Littlebird questions ...

Typically helos are opposite than planes...the helo pilot sits in the right seat...the collective stick and throttle can be "set" to hold their settings so the pilot can use his left hand to access radios, and other controls on the console and dash.

If you watch Axe Men on Discovery Channel the helo pilot flies from the left seat so he isn't reaching away from the throttle/collective to look down and out the bubble window. If he were on the right side his stretching across to look out and down could possibly cause him to lift on the collective. Just like when you look and reach back into the rear seat of a car...you tend to steer in that direction. The logger pilot doesn't need to worry about nav aids, radios or other distractions...he has to focus on the load and the crewmen on the ground. All systems in his aircraft are well alarmed such as fuel, temps, pressures so he doesn't have to scan the instruments constantly...there is an audio alarm. Once the logs are dropped he of course does a complete instrument check between pickups. Most experienced pilots can feel what the aircraft is doing and how well is it performing...if she gets very light and agile then it tells him he's low on fuel.

On the Scout helos, the left seat is the observer and copilot...his job is to spot, report and direct others onto a target. The pilot has the hard job...flying in a hostle environment using everything at his/her disposal...trees, ravines, buildings, speed and agility to keep from getting spotted and targeted. There are many hazards besides ground and air to air fire....power lines, other aircraft, winds...you get the idea. 

Thanks guys. That definately helps/ answers some of my questions. I figured that most carried M9's, however, if I were to add in MP5's or M4's on the LB, where would they go. I know that my 58 guys I worked with had them up on the dash/ front console. But I don't see any place for them in the LB...

I can answer n°3 partially: I was told that the screens left and right of the instrument panel are the screens for the FLIR and that the MH-6 weren't using the FLIR on that mission.
So, no FLIR no screens.

I don't know THE answer for n°2 but keep in mind that the MH had less electronics that the AH so  maybe the "emptier" wall might be more appropriate. But that's just a guess.

modelchasm wrote:

Thanks guys. That definately helps/ answers some of my questions. I figured that most carried M9's, however, if I were to add in MP5's or M4's on the LB, where would they go. I know that my 58 guys I worked with had them up on the dash/ front console. But I don't see any place for them in the LB...

There may be no set place in the little birds like in the 58's. The pilots will put them in places, like inder the seats or next to them, that are easy to reach

Avus wrote:

I can answer n°3 partially: I was told that the screens left and right of the instrument panel are the screens for the FLIR and that the MH-6 weren't using the FLIR on that mission. So, no FLIR no screens. I don't know THE answer for n°2 but keep in mind that the MH had less electronics that the AH so  maybe the "emptier" wall might be more appropriate. But that's just a guess.

That makes sense, I guess. I went back last night to see if I could pull out the cockpit wall and replace it, but I think I'd do more damage that not. I might try to cut/ trim/ file out the details but right now I'm more inclided to leave it alone.

As far as the personal weapons go ... I'm don't want the primary focus of this dio to be on pilots. I'll probably just give them side arms from my spares box and be done with it.

Thanks again for the help guys!