Ron
Not trying to be a wise guy but next time you talk to Smitty ask him who refueled the chopper and on which side of the bird was the gas cap. Every time we re-fueled I tried to light a cigarette. Wouldn?t have done that if I had the gas pump in my hand.
Also, choppers are like American car's, Pilot sits in the drivers seat. If the instruments were on the pilot's left if would have made it very difficult for the co-pilot to take control when necessary.
We're getting old, memories fade but I'm pretty sure about who sat where.
Stay healthy,
Andy