flying left handed??

[Kweassa]

Thanks for the opinion Strykar, but what I'd like to know is how they do it in the official, military Airforce - be it the Army Air Corps of WW2, or modern day Airforces of the world.

 What happens to a left-handed person in an Airforce?

[Jackal1]

Originally posted by ghi

Doh!!!
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[Strykar1]

Originally posted by Kweassa
Thanks for the opinion Strykar, but what I'd like to know is how they do it in the official, military Airforce - be it the Army Air Corps of WW2, or modern day Airforces of the world.

 What happens to a left-handed person in an Airforce?

Well, Sense I never served in any Airforce. I am only talking out of my rear end on this one. But I would assume for WWII It wouldnt of mattered all that much. Sense the majority of the Sticks were located in the Center Position and I am sure that some of the manuvers used required Both hands to just be able to keep control of the air craft (No Fly By Wire and so forth) and as for the Modern Aviators. I would also imagine that being a left handed person wouldnt be that difficult to cope with. Even with a Stick being set to Right hand position. Because It only takes some time and training to get use to using anything with the non dominate hand.

I know I am not more special than anyone else. So I am sure if I can do multiple things with my Right hand, I am sure That almost anyone else could do it. So I would think that the Air Force and so forth wouldnt Discriminate against a Left handed person. And I doubt they would make cockpit setups just for a single person, or even a small group of people. I would guess that would be too cost extensive to do such a thing.

Of course all of what I just said is pure speculation. And I could be 100% wrong in this. In fact if there is anyone who actually does know for certain, I would love to know as well.

[VooWho]

Im left handed but I use a right handed stick, but I fly with my left. I use the Microsoft Sidewinder Precision 2 Joystick. I have had it for almost 2 years and ive droped it like 10 times and still works great. I got it at wall-mart and consisdering that its right handed, if feels comfortable with my left hand.  

[VooWho]

I believe in todays airforce, they teach you to fly right handed, if your going to be in a fighter. It just really depends on the plane u are flying. Cargo planes I don't it matters, bombers same thing, but for fighters like the F16 which has the joystick to the right side of the cockpit, I think you'll have to learn to fly right handed. Im lefty, and wanting to join the airforce, so I don't know. I don't think they will say NO! to you if you wanted to join and you were a lefty. They would teach you to fly right handed with flight simulators most likley until u are ready to fly a real plane right handed. I believe its more on each type of aircraft you will be flying.

F-16 cockpit-Notice the joystick is on the right side of the cockpit.


F-15 cockpit-Notice that the joystick is between the legs, but its right handed.


F-22 cockpit (Not a real one, because there cockpit is top secert, but is what it kinda looks like)- Notice the joystick is to the right just like the F-16


B-52 cockpit-Notice its not a joystick, but its like a steering wheel. (Common for most heavy aircraft)


Blackhawk cockpit-Still right handed.


I really think being left handed and joining the airforce, or army airforce, might matter, just depending on what type of aircraft you will be flying, by the means of bomber, cargo, fighter jet, or helocaptor.

[LLv34 Jarsci]

I regularly fly with left hand while right is on the throttle in Cessnas and Pipers.. Also airline pilots use left to fly in  Airbuses (the captain at least)

I flew one trainer , AS-11 Bravo couple of years ago, its former swiss basic trainer, and it was teached to fly with left hand. It had also sidethrottle for right handed operations but also throttle column in the middle.  Actually it takes less than 5 mins to get accustomed to left handed flying. Flying is a little less delicate for a while tho.

[BBQ_Bob]

I use the left hand just cause if feels like someone else's  Oh wait the "joystick" nevermind.

[Strykar1]

Originally posted by BBQ_Bob
I use the left hand just cause if feels like someone else's  Oh wait the "joystick" nevermind.

Yeah, Thats the Wrong Joystick your thinking of