Why Do Airline Captains Sit On The Left-Hand Side?

When it comes to road transport, drivers of motor vehicles sit on either the left or right-hand side, depending on the country they’ve been produced to drive in. However, air travel is a far more internationally-focused domain. As such, is a greater degree of uniformity regarding where the captain sits. Specifically, they always find themselves on the left-hand side of the cockpit. But why is this the case?
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[@ConcordeError404]

5 years of FSX and X-Plane hasn't solved a mystery as big as this Nice one, Simple Flying!

[@jeesiejones8745]

Personally i like simming on the left hand side and find it hard simming or landing on the left side

[@AviationEdition1]

@@jeesiejones8745 ?

[@joseperazza2221]

Never knew the reason. Thanks for explaining it.

[@fadhilramadhan6765]

Another note, sometimes captains also sits in the right side. This happens usually when the FO is a three-bar pilot and about to get promoted. I guess it's for adaptation for flying in another side of the cockpit just like how you gonna adapt from driving a car in left/right side to another

[@letsseeif]

I'm lefted handed. Learnt on a DH82TigerMoth Biplane with right hand on joy stick and power on the left. Later switched to the Globally conventional seating of PIC on the left. Thanks for your research on this. Always vaugely wondered why.

[@aeroflySL_2021]

Didn't know about the history behind why captain sits in left hand side. Thx simple flying for explaining it & good video !!! 🔥

[@joecrammond6221]

i can't deny i had no idea that this was the case, I just assumed it was normal

[@cwg73160]

It IS normal.

[@bkk53]

I have been a flight attendant since 1985 and I had no clue😂😂...thank you for sharing

[@sergiostabio]

What are the names of the movies or documentaries that you use as footage for the older planes? I'd love to watch them...

[@BRTripReport]

Great info as usual! 👏🏼✈️

[@philippedevillers-grandcha9393]

When I learned to fly, it was from the back seat of a Piper J3 Cub, as this was the mandatory seat for solo flights. No right or left seats,. only front and back.

[@MarktheSharkC]

Would you please make a video explaining safety ratings? Thanks

[@randybentley2633]

As a South Paw I find this video most satisfying.

[@kevintunnicliffe2181]

Thanks for that. I'd often wondered, but did not know. Now I do, it makes sense. Nice

[@JDFloyd]

Yes, I was aware of both fixed wing, and rotor wing seat - I was formally a U.S. Naval Aviator.

[@gandalug1]

Very insightful and interesting

[@paulwinter9672]

Wasn't ware of this history, fascinating, thank you.🙂

[@thomasburke7995]

You omitted 1 important single fact.. most pilots today started off in side by side piston powerd c172 and most turboprop props also suffer from the prop torque

[@csalC8]

Most commercial aircraft have only a tiller on the left side (Captain) of the aircraft. The tiller is what the captain uses to turn the nose wheel on the ground while taxing. Some larger type airliners; typically wide bodies, have tillers on both the sides of the cockpit. An exception to this rule is that Airbus’s have tillers on both sides in all their fleet types from the A319 onwards. European airlines typically switch between the two pilots who taxis based on who’s flying that specific leg but that is unique to airlines based outside of the US. The cockpit of all transport category airliners are standardized but not the same, with the primary instruments and multi function display being a reflection of each other but that’s where it ends. Each transport category cockpit is different based on manufacturer, and even specific airline requirements or orders. This is why aircrew attain a “type rating” based on the plane they fly and then learn differences of that type based on where they fly that aircraft. Captains and First Officers do not swap or change seats typically. This is once again based upon an individual airline. Most airlines crews are trained specifically for operation of the aircraft from one seat only and only fly from that seat. Exceptions are line check airmen who are training new Captains and fly in the right seat themselves but operate as the legal captain for the flight during this training process. Another exception is Captains that are dual seat qualified and can fly from either seat but this is not a standard practice among large airlines and usually only occurs at the regional airline level due to crew shortages.

[@KyurekiHana]

Which movie(s) were those clips of early aircraft pilots from?

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

Very instructive video. 👍

[@ccudmore]

I can see that on a Boeing aircraft there's no big difference between left and right, but on an Airbus the captain's side-stick is controlled with the left hand and first officer with the right hand. I'm curious if there's much of a challenge going from a left-handed to right-handed side stick. Muscle memory will certainly play a factor.

[@Kenzy1987]

I'm right handed but use my left hand when playing flight sims as it makes more sense, its not that difficult after a while. I think with Boeing captains they should be able to fly with left hand on yoke and right on throttle.

[@skyserf]

I’m not typed on any Airbus aircraft but friends upgrading on the Airbus tell me they get used to it after the first couple of sim sessions. Flying left seat on Boeing aircraft after years in the right seat isn’t difficult either other than the change of perspective.

[@Kenzy1987]

@@skyserf With takeoffs and landings on a Boeing is one pilot operating the flight controls and the other on the throttle? I've noticed on an Airbus this is usually done by the pilot flying leaving the other pilot with the capacity to monitor and run through the checklist.

[@skyserf]

@@Kenzy1987 On a Boeing if the First Officer is performing the takeoff the right hand is on the yoke and the left hand sets the initial power setting until the auto throttle sets the takeoff thrust. At my carrier we call _check thrust_ and the Captain will verify the setting and keep his hand on the thrust levers until the V1 call. If the Captain is flying the leg their left hand is on the yoke and their right hand is on the throttle until the V1 call from the First. That’s pretty much the way I’ve seen it done the past 20 years, I don’t know if there are differences at other carriers or internationally.

[@spongebubatz]

@@Kenzy1987 yes, that’s how it works! To break it down the pilot flying has control of the yoke/sidestick and throttle and should focus on flying, the pilot monitoring does the rest like gear, flaps and communication

[@christopherescott6787]

Very interesting.I had no idea.

[@ATIMELINEOFAVIATION]

ooh cool thx for making this vid!

[@stephenguk]

I am not an aviator, but I believe that the Rules of the Air are relevant as well. These have some of their roots in the previously established marine collision avoidance rules. They are similar -given that aircraft have an extra dimension to manoeuvre in. Very broadly speaking you have to avoid things on your left so having the good view in that direction is an advantage. Look at the lights on ships and planes to see the similarities. It all dates back to when the Mark I eyeball was your only method of detecting a potential collision.

[@MinimumsAviation]

Also to note not all aircraft has 2 tillers (used to stear aircraft in the ground) in some airlines only captians are allowed to taxi the aircraft so it is located in the left hand seat

[@swebigmac100]

Ive flown small airplanes for 20 years.. i did not know this.. haha

[@zachpan1468]

Next question, Why does the early propeller spin clockwise?

[@spongebubatz]

It was probably just a way to standardize it

[@rrknl5187]

Since most people are right-handed, it was easier to crank your Model A clockwise therefore the vast majority of piston engines turn CW when the output shaft is facing away from you. In the mechanical world, this is often called 'Standard Rotation'.

[@trottiscliffe]

Ah. As a Helicopter pilot (lapsed), that was an interesting video. Now, Russian helicopters main rotor spins to the right, and western helicopters spins to the left. Such an irony as well. Perhaps you would like to present a video. Oh, and I have subscribed. These video snippets are always quite fascinating.

[@robinvanags912]

Perhaps we should spare a thought for all left-handed helicopter pilots!

[@rafaelvelazquez6867]

I did not kown. Thanks for the tip

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

Some aircraft types do not have the ground steering controls on the right seat.

[@ricyoung7545]

55 years as pilot never knew. thanks

[@munich6116]

Hey Simple Flying, i have a video request. Could you guys make a video as to why Cargo aircraft have less range than their passenger variants? If you all can, that will be awesome :)

[@spongebubatz]

Maybe they are loaded more, so that they are packed more densely

[@donaldstanfield8862]

@@spongebubatz Exactly.

[@xzreai1802]

Its simple, weight. Humans take up much more space and much less weight.

[@munich6116]

there could be some other situations as to why they have less range

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Thanks for the feedback! - TB

[@reo.incognito]

So, what happens now with some modern aircraft that have the flight sticks on the sides instead of a yoke or a flight stick in the center? Does that mean it's more difficult for the captains to fly those planes as they must use their left hand?

[@aslamnurfikri7640]

Even when flying planes with yokes captains put their left hand on the yoke and use right hand to control the throttle

[@reo.incognito]

@@aslamnurfikri7640 yeah I totally forgot about the throttle, you are right. Thanks!

[@brikkstonewall3958]

No I wasn't aware of this, thanks.

[@Blackandwhitecat-u9v]

Good to know, thanks!

[@austintx_planespotter8561]

It’s easy Captain is left handed and first officer is right handed

[@GoinManta]

Actually, Left hand is best for Right Hand pilots, just as it is with driving a car with a manual.

[@kjemad]

A jet has the same equipment on both sides BUT in a severe electrical emergency situation the instruments defaults to the left side running off batteries. That's the real reason the captain today sits on the left side. Some Boeing jets only has the "tiller" on the left side too, which is used to steer the plane while taxi'ing

[@spongebubatz]

And why to the instruments are only seen on the left side during an emergency? Right, because that’s were the captain is seated. So it’s the other way around and also in early aviation you didn’t have any computers in your aircraft that could make a switch

[@kjemad]

@@spongebubatz if you lose all electric generators the only screens available are the left ones because that's where the captain sits

[@spongebubatz]

@@kjemad in your comment you said that the captain is seated on the left side because when loosing electricity only the left instruments are on. It’s however the other way around. The instruments are kept on only on that side BECAUSE the captain is sitting there.

[@operationcwaI789789]

I thought in helicopters the pilot/captain sat on the right seat because the retreating rotor blades create more lift in a hover thus the pilot's weight offsets the tendency to roll left

[@FlyboyUS]

Just like driving a car on the left side

[@shrimpflea]

Because of the car's propeller?

[@nurrizadjatmiko21]

Nice topic

[@sulabh61]

I knew some parts as a legacy, but not in such details. However, I have always wondered if "Left Handed" individuals make better pilots. As in my experience I found many Trainers to be left handed...

[@fjp3305]

Because the doors were installed on the left side and this way the captain can see the pax get on board and deplane.

[@spongebubatz]

That’s not really a task the FO couldn’t do just the same

[@aslamnurfikri7640]

Passengers board from the left to free up right side for ground operations (i.e. baggage loading/unloading, refueling, etc). Cargo planes also have cargo doors on left side

[@redbaron18]

Where can I see the Qatar a350 clip?

[@TheLiamster]

I flew on a helicopter once and was sat next to the pilot, it was so cool.

[@alangriffith1006]

I wonder if it's possible for captains to switch seats with their first officers if they just prefer the other side of the cockpit. Or if they're left handed and want the sensitive stick in their left hand

[@spongebubatz]

For the captain it shouldn’t be a problem since he also was seated on the other side earlier in his career (even if it maybe was a different type). I don’t whether the first officer can switch that easy Edit: On Airbus aircraft the captain has the stick on the left hand side, but that’s overrated since the short sidestick isn’t as sensitive as the longer stick of a helicopter

[@lionelgower6877]

Also, it not a law. Just a rule that you follow. Especially, if you choose to do it as a career. Some moden fly by wire aircraft are preferred by pilots to be in the right seat for more or less the same reason as the Helicopter argument, ie the pilots are right handed and its easier to do flying with the controller joystick in the right hand.

[@tremayneheallis7595]

No I wasn't aware of the history of pilots being on the left side of the cockpit

[@robertwarn9756]

Yes. I always preferred the left side as it gabe better visibility on left hand circuits. 🙂

[@zeroturbulence1359]

I assumed its because the standard traffic pattern around most airports involves left turns.

[@BreadBreeder42]

My fav video finally lol

[@allenignacio9790]

Possibly Many Right handed captain struggle to make a very smooth landing On Airbus

[@AnotherPointOfView944]

No idea about this. But with Airbus joystick controls, surely this must be a problem for right handed captains? Or am I missing something?

[@spongebubatz]

It’s not that much of a deal, after all you’re training and you get the feeling to steer the aircraft. Also the sidesticks don’t need that fine motored handling or skills

[@skyserf]

@Glynn Morgan Everyone I’ve talked to about it says they are used to the sidestick after the first 1 or 2 sims.

[@AnotherPointOfView944]

@@skyserf Ok I didnt know about that.

[@EKC2024]

Dislike (s) is from FO

[@ericanthonyvillar6285]

Just wondering about right-handed Captains operating that left-hand control joystick on airliners...

[@spongebubatz]

It‘s not a big deal, the sidesticks don’t need a too sensitive and fine motor hand. The captains off course also train to get the right feeling in your hand.

[@user-fr3hy9uh6y]

You might want to add that helicopters tend to keep out of the more common aircraft left hand pattern by entering on the other, right, side. At least that is what I was told.

[@tobberfutooagain2628]

Because hard to land sitting with the flight attendants....

[@CausticLemons7]

Because they serve drinks starting left to right and the captain always gets their whisky first.

[@fsg7710]

Hey Simple Flying! Mind if I use your intro sound in my videos?

[@SimpleFlyingNews]

Please contact our team with this request simpleflying.com/general-contact-us-form/

[@fsg7710]

@@SimpleFlyingNews ok!

[@markiangooley]

I’d assumed that it was just because the USA pioneered aviation and aircraft copied road vehicles in this…

[@allenwalkerist]

japanese pilot : our captains on the right

[@shrimpflea]

Nope

[@Bloblobloblown]

Well I just learnt that 90% Of people prefer to use their right hand... hahahaha...So this make me part of the minority 10%...I really enjoy much more and feel more secure using my left hand...🤚

[@Jakobly]

more abt helicopters on this channel!

[@MSRTA_Productions]

Same as driving lol

[@theavgeek8283]

well, in olympic nations, like India,UK,Australia and some others, right hand driving is there

[@MSRTA_Productions]

@@theavgeek8283 I know

[@ConcordeError404]

@@theavgeek8283 No, in India, road is road Let it be Kolkata or Mumbai, Kashmir or Kanyakumari XD

[@theavgeek8283]

@@ConcordeError404 Bruh! 😂

[@rogerpenske2411]

You mean they said on the correct side of the vehicle, unlike some former British colonies and England where they drive on the wrong side of the road

[@MatthewHarding007]

2nd

[@samsunggalaxynote20ultra5g4]

9th