Bell 47G Pilot seating position
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 63
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Bell 47G Pilot seating position
Traditionally, most helicopters are flown by the PIC from the right hand seat whereas the Bell 47G appears to be invariably flown from the left hand seat. I was wondering what the reason is for this. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Many thanks.
500 is flown from left too. Leans left from counterclockwise rotation of main blades, easier to longline, plus you are leaning over the collective instead of reaching back for it. 47 we'd jam 2 passengers in beside the pilot, better that they were not near the collective, so same seating as the 500. After a while you get indifferent to what side you sit on, in anything.
Hangover from aeroplanes, throttle controls in a side by side configuration are in the middle of the aircraft hence pilot sits on the left, right hand (not being leftist!) being more precise to control the engines, the left hand can maintain flight control. Helicopters followed suit initially but very soon realised the control column/cyclic needed greater accuracy of control and the collective could be operated more agriculturally hence on the left. Second order consequence, the collective fouled ingress and egress, simple solution, move pilot to the right.
It’s a theory....
It’s a theory....
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Galway
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You can fly from the rhs with dual controls fitted, but the starter button is on the left hand collective. Also you couldn't reach the fuel shut off control in an emergency.
I thought this thread was about a job!
Chief Bottle Washer
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
I flew the 47 in training, many moons ago. Dual controls, with the student, and therefore solo flying, in the LHS. Does anyone know if there is one available for a trial lesson in UK? It's coming up 50 years since I last flew rotary, and i'd like to see if I can still manage to hover. Like riding a bike i'm told; you never forget.
Hangover from aeroplanes, throttle controls in a side by side configuration are in the middle of the aircraft hence pilot sits on the left, right hand (not being leftist!) being more precise to control the engines, the left hand can maintain flight control. Helicopters followed suit initially but very soon realised the control column/cyclic needed greater accuracy of control and the collective could be operated more agriculturally hence on the left. Second order consequence, the collective fouled ingress and egress, simple solution, move pilot to the right.
It’s a theory....
It’s a theory....