In article ,
Shaber CJ wrote:
The reason many patterns are left, and right for helicopters, is
because this is where the pilot has the seat and the best vis in
side-by-side seating.

Really. I fly helicopters with the pilot seat on the right, Bells and
helicopters where the pilot seat is on the left, MD's. We do not change our
patterns depending on how the seat is loctated. The helicopter is to avoid the
flow of fixed wing traffic, plus we do not need to fly the same type of pattern
as a fixed wing aircraft, that is the reason for the type of patterns flown by
helicopters.

Craig "can turn either right or left" Shaber

Change the verbiage to read
"By happy coincidence, a lot of
patterns in the US for airplane traffic are left patterns,
and solo pilots and often PICs with passengers fly from
the left seat and enjoy a better vis."

"Also by happy coincidence, some helicopters avoiding the flow of
fixed wing traffic might make right patterns and have the PIC
or solo pilot in the right seat. This pilot might have
better visibility."

Whether there is causality or not is certainly arguable.
I for one am happy with the coincidence...


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Mark Boyd
Avenal, California, USA