Why do they always land on the left?
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: N/A
As a recent student I can confirm that left side landings for me was due to overcompensating for the left seating. Seated 50cm to the left, but compensating 2-3 meters. Anyway, nowdays I land either to the left or right of that centerline on purpose when I'm approaching a well used grass runway.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 910
Likes: 5
From: England
I agree with A and C, although i would sudgest people are used to and confident in operating a machine with dashed lines on their right from car driving.
I wonder what side they land on in the USA etc?
Over to them i guess
I wonder what side they land on in the USA etc?
Over to them i guess
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk
Similar tendency noticed in helicopters. When approaching to confined areas, most people go closer to the side they are sitting (and occasionally hit the blade tips). Only answer is to note something at the far end in the middle and aim at it.
After realising this, I noticed the same tendency when people park cars.
After realising this, I noticed the same tendency when people park cars.
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Wish mom would say
Left of centerline
Old but good:
Upon landing:
Tower: "Captain, on your approach you were left of the center line for the entire approach."
Captain: " That is correct sir, and my first officer was slightly on the right side."
Upon landing:
Tower: "Captain, on your approach you were left of the center line for the entire approach."
Captain: " That is correct sir, and my first officer was slightly on the right side."
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: aussie land
It's due to the rotation of the earth. When lining up with the centreline on final, the earth would have moved a few inches by the time you reached the threshold, thereby putting you off the centreline. 
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: A long way from home
It's due to the rotation of the earth. When lining up with the centreline on final, the earth would have moved a few inches by the time you reached the threshold, thereby putting you off the centreline. 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: UK
What an excellent question - something I've wondered about for many a year ! Personally I go with the earth rotating type explanation. As far the rest of the reasons people are giving, dont listen to them - they are just trying to baffle you with science and mechanics.
I've noticed that flying members of the Flat Earth Society have no problems. Mind you, they do go off the far edge sometimes.
I've noticed that flying members of the Flat Earth Society have no problems. Mind you, they do go off the far edge sometimes.
