Originally Posted by lucky9876coins
This raises another question.
Which side is the copilots side?
On flights over eight hours, the "copilot" will often times sit in the "pilots" seat and a junior first officer (a.k.a. relief pilot) will sit in the "copilot" seat while the "pilot" rests.
Not quite...
the "relief pilot" is just the same as the "flying" First Officer in terms of qualifications. He/she might be the "relief pilot" (we call them bunkies) due to schedule preferences and can be senior to the "flying" FO.
Since we all have a type rating (an advanced rating on our FAA license), on that specific plane, either FO is qualified to sit in the left seat (Captain's seat). So if the bunkie comes off break and the Captain is next to go, then the bunkie would take the left seat. No need to do a double switch.
Not all airlines have the same system. Some "relief pilots" are not qualified to even do a landing or takeoff!!!!
So to answer the question the copilots ( i hate that term....
) side depends on which way you are facing.....
foward is on the right.
aft is on the left.
DC