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5 Answers

Schweizer 300C PIC seat question

Asked by: 4730 views Flight Instructor, Helicopter

Hello,

The RFM states that the S300C is left seat PIC for "solo" operations. My question is, can I sit in the right seat for non-solo ops?

I am training in the S-300C for my ATP Part-135 check ride and the instructor is having use the left seat. This is non-standard in the helicopter because the flight instruments are on the right side and I have to remove my hand from the cyclic to manipulate the NAV/COMs, altimeter etc.

Do you have any information for me that I can use to change his mind?

Thank you for your help

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5 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Jun 08, 2014

    First, there is no ATP Part 135 practical test. There are two knowledge tests, one based on 121 operations and one based on 135 operations. There is only one flight test and it is described in the ATP Practical Test Standard. One may obtain the ATP certificate based on completing a 135 operators training program and qualification curriculum, but that curriculum would only exist if the operator is flying IFR. That would not be the case for the 300C. You are likely training for the ATP in a Part 61 or 141 flight school which uses the 300C as a training aircraft.

    The instrument panel in the 300C is in the center of the cabin. The instruments are not really on the right side. The standard arrangement for the panel is the MP, Airspeed, AI and altimeter in the top row. The dual tach, T&B, HI and VSI in the second row. The power instruments are as important as any of the others. If you were to move them to the far right side of the panel, the AI would be only about 4 inches closer for you to scan.

    With regard to tuning radios and setting the altimeter in the VFR 300C I operated, I was able to apply a little friction to the collective, use my left hand on the cyclic and tune radios with my right hand.

    In the Instrument training scenario, the examiner will act as a primitive autopilot for you (hold heading and altitude). While he is acting as an autopilot, you should be able to brief the approach, set up the radios, obtain the ATIS or AWOS and set the altimeter. Your instructor should perform this same function for you during training.

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  2. Mark B on Jun 08, 2014

    Kris thank you for the info,

    I understand that the flight instruments “T” is only 4 inches to the right, but more importantly, the Garmin GNS430 is full right position on the panel. Having to use my collective hand from the left seat to cross over my body to manipulate NAV/COMs ect. is unrealistic. I shouldn’t have to use the instructor “autopilot” for every little thing. If a flight school is going to train for ATP check rides, can it use the right seat in this aircraft; as is standard for IFR certified transport category rotorcraft, to be more realistic for a real world experience. Thank You.

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  3. Best Answer


    Kris Kortokrax on Jun 08, 2014

    If you will be flying an IFR certified transport category helicopter, it will have an autopilot and you will use it for every little thing.

    The flight plan should be entered into the Garmin 430 prior to departure. If you are flying multiple approaches, then during the reprogramming, the instructor should act as an autopilot.

    You should not be attempting to fly the helicopter and deal with the GPS at the same time. That is how control of the aircraft is lost.

    As far as real world experience goes, I would get used to flying from the left seat, as it is unlikely that you will move right into the Pilot-in-Command seat without first acquiring some experience in a given aircraft as an SIC.

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  4. Mark B on Jun 08, 2014

    OK. Thank you for your help.

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  5. Samantha Fisher on Jul 28, 2014

    In the Schweizer 300s that we fly, the starter button for the engine is only on the collective that is with the left seat, and the control frictions are on that side also. Would be pretty difficult to start and unfriction and friction everything back on from the right.

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