symmetry

[tomatwalden]

...
I really don't know how much this has to do with heli physics...I have always thought of it as being like right-handed or left-handed.
HTH

I think it's more to do with "translating tendency" - and therefore the natural lean our RC helis have to the right to counteract this. This is of course a consequence of the tail rotor, but I don't believe the push with or against torque is the actual reason why turning left is more difficult. The rate of left or right yaw is controlled by the FBL unit, so any inherent difference in yaw with or against torque will be compensated for.

But, you can't escape the fact that in a shallow left circuit, the heli still leans right meaning it is at best flat, or at worst leaning AWAY from the turn, not into it as we would naturally want. Hence why speed makes it easier as then the left bank more than compensates for the lean against translating tendency.

[Grumpy]

Physics asside I think many people do develop a 'preferred' turn direction.
Personally right hand turns toward myself are the turns that I like least. Sure I can do them, and I deliberatly force myself to do them, but they still just dont feel as natural or smooth as other turns. Right turns away from myself are no problem, plus I have the same issues with fixed wing or heli flying, so this is not about heli physics, it's purely in my head. It probably goes right back to my early learning experiences many years ago on fixed wing and then falling into the bad habit of turning the 'easy way' and avoiding what's uncomfortable.

[tomatwalden]

Physics asside I think many people do develop a 'preferred' turn direction. ...

Agreed. I prefer any move that means moving my thumbs inwards towards my hand. Having to push my thumbs further outwards is more difficult to me ... but then I am 44 going on 64! lol

[Peteski]

But, you can't escape the fact that in a shallow left circuit, the heli still leans right meaning it is at best flat, or at worst leaning AWAY from the turn, not into it as we would naturally want. Hence why speed makes it easier as then the left bank more than compensates for the lean against translating tendency.

I've just been comparing slow left and right hand circuits with my mcpx indoors and found that this is exactly what happens. The heli banks naturally into right hand turns even at very slow speed, but slow left hand turns are very awkward due to the right lean. I didn't really notice this when flying outside probably due to the higher speeds.