Question about the difference in the left and right seat controls on Airbus

[PEI_3721]

BSelic, just to muddy the water.
Some military aircraft were L/R handed e.g Lightning T5. Whilst most operations could be accommodated as described in previous posts, some ‘high gain’ manoeuvres were judged as more difficult, e.g. formation flying and air-to-air refuelling.
The refueling task and on occasion formation flying, might have been complicated by the L/R seating position – the probe was on the left wing and thus refueling from the right seat required a different set of visual references – apart from different aerodynamic effect between single and two seat aircraft – see the two posts here http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...ml#post5296118.

There was a similar disparity in the radar hand controlled ‘side stick’ (23+ different functions?).
Familiarity with use provided an appropriate level of expertise for instruction, but in demanding situations (low level / ECM), left seat radar control was favoured - the more familiar operation and one which had training simulation available.

It may be of interest to seek an Airbus pilot’s view who has evaluated some of the air-air refuelling proposals.

Afterthought – Nimrod controls are ‘handed’ and the role has some demanding tasks.
Photos: Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 (801) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net
Photos: Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2 (801) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net