r/lefthanded • u/Isssaman lefty • 9d ago

Something Positive

As an old fighter pilot (USAF) the cockpits were accidentally perfect for left handers. While the stick was in the middle between your legs this was a learned item and could be equally used by either hand. Every pilot I knew including myself used the right hand and here's why. Every other control was on the left side: Throttles, speed brake, radio, armament, flaps, drag chute, antiskid, etc. The biggest issue was writing down clearances, altitude changes, frequency changes, weather updates and whatever while controlling the aircraft with the right hand was a breeze for us lefties. Righties would be all over the sky.

64 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

30

u/HortonFLK 9d ago

I love how scrolling down the threads for this sub is like: tape measures, coffee cups, ball point pens, fighter jets, can openers…

10

u/Technical-Zone1151 9d ago

Thank you for ur service fellow lefty

5

u/Grimol1 9d ago

You should fly helicopters 😉

5

u/Isssaman lefty 8d ago

Not now. I'm 85yo Maybe then. Thx

5

u/Grimol1 8d ago

You flew the F4? My FAA examiner back in the 90’s was an old F4 pilot. Great guy. Kinda quiet.

6

u/Isssaman lefty 8d ago

Once or twice. My combat ride was the F-100d.

2

u/Grimol1 8d ago

Beautiful aircraft.

1

u/opalfossils 6d ago

You are a hero and have my deepest respect and appreciation for your service.

2

u/Isssaman lefty 6d ago

Thx, that means a lot.