PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Why do Aircraft Carriers have the Island on the right ?
Old 22nd Apr 2006, 13:47
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benhurr
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Uk
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Why are aircraft carriers right handed?

The Island on aircraft carriers is always on the right hand side, or starboard.

My question is why?

Is is because aircraft are more likely to swing to the left if there is a problem on take off or landing?

Is it because the ships are easier to dock?

The first aircraft carrier which wasn't a "flat-top" was a British design so surely the French would have gone the other way and built it with the Island on the left.

I think that as the ship came first then the reason is more nautical than aeronautical - hence the post being in JB rather than in questions.

I await your responses...
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