206/407 Left Seat Pilot

The Bell 206 Series and 407 Left Seat Pilot Kit allows pilots to fly the Bell 206 and 407 helicopters in standard category from the left seat without a Pilot-In-Command being in the right seat.

Section 1 (Limitations) of the Bell 206 Series and 407 Flight Manuals state, “Minimum flight crew consists of one pilot who shall operate helicopter from right crew seat.” Paravion®‘s Left Seat Pilot Kit overcomes this limitation with an easy equipment installation that weighs less than 1 lb. and takes only a few hours to complete. Along with all hardware necessary for the installation, the kit includes a Flight Manual Supplement stating that the helicopter may be operated by a single crewmember from the left crew seat. This becomes very useful when conducting such operations as presales flights with non-rated pilots, long-line work, fire fighting, law enforcement, and aerial survey. When multi-pilot operations are required, the pilot in command can now operate from either pilot location. Bell 206 and 407 operators will find the Paravion Left Seat Pilot Kit indispensable.

The Left Seat Pilot Kit is FAA/STC’ed for the Bell 206 Series and 407. The Bell 206 Series installation requires that an engine automatic re-ignition system be installed in the aircraft.

Product Pricing

Part Number

Application

Weight (lbs)

Price (USD)

Part Number: 206LS-100-1

Application: Left Seat Pilot Configuration (206B & L S/N 914 & Sub.)

Weight (lbs): 0.6

Price: $3295.00

Part Number: 206LS-100-2

Application: Left Seat Pilot Configuration (206A/B S/N 154 – 914)

Weight (lbs): 0.6

Price: $3295.00

Part Number: 407LS-100-1

Application: Left Seat Pilot Configuration

Weight (lbs): 0.6

Price: $3295.00

Note: Prices are subject to change without notice.

List of Available Documents

More Info

Long Line Operations From the Left Versus The Right Seat

It has been discovered that flying from the left seat in a Bell 206 or 407, while performing long line work, can produce as much as a 10% greater lift capability than flying from the right.

Under normal conditions, the pilot hovers the helicopter with the nose into the wind. While hanging out the right door to gain ground reference over the load, he or she will have a tendency to push left pedal to turn the right side of the helicopter more into the wind, thus causing the fuselage to tilt with the right side down allowing for a better view. In other words, leaning the right side of the helicopter into the wind. By doing so, as much as 10% torque is transmitted to the tail rotor, thus reducing the lift capability by an equal amount.

In contrast, while the pilot is seated in the left seat, the same procedure is used to gain better vertical visibility. But, in this case, the right pedal is used to swing the nose to lean the fuselage. This reduces the tail rotor torque requirement. In addition, the helicopter normally hangs slightly left side down in a hover, providing a better vertical view without manipulating the aircraft. Furthermore, while the pilot is extended out of the left side of the helicopter, his or her body is in a more natural and comfortable position because of the placement of the controls. This allows the pilot to function in a more relaxed environment, which can increase productivity.

Notes:

  • Typical Installation Time: 4 tech-hours
  • U.S. FAA STC SR00516DE (Bell 206 Series)
  • U.S. FAA STC SR00486DE, EASA IMRS 03152 (Bell 407)