to continually have his right hand on the cyclic (unless the machine is fitted with an auto pilot). Thus leaving his left hand free when its not on the collective to change radios and other associated switches which tend to be in front and to the left on the panel and centre consoles/pedestal panels. Being in command seat on LHS tends to require you to swap hands and change the radios/switches which unless your very good at ampidextroues tends to be a bit tricky if your at low level.Having flown helis for over 16 years from both seats i certainly prefer the command seat on the right.Few spring to mind such asBell 47Hughes 500 / MD 500EC130BELL 205 can be flown command from both seatsRegardsSteve

Ah, interesting...that makes sense. I have a Saitec X52 Pro and the throttle is meant for your left hand. Cool...thanks for the info!Mark

Besides swithology considerations, there has also been a naval influence upon helicopters over time. Helicopters generally land from left to right over a carrier deck and typically not straight up the flight deck like the fixed wing approaches. The carrier island and other obstacles tend to be on the starboard of the ship and lead to left to right approachs to the landing spot. The right seat gives the best visibility on shipboard approaches, especially while in decending, decelarting high nose attitudes and sliding right accross the deck. This evolved as the prefered aircraft commander station. I don't know if it showed up in military specs, but I expect so.I know there are approach exceptions, such as straight on approached to small deck destroyers and oil platforms, and some deck spots allowing a left to right approach, but I'm speaking in generalities affecting aircraft design.Happy landingsGW

Fascinating reading. It's always nice to see a thread that's so well-informed and answers a question I didn't think of asking but as soon as I saw it I thought "great question." :( Of course, there is the other question: "Why does the command pilot sit in the left seat in fixed wing aircraft?" Yes, I do know the answer... In the early days, people got into the cockpit the same way they mounted a horse. But it's a bit ironic that in the 21st century, the left seat seems to the the correct place, when it's really just arbitrary.. :(

Hello,

"Why does the command pilot sit in the left seat in fixed wing aircraft?"

That's for the captain be able to see passengers boarding in his external mirror ... :( Passenger always board plane by the left side :( Regards.Gus.