Operating FAQs

How hard is it to fly from the left seat in the Phoenix?

"I've flown gliders for many years, always using the right hand on the stick and the left hand for the spoilers and flaps. Will I have a tough time flying the Phoenix from the left seat, where the flap and spoiler handles are on the right side, between the seats?" Not according to other pilots, who have this to say:

• Dave Bingham: It comes absolutely naturally to switch hands on the stick. Also you will probably find that when thermalling in the future with the Phoenix you will have to look at your hands to figure out which one is on the stick.
• Steve Sliwa: After I bought my Ximango, I noticed the USAFA set up their birds with the right seat being the primary. I had pretty much expected to do the same. However, after flying the Ximango, I ultimately decided I was more comfortable in the left seat. I still soar right-handed most of the time, but am comfortable doing the landings with the left hand.
• Randy Roth: I'd like to 2nd Steve's thoughts on the, "wrong", hand issue. Most people take only a flight or two in order to transition to flying with the left hand and operating most other things with the right hand. Im my experience, having flown many type of aircraft, it seems that looking outside the aircraft and making it go where it needs to go without thinking about it comes quickly to an experienced pilot after just a short time in either seat.