"Morgans" wrote:

"Mark T. Dame" wrote

I've been threatening to actually fly from the
right seat, but fortunately for those that share the airport with me,
I have yet to do so.

I have always wondered where flying from the left seat for the PIC
came from. It seems like the proper way (rules of right of way in
consideration) would be like the boaters do.

Anyone know when and why this convention started?

Appers to have originated with the Wright brothers:

http://www.aopa.org/pilot/100/news0308.html

"The Wrights moved to a seated pilot position and upright hand controls
with the prototype airplane made in 1908 for the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
Additionally, another seat with dual controls was added at this time. The
pilot controlled the throttle with the left hand, and the wing warping,
rudder, and elevator with the right hand. The pilot sat in the left seat.
In 1909, on a Model B aircraft, the brothers modified this scheme for their
first "left-handed" pilot, Walter Brookins, who sat in the right seat and
worked the wing-warping controls with his left hand. That way he could
train students sitting in the left seat. A foundation for modern
instructing was born."