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Flying from the right seat

  • Thread starter Thread starter GIVSP
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GIVSP

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2004
Posts
94
Gents, Could I please have some input as to the way you operate with new pilots in your operation. Do you type them right away, and put them in the left seat, or do you make them fly from the right seat. We have a new hire who thinks flying from the right seat is unsafe. Im not saying either way is right or wrong, just trying to get some input as to what other operators do.
 
For a new hire to say "flying from the right seat is unsafe" is making a self-serving statement at the least, and is very immature at the worst.

What is unsafe about it? What is unsafe is putting a pilot inexperienced in that airframe in the left seat, where some of the switches are located that are not accessible from the right seat.
 
Check 6, He feels that the transfer of control on takeoff is the problem, from nose wheel steering to him on the rudders. I was brought up flying the right seat for many years and I always new who had control of the airplane. Again I am not saying he is wrong and we are right, just trying to get feed back on the safe thing to do. Thanks
 
GIVSP, I certainly understand your position. The airlines have been doing this for years with aircraft with the tiller on the left side, and doing it safely, for millions of flight hours.

Many operations have a "left seat" program where a designated FO can fly from the left seat. We had one at my previous employer. The FO had to be recommended by the Base Supervisor and have more than 250 hours in the airframe WITH our company.

This certainly can vary. If your flight department does not have a "left seat" policy maybe now is the time to come up with one.
 
Well then, every 121 airline in the US is doing it wrong! FOs fly every other leg from the right seat and stay in the right seat until they upgrade. Very few planes have tillers on the right and regardless of which seat you are in rolling down the runway accelerating is no place to be on the tiller anyway!

I understand that in the corporate world there is a lot of seat swapping and that is fine if that is the custom, but shouldn't your newbie be able to take control at anytime, say if you became incapaticipated after throttling up?

See how silly this sounds:

Gee, sorry boss, but I couldn't save the situation when Fred keeled over, as he was in the left seat when it happened. Sorry about your $50M jet but it wouldn't have happened if I was in the left seat. I just don't know how to fly from the right.
 
Sounds like the newbie wants a free type! I would keep him in the right seat (type-less) long enough to see if his skills and attitude warrant your company's investment to type him. Saying that flying from the right seat is unsafe is ridiculous. If he's worried about xfer of controls on the ground there's an easy solution. Have the Capt do all takeoff's and landings! If you mention that, I'll bet he'll shut his yap for a while...
 
I remember a story about an FO flying from the left seat. Wasn't very safe. In fact they had to switch seats back so the captain could make an off airport landing in Kirksville. Stick him in the right seat until his attitude changes.
 
I agree with slice121. Beware of a type & run. Hell, I'm a suddenly unemployed (IDE went under) bus captain that would say "thanks boss" if you gave me time in the right seat of your G4SP.

I do complement you on asking opinions however. It appears you get it that safety is always #1. If directional control is in question, don't give up the controls. That fixes his concerns easy enough!
 
If it's part 91, giving him a type should be standard. The last 2 operators I worked for let me fly from the left seat as F/O. What's the big deal?

If it's his attitude that's a problem, deal with that seperately. Don't try to punish him in the cockpit. I can tell you that it will only lead to more problems.
 
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Tell that prima donna little faggot that one must learn to be a good First Officer before one can progress to become a good Captain.









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Doug Parker said:
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Tell that prima donna little faggot that one must learn to be a good First Officer before one can progress to become a good Captain.




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AWWRIGHT!

its about time someone ditched the PC BS around here!

whats wrong with flying in the right seat?
 
Gulfstream 200 said:
AWWRIGHT!

its about time someone ditched the PC BS around here!

whats wrong with flying in the right seat?

I was always told never to answer a question with a question.

However, what's wrong with trading seats?
 
gear_guy said:
If it's part 91, giving him a type should be standard. The last 2 operators I worked for let me fly from the left seat as F/O. What's the big deal?

If it's his attitude that's a problem, deal with that seperately. Don't try to punish him in the cockpit. I can tell you that it will only lead to more problems.


I dunno...

If his attitudes the problem I wouldnt give him a type, any flying time, etc...

heck, I would be tempted to ditch him all together.

Give me a break, a freakin' chimp can fly these airplanes, its ALL about attiude.

At our operation, if you are competent new guy (as determined by the group) you can fly left seat within approx 25-50hrs (everyone is typed) - but there is nothing unsafe about right seat flying. Only people I have known to say this tend to be guys who are afraid of a new guy flying - guys who have no instructor background (civ or mil) and are afraid some new guy is going to botch up something they cant fix in time.

In other words, rather rediculous.


but again, to me, a bad attitude gets nothing and eventually goes away...in the form of a better attitude or another job.
 
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Not a dam thing wrong with trading seats - but one should demonstrate their ability from the right seat first - not just expect to jump into the left seat right away.

Besides - FS and SF will dam near give any jackoff a type rating - having the rating don't mean dick. The proof is shown flying the line.

And, if it is an airline guy that has never flown corporate or charter before - you should definately make them learn what their real job is right away - PIC CB



PAPER
ICE
COFFEE

CLEARANCE
BAGGAGE





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