Ronnie Bischof

Correction: Most helicopters are piloted on the right side, unlike fixed wing aircraft. Regardless of model, pilots always fly with the cyclic in their right hand and collective in their left - if something has to be released to interact with the radio or other switch, it's far preferable to let go of the collective (for control/safety reasons), and centrally-mounted things like the radio, etc. are easier to access with your left hand if sitting in the right seat. That said depending on the model of helicopter it can be personal preference, or if carrying loads the pilot will occasionally sit in the left seat.

Ronnie Bischof

Correction: The Huey also had a foot operated switch for the radio, the only time the pilot is on the left, is when he is flying at you, or you are sling loading something, the pilot's seat is on the right as you sit in the Huey, co-pilot is on the is on the left. Jon Mills flew the assault group, the 1st lift into LZ X-Ray, not Bruce Crandall, Bruce Crandall was in the left seat Hal G. Moore " Bruce Crandall in the left seat. From We Were Soldiers Once and Young page 58 bottom paragraph.

Correction: The collective on the co pilots seat (on the left side of the Huey) does not have all of the controls the pilot (Right side) has. It only has the switch for the high-lo rpm.