Table of Contents
Why do we use port and starboard instead of left and right?
Unlike left and right, “port” and “starboard” refer to fixed locations on a vessel. Since port and starboard never change, they are unambiguous references that are independent of a mariner’s orientation, and, thus, mariners use these nautical terms instead of left and right to avoid confusion.
Do airline pilots use port and starboard?
Yes. They use left/right. Port/starboard is useful when you have a crew of people running around doing jobs aboard a three-dimensional ship. Pilots are never more than two people sitting in fixed seats facing forwards.
Why is the left side called the port side?
The left side is called ‘port’ because ships with steerboards or star boards would dock at ports on the opposite side of the steerboard or star. As the right side was the steerboard side or star board side, the left side was the port side.
Why does aviation use nautical terms?
It’s a matter of standardization. When aviation was new, commercial aircraft were mostly American and they used knots for speed and feet for altitude. Most pilots trained using those measurements and most air traffic systems were set up using those as well.
Why do boats drive on the right?
Why Boat Steering Wheels Are Placed on the Right Side This set of guidelines maintains that all boats should keep to the right of oncoming traffic. Therefore, having steering wheels on the right side of the vessel makes it easier for operators to keep an eye on nearby boats.
Why do we have to raise airplane window blinds before landing?
To prepare for a potential evacuation, flight attendants ask passengers in emergency exit rows to lift up their window shades before takeoff and landing. “If there’s an emergency, we have to be able to look out the window to assess outside conditions.
What is the left side of an aircraft called?
Left hand side of the direction of the aircraft/ship is called port . Right hand side of the direction of movement of aircraft or ship is called starboard. Port and starboard are the nautical terms used for vessel or aircraft.