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2 Answers

Transitioning From Right to Left Seat

Asked by: 2390 views Student Pilot

The problem that I have is that I can land pretty good in the right seat, but when I switch to the left seat, my muscle memory kicks in and I cannot control the plane to my full extent  What should I do to to relearn controlling the airplane and fight my muscle memory for the left seat?   

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Jul 16, 2017

    The only cure is experience.

    Try having your father control the throttle. Just fly with your left hand on the stick or yoke.

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  2. R. Anderson on Jul 20, 2017

    Hi pilot223,

    In my experience working with new CFI’s (transition from left to right) and new Captains (transition from right to left), Kris’ answer above is on point. The muscle memory issue and related uncoordinated feeling disappears (normally without notice) with experience.

    The muscle memory/uncoordinated feeling is often (in my experience) worse during approach and landing. I think you will find that the process of conducting maneuvers, or just flying at altitude will help to rapidly resolve the problem during landings. It will go away.

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